Study Abroad in Spain

For anyone wishing to soak up some culture or learn Spanish, Spain is the perfect destination.

Known for being the land of historical cities, beautiful islands, rich culture, Flamenco music and dance, fantastic beaches and a lot more, Spain offers one of the most exciting places to study abroad in Europe.

Studying abroad in Spain offer international students the opportunity to take electives in a variety of disciplines at prestigious universities in locations like Alicante, Barcelona, Granada and Madrid.

Best Study Abroad Programs in Spain

Reasons to Study in Spain

Spain is a beautiful country and because of the cheaper educational programs as compared to other countries in Europe, it is one of the most popular academic destinations among students who wish to study abroad.

Among other things, it is not difficult to get a student visa to Spain, there are also lots of discounts available to students and there are lots of options for places to stay.

Courses

Courses that are offered for international students vary from language courses to cultural recreational activities to Art and Architecture. Short and long-term courses can be booked in English or Spanish all year round.

Summer study abroad programs are very popular and you can choose from a variety of courses. High school summer programs are also available for anyone who wishes to undertake high school abroad.

Best Universities in Spain for International Students

There are many Spanish study abroad programs for you to choose from. And although proficiency in Spanish will only help you, it’s not required. Limited exposure to Spanish may be enough to get you started in some programs.

Although programs are available across the country, the two most popular places for foreign students to study abroad in Spain are Madrid and Barcelona.

Whether you seek to study Spanish abroad, or any other subject, Madrid is a great location choice.

It’s home to the largest university in Spain, the Complutense University of Madrid. You can also study at the prestigious Autonomous University of Madrid which is located in a rural area outside Madrid.

If you are drawn to the sun and sand, then Barcelona might be for you. If the calling of the Mediterranean Sea isn’t enough, the prestige of the Universitat de Barcelona, which has been named as one of the world’s top 200 universities, might be.

Visa

You will need to apply for a student visa well in-advance of arrival. A multiple entry visa is recommended as most study abroad programs in Spain offer courses that may include field trips and plenty of excursions. The multiple entry visa allows you to travel between other countries during your program.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available through a number of agencies that facilitate the study programs. Student loans are also available. Agencies like Collegiate Funding Services, Smart Money and Understanding Financial Aid are some of the more well known.

Scholarships for international students based on merit can be attained by some student in some institutions. Usually the institution will also cover student health insurances.

Some institutions also offer internship programs in Spain in various educational institutions.

Accommodation

International students doing study abroad programs can choose between a number of housing options, including shared accommodation which usually house more than a hundred students such as apartments or casa universitarias (off campus shared furnished flats or residencies).

Home stays are also available in which students can stay with a local family to get the real taste of Spanish culture and have a more integrated experience.

Travel and Free Time

Have an idea of what you’ like to do while studying abroad in Spain and it can help you pick your program.

If you opt for a summer study abroad program you can plan to attend La Tomatina. A spring semester abroad will allow you to attend one of the many Carnaval celebrations that take place throughout the country in February.

Even though you’ll be studying you’ll still have plenty of time to go sightseeing. Apply for an International Student ID card. This card helps to get discounts at tourism hotspots, museums, cathedrals, boat tickets and train tickets.

Spain has excellent public transportation systems. The extensive railway system, the RENFE, makes it easy to get around the entire country. Additionally, travel to the rest of Europe is also made easy with a number of high speed and long-distance train options.

If you’re under 26 you can find great deals on a Eurail youthpass which allows you to freely travel around Europe.

Within Spain’s cities your options will usually include taxis, buses, and commuter trains.
You can also rent cars through a number of American car rental companies, but you’ll have to meet minimum age requirements and obtain any required international insurance and driver’s permits.

The possibilities for fun while studying abroad in Spain are endless.

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