What a fabulous experience - your support and advice couldn't have been better. We are very grateful to you for the entire organization and I will not hesitate to recommend you to future families who want their children to live this adventure of not only learning a language, but also learning to live with other cultures, which is very, very enriching.
It was hard to leave Spain, but happy to see that in Canada things are working smoothly. We had a quick video call with Lara - she is doing great. Thanks in advance for your help on this mission!
Mairi, thank you for having her over in Madrid. It was great knowing you were there if something was to happen. I hope the language skills she has picked up will motivate her to up her game in Spanish.
If you’re looking for an enriching TY Experience or gap year for your teen, you’ve come to the right place!
At TY Experiences, we specialise in immersive High School Integration programs with homestay options and partner with top-rated boarding schools and language academies across Spain, France, and Canada. No matter your teenager's goals - whether cultural immersion, language acquisition, or academic growth - we can recommend personalised, engaging learning opportunities tailored for a truly memorable Transition Year.
Looking for something further afield? We also manage exciting Gap Year and TY programs in Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. Get in touch for more info!
Transform your teen’s educational journey with TY Experiences.
Spain
- Boarding school experiences, international or Spanish, all around Spain.
- Language academies with homestay accomodation in Galicia.
- High School Immersion in private schools with homestay. Community-driven and volunteer focus.
Canada
- High school immersion experiences in Banff, Canmore in Alberta. Abbotsford in British Columbia
- Add-ons to the high school immersion experience are available: WILD (Wilderness Inspired Leadership Development), Ski Academy, Golf, Aviation and Forensic Studies
France & Switzerland
- Boarding school experiences in Savoie, Haute Savoie, the Loire Valley, Paris Region & Normandy.
- Summer language courses on The Med, Swiss Alpes or near Paris.
- Boutique French Immersion living with French teachers and their families.
- French Academics with Golf & Tennis
- French in Switzerland with "etiquette", diplomacy, back to nature, small calasses with personalised attention for students needing extra assistance.
Hello & Welcome to TY Experiences
My name is Mairi Murphy, founder of TY Experiences in 2015 and I am passionate about sourcing transformative Transition Year Experiences for students seeking to expand their horizons .
“Celtic” by self-definition, I was born & raised in Scotland, with Irish roots - my father was from Cork and I spent many childhood holidays with family in Dublin. Since 2008, I've called Madrid my home, where I live with my Spanish husband and our four children.
My background spans a rich array of international experiences, having lived in 5 different countries. This global perspective fuels my commitment to searching for meaningful Transition Year programs that encourage cultural immersion, language learning, and personal growth.
As a mother, I've witnessed firsthand how impactful independent academic and ludic experiences abroad can be for young people. Each journey has been an invaluable learning adventure for my own children, and I believe every student should have the chance to experience the world in this way. Even the non-linguists.
Whether you're exploring options for your child's Transition Year / Gap Year abroad or seeking a customised program tailored to their unique interests, I have investigated and am here to ensure it's a safe, enriching, and unforgettable journey.
Only the best providers get the TY Experiences' seal of approval.
Process of Gap Year/ Transition Year Placements
- Click the red Free Consultation button – I’ll call you at your convenience for a quick chat.
- If you are interested in proceeding with our services, I will arrange a Zoom interview with your child and the parent(s). I’m often in Ireland and sometimes meet in person too.
- Confirm interest by signing the contract, sending a passport copy and family contact details.
- Your child writes an autobiography (with photos) to help us match them with the right host family/ room mate in boarding.
- I recommend the best educational provider based on your child’s interests and personality, arrange school interviews, and guide you through the entire TY process – right up to airport pickup and uniform purchase.
- Invoice is sent once a place is confirmed and arrival is organised.
- TY Experience Fee: €500 + VAT per child per term (includes full consultation, help with logistics & constant liaison with the chosen school while your child is abroad).
Note: Flights not included. Only Canada and Australia placements include private insurance.
No recommendations given before contract is signed.
Both student and host family sign a Code of Conduct to support a successful cultural & language exchange.