Study Abroad Guide – Spain

Study Abroad In Spain
How to Find a Program
Several Great Study Abroad Programs in Spain
Why Study Abroad In Spain?
Best Places to Study Abroad in Spain
GoAbroad’s Top Tips for Studying Abroad in Spain
Top Ten Spanish Cuisine
Top Ten Sites to See

Study Abroad in Spain

Spain, the third most popular country in the world to study abroad at is the home of the Spanish language, flamenco, and is the 2010 World Cup champion. It is also the recipient of almost 25,000 American students per year. Known for its amazing history, vibrant culture, unique art scene, and a varied Iberian landscape, it is easy to see why Spain is so popular to study abroad at. From Barcelona to Madrid to Granada to Seville, the country is full of options of different cities to live in. And the great thing is, is that each city is home to completely different cultures and will offer vastly varying experiences for each student!

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, between Portugal and France in southwestern Europe, Spain’s population numbers around 46 million and is the twelfth largest economy in the world. Also, Spain is conveniently located close to the rest of Europe with relatively affordable travel prices. Historically, Spain became unified in the 15th century, which then became a global empire that left a lasting mark on the world by leaving more than 500 million Spanish speakers throughout the world. This thereby makes Spanish the most spoken second first language in the world. So, for any student studying abroad to become fluent in Spanish, Spain provides top language schools at which to learn.

The two top cities to study abroad at in Spain are Madrid, the capital, and Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain which is located in Catalonia. Madrid, located at the center of the country, is home to the seat of government and the royal palace, which houses King Juan Carlos I. It is also ranked as the 10th most livable city in the world and it is among the 12 greenest cities in the world. Madrid is a beautiful, big city that is modernized but has still managed to preserve its historic ‘look’ among the streets and buildings. Barcelona, on the other hand has a completely different feel, famous for its unique art by Gaudi, and the amazing Catalan people. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona exhibits amazing architecture, nightlife, and beaches.

Also, Spain is a relatively safe country to study in; the only crime that is prolific is petty crime, such as pick pocketing. But this is no different from any other developed country; all a student has to do is be cautious about his/her surroundings and possessions. For example, in Barcelona on Las Ramblas, all one has to do is walk with their possessions on the front side of their bodies.

All in all, Spain is an amazing place to study abroad. Traveling around the country shows how diverse one country can be from the Catalan Barcelona to the Galician Santiago de Compostela. Study art in Barcelona, politics in Madrid, and experience the southern culture of Andalucia in Granada! Overall, Spain will not leave any student disappointed when studying there.

How to Find a Program

Since there are so many programs that offer options in Spain, it can be a little harder to find one that specifically suits your needs. On Goabroad.com’s study abroad search engine, you can narrow down your needs. For example, if you are looking for a summer program in Barcelona, go to the study abroad search page click on Summer under the Term drop down and Spain under the country drop down. Then once you’re at the list of programs for Spain during the summer, you can narrow it down even more to Barcelona. However, there is more to finding the right program for you than just using Goabroad.com.

Is Studying Abroad for you? Can you commit to 4 to 16 weeks in a foreign country where you know no one and adapt to Spanish culture which some find a little cold? Can you live in a shared apartment with a Spanish family or international students? Make sure that the program you choose provides adequate support and accommodation.

Where does your money go? Usually, the money you pay goes towards accommodation, along the activities that the program provides and excursions to other cities. For example, if you do a summer program in Valladolid, the program could offer two different day trips to Leon and Segovia. Also, some programs offer cultural activities such as cooking classes and guided excursions through the city. However, one of the most important items your program price pays for is accommodation, which you should look into before deciding on an option.

Is the study abroad program reputable? When selecting your program, make sure that they are a reputable organization. On Goabroad.com’s search feature, you can see which programs have been stamped with a check ++. This means that their business registration has been submitted, they’ve responded positively to test email inquiries, a member of a professional organization, and they have positive participant testimonials. After checking that Goabroad verified the program, testimonials are another great way to see how good the program is to its students.

How quality are the academics? What kind of credit are you looking to get back from this program? Do all of the professors have the degrees that you need in order to get credit back at your home university? Have you completed all the paperwork back at your home university to make sure you get credit for it? Does the program provide syllabi before arrival? Just some things to make sure you have done before you leave on the program.

What kind of support does the program provide? Some programs will provide airport pick up if you arrive on certain days. Also, you should check to see that the program provides orientation upon arrival. Almost 100% of programs do, but it’s good to see anyways. Some other questions might be what kind of accommodation programs provide along with what happens if it the accommodation proves to be inhospitable. No matter what the student should try to adapt to his/her accommodation, but there’s always a case where it’s too much. That’s when the program should step in. Just research what kind of support your program provides.

Several Great Study Abroad Programs in Spain

1. ICS – Seville: International College of Seville
The ICS academic program provides students an opportunity to experience and understand Spanish society and its institutions through direct exposure to Spain’s history, art and contemporary society. The program provides excellent preparation for students planning to work in fields requiring a thorough knowledge of Spanish language and culture and also offers participants the chance to continue their business studies in an international atmosphere through a combination of Spanish business and internationally-related courses.

2. Centro Fray Luis de Leon at the University of Salamanca
The program is meant to provide students with an “immersion” of Spanish language and culture. An attempt will be made to strike a balance between academics and the sheer experience of absorbing a culture through being there. Every aspect of the program will expose students to different ‘faces’ of Spanish culture, especially on the excursions to neighboring cities. Students are expected to speak Spanish at all times and to venture out and practice it in everyday situations. Generally speaking, the Spanish people are very friendly and are deeply flattered when international students make a real effort to learn their language and culture. You will get out of the program only as much as YOU put into it. Students are expected to maintain a serious attitude towards the academics of this program, even in the lighter aspects of the program, and to behave in way as befits an international student in a host country.

3. CETT Barcelona Tourism Summer School
In addition to the other International Tourism and Hospitality Education Programmes, CETT Barcelona organizes every year custom made courses for organizations and companies in the tourism and hospitality industry from all over the world. The custom made courses offer participants of diverse origins the combination of theoretical training in the leading fields of Tourism and Hospitality management and science, with the advantages of living together and exchanging experiences in the Mediterranean setting of Barcelona, a model of successful tourism and a city with endless options for education, leisure and culture.

4. ASA: Academic Studies Abroad
With programs in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Salamanca, ASA is a leader in affordable summer, trimester, semester, and academic year programs throughout Spain. Students on all programs receive an official transcript from an accredited university, guided day and overnight excursions, home-stay with 3 meals per day and laundry, airport pick-up and drop-off, comprehensive health insurance, full-time on-site director and pre-departure orientation guide. Students on trimester and semester programs also receive a cell phone! Our programs are designed to improve your Spanish, as well as your understanding of the Spanish culture. Our site directors are there to help all students achieve whatever goals they have during their time abroad and can tutor students who require additional assistance outside of class. Whether you want the big city or a small town, ASA offers programs that fit almost every requirement someone looking to go abroad can have.

5. Barcelona SAE at the Barcelona International College for the Fall Semester
Imagine learning a little more about the history of Spain through a cooking class, or learning about Southern Spain’s traditions while enjoying a Flamenco show. Get to know the barrios, or neighborhoods, of Barcelona in greater detail with small-guided tours or learn about immigration affecting the city through diversity scavenger hunts. The Barcelona International College study abroad programs offer students the chance to get credit for courses in English in Business and the Humanities in an international campus surrounded by students from all over the world. Courses range from International Business to Spanish Culture. Most courses include academic field studies that allow students to use Barcelona as their living classroom. From art museums to walking tours of hidden gems in the city, professors of BIC enhance the students experience by making the most of the time abroad. Electives are mostly taught in English but students are highly encouraged to take the intensive Spanish language classes to be able to get more out of the Study Abroad Experience. Barcelona SAE knows that just as much learning takes place outside the classroom as inside which is why we organize several intercultural activities and excursions throughout the term.

If you would like to find more ratings of study abroad programs, go to http://www.ratemystudyabroad.com

Why Study Abroad in Spain?

Learn Spanish! In Spain, you will have access to some of the top Spanish language schools in the world, take advantage of it and learn Spanish! Castellano is a relatively easy form of Spanish to learn, and it is the form spoken in Spain. The only difference from the rest of the world is that you will come out saying c’s like th’s and you will use vosotros instead of ustedes! It’s like learning English in the United Kingdom versus learning English in the United States.

Spain’s proximity to the rest of Europe. Because of Spain’s convenient location to the rest of Europe, students have the opportunity to see a large portion of the world. Many programs in Spain offer Fridays off or special holidays that allow students to travel to nearby locations. Some favorite locations are Italy, France, Ibiza, and Switzerland.

Expands Perspective. Many people do not know that Spain is actually made up of several different regions each with their own unique cultures. Andalucia in the south is a hot arid region known for its hospitality while Catalonia is in the northeast and is known for its unique, independent language and culture. Studying in Spain really makes you realize how large the world is once you take into account how many different cultures and languages there are.

Study Abroad in Spain is no normal classroom experience. Study abroad classes in Spain may be very intense and sometimes are taught only in Spanish. This allows students to become fully fluent in Spanish and give them tools to practice outside the classroom. Also, being fully immersed in Spanish culture opens up students to new situations to deal with allowing them to grow and adapt. This could never happen in just any normal classroom.

Enhance your Résumé. Studying abroad alone enriches your résumé more than that of a student who does not go on an overseas program. Seeing that you have experience in another country shows that you can adapt to any situation. Also, seeing that you have studied abroad in Spain means that you can probably speak at least a moderate amount of Spanish, which opens up numerous fields.

Experience of a Lifetime in Spain. Learn Spanish, dance flamenco, scream your heart out for a futbol club, meet students from around the world, and overall just have an experience of a lifetime.

Best Places to Study Abroad in Spain

Madrid: The capital of Spain and the central core of Spanish culture, Madrid is a top location to study abroad at. A huge cosmopolitan city, Madrid offers a vibrant nightlife, never ending adventures around the city, and delicious cuisine. Also, Madrid is a major hub of travel, providing convenient access to trains and airplanes bound for all of Europe.

Barcelona: This thriving Catalan city has everything a student thinking about studying abroad could ask for; beaches, nightlife, art, good food, and a vibrant culture. Barcelona is an incredibly unique and independent place, exhibiting amazing architecture in the form of works by the late Catalan Antoni Gaudí. It also offers students a chance to explore the Catalan language and culture which once dominated a large part of Europe.

Sevilla: Sevilla, the hot, vibrant, and considered by many to be the capital of Andalucia, is truly an amazing place to go. Over the years, it has done a great job of preserving its Spanish culture. However, the only downside to studying abroad in Sevilla probably is the extreme heat, but this plays into the fact that many people like to go out at night, giving the city a great nightlife. Also, since the city is not as touristy or major as Barcelona or Madrid, it is more affordable to live there.

Granada: This mountain city in the south of Spain is home to a unique version of Spanish, amazing tapas, and interesting history. It is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and used to be the capital of Ferdinand and Isabel. Also, there is a law that entitles anyone who buys a beer and free plate of tapas! This is a great law for those whom are not looking to spend a lot and also allows you to spend hours upon hours bar hopping. Last, but certainly not least, Granada houses the infamous La Alhambra which was a former fortress and palace of the Moorish royalty.

GoAbroad’s Top Tips for Studying Abroad in Spain

Safety: Although violent crime in Spain is very rare petty crime is rampant, such as pick pocketing. In major cities such as Barcelona or Madrid it is especially important to keep an eye on all your belongings. If you are carrying a backpack or purse, keep it on the front of your body. Also, if a group of people on a major street comes up to you and try to distract you, look out for your belongings! Distractions are the best way to pick pocket you as your guard goes down.

Transportation: Before you arrive at your destination it is always a good idea to research the best ways to get around, especially because each city in Spain has different modes of transportation. For example, in Barcelona, there are excellent metro systems, but the bus routes are a little more confusing. However, the only way to truly find your favorite mode of transportation is to try each one out for yourself.

Program Duration: Because of obvious reasons, studying abroad in Spain in order to learn Spanish is a great choice, however how much you want to improve your fluency depends on how long you stay there. Typically study abroad programs in Spain will have summer options and semester options. Summer programs usually run from four to six weeks and offer up to six credits. Semester options normally start around the beginning of September and January, then end in mid December and April, respectively. So, if you stay for a semester and take intensive Spanish language classes you can count on pretty much being fluent by the time you leave, however for the summer, your Spanish will still improve markedly, but it does not allow enough time to become fluent.

Choose your city wisely: Spain has such a wide variety of different cities each with its own unique culture that a student should research which city would suit them best. For example, Madrid is best for those students who would like to know pure Spanish culture, however going to cities far flung from Madrid will offer different experiences, such as the fun loving Granada or the Catalan Barcelona. Also, do you want access to the beach? Is a hot, southern, African bordering, climate good for you? Or would you like a milder climate up north?

Represent Your Home Country: Some parts of Spain have recently become resentful of Americans traveling or studying abroad to Spain because of their reputations as nightly troublemakers. In Barcelona there have been anti-tourist movements, and protests to stop drinking in public. So, as a student studying abroad in Spain, represent what studying abroad really is, immersing yourself in the culture, learning to speak Spanish fluently, and most of all become friends with other Spanish students, because that is the best way to become a part of Spain.

Obey Local Laws: Local laws in Spain may differ to the laws of your home country. Your status as a U.S. citizen will not prevent you from being subject to local law.

Learn the Vosotros form of Spanish: Castellano, or Spanish spoken in Spain does not use the ustedes verb form and instead uses vosotros, which means you guys or all of you. Each verb in Spanish has a different conjugation for vosotros, and this is the major difference between Latin American Spanish and Castellano.

Punctuality: Spain’s sense of time is no where near what punctuality means to Americans. So if you have a date with Spanish friends or something of the sort expect them to be 10 to 30 minutes late and just accept it as a part of the culture!

 

Top Ten Spanish Cuisine:

1. Cochinillo Asado (Roast Pork)
2. Patatas Bravas (Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce)
3. Gambas Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)
4. Crema Catalana (Catalan version of crème brulee)
5. Jamon Iberico y Chorizo (Iberian ham and spicy sausage)
6. Paella (rice dish with seafood or meat)
7. Pescado Frito (fried fish)
8. Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet)
9. Gazpacho (cold tomato soup)
10. Queso Manchego (Spanish sheep cheese)

Top Ten Sites to See:

1. The Prado Museum in Madrid
2. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
3. La Alhambra in Granada
4. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
5. La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Valencia
6. La Mezauita in Cordoba
7. Feria de Abril in Seville
8. The Dalí Museum in Figueres
9. Montserrat in Catalonia
10. The Aqueducts of Segovia

 

Should you choose to Study Abroad in Spain you will obtain the chance to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’re looking to blog about your Study Abroad Program or want to connect with other like-minded travelers, then sign up to the GoAbroad Network!

Be sure to pack your patience and flexibility alongside your English-Spanish dictionary and camera. Have the time of your life…see the world!