Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
Study abroad in Spain
From paella to sangria, fabulous fiestas to siestas, Spain is becoming recognised as a top 10 world destination for international students to study abroad.
Country overview
Brave the running of the bulls in Pamplona, throw a tomato in the Tomatina Tomato Festival near Valencia, hike in the cool mountains of the north or laze on the world famous beaches of the mediterranean, feast on paella, dine on tapas and swig some sangria; Spain truly is a place of enormous variety, vibrancy and vitality.
For those seeking to broaden their horizons with international study, Spain has plenty to offer. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, but work by universities, and a mostly supportive government, have turned the country from an educational backwater, by international standards, into a very popular study destination for international students. Not only that but the chance for non-Spanish speakers to learn one of the most important world languages should be considered very highly, especially for those interested in living or working in South or Central America, the USA and other parts of the world such as the Philippines.
Spain is a very rewarding country to live in. Crime is relatively low, and the people are friendly and welcoming, especially to those who make the effort to learn some of the language. The Spanish also love to party - it seems that any excuse for a festival is taken with both hands and many are steeped in local legend and folklore of which the locals are very well-informed.
There is a great deal to see and do in Spain - both in and around the big cities. If you choose to study abroad in Spain, get out into the countryside. Buy or rent a car if you can (take an International Driver's License with you and always read the road rules thoroughly). Spaniards will talk for ages about the things they think you should see that many tourists don't bother with. You will find your spare time filling up pretty quickly, but you'll be more rewarded with a fabulous experience.
Education overview
Spain is becoming an evermore internationally recognised country for providing quality higher education. Eight universities appear in the 2008 THE - QS World University Rankings, including the University of Barcelona which ranks in the Top 200 at place number =186. Spanish universities usually have two four-month periods (October to February and February to June), although postgraduate courses often follow a different calendar.
There are usually two shifts: the morning shift (with lessons starting as early as 8am and finishing at around 2pm) and the afternoon/evening shift (from approximately 4pm to 9pm), but it is also possible to have both morning and afternoon/evening lessons. The Spanish siesta lifestyle is still evident, particularly in the south and, while most universities give you a choice of shift, some do not have this facility. It is worth noting that the Spanish university system consists mainly of lectures - much more so than in other Western countries - so try to avoid planning lectures during the hottest part of the day.
Exams form the most common assessment system and some teachers use modular exams (ex�menes parciales), where students are tested on a specific part of the subject in question. Once you have passed a modular exam, you never have to study that topic again and, if you fail the modular exam, you can retake it with the official June or September exam. Although written tests are more frequent, some teachers test their students orally. Continuous assessment based on coursework and tutorials are uncommon in Spain.
To help international students integrate, some universities provide services for foreign students. Checking out how organized and helpful an International Relations Office is before accepting a place on a course is probably one of the most important things that an international student can do. Make sure they are helpful and keep asking them questions. It is their job.
Pros and cons
|
|
Relatively inexpensive to live and study
English not widely spoken (note this is a pro as well as a con!)
International student accommodation
Residential Colleges (Colegios Mayores) are attached to a university. In addition to providing accommodation, they attempt to promote the cultural development of residents and the university community but are usually the most expensive option. They provide meals and cleaning, laundry and ironing services. Many are single-sex, and womens' colleges are often more restrictive than student residence halls in other countries. For example, many colleges require students wishing to spend a night away to sign a document, which is then sent to their families at the end of the month! The Council of Spanish University Residential Colleges can help you if you are interested in this.
Halls of residence (Residencias universitarias) are cheaper and tend to be closer to campus, although they are often far away from the town or city centre. It is worth checking the halls of residence available with the university's information services.
University-owned flats: some universities have a portfolio of flats available for students. However, they are often more expensive than privately rented accommodation.
Student flats: this is the most popular option, both because of their price and because of the independence they provide. The best time to start looking is at the beginning of June, at the end of the academic year. Waiting until September is not advisable, since demand will be higher at this time. The best option is to check with the host university, check the advertisements in the press or ask at the regional youth services.
Private accommodation: students pay an agreed rent for a room, the use of facilities and full or half-board, usually living with a Spanish family. Some universities have special cross-generation shared accommodation programs, under which students live in older people's homes in exchange for a small sum and help with the household chores. This is a fantastic option if learning Spanish is your aim and you don't mind losing that little bit of freedom not staying in a student flat.
Weather/Climate
Spain, which is roughly twice the size of Oregon, is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. While Portugal lies to the west, Spain is separated to the northeast from France by the Pyrenees Mountains. Although much of the country is elevated plains, Spain is also a country of deserts, wetlands and mountains, as well as beautiful coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The southern tip of the country is separated from Morocco in North Africa by the narrow Straits of Gibraltar, which serve as a gateway to the entire Mediterranean.
Though some locations can be quite hot during the summer, Spain generally has a temperate climate. During the summer, Spain's capital of Madrid experiences high temperatures (average temperature 85 degrees Fahrenheit/29 degrees Celsius), so native Spaniards and tourists head for the moderate weather of the coasts. Winter tends to be cold in the interior of the country, and cool and cloudy along the coast (average temperatures are about 50 degrees Fahrenheit/10 degrees Celsius). Also during this time, the rain (and snow) tends to fall mostly in the north.
Transport
Like other Western European countries, Spain has excellent air links all over Europe and worldwide, with Madrid being a particularly important hub. Internally, however, Spain's transport system is less advanced. There are trains but these are slow and uncomfortable by European standards, and it can take a long time to get to where you want to go. However, investment in the country's transport network is beginning to show great improvements, Most big cities have a good underground or bus system, and it is possible to fly internally between many larger destinations. Note of advice: on the trains, take a camera, a long book, lots of food and water and your own cushion!
Cost*
| Item | Price |
| litre of petrol | Euro 0.85 |
| movie ticket | Euro 5.00 |
| city metro ride | Euro 1.15 |
| cocktail | Euro 7.00 |
| litre of bottled water | Euro 0.35 |
| seat at Real Madrid/FC Barcelona match | Euro 40.00 |
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet
Useful info
Dialing code: 34
Currency: Euro (€)
Time zone: GMT/UTC +1
