Study Spanish abroad and you’ll see firsthand why Spain is one of the world’s most visited countries. Its rich history, culture, and people are unforgettable.
The passionate, honorable, and proud Spaniards have many exciting annual traditions that you can participate in, including:
- The running of the bulls in Pamplona
- The Festival de la Guitarra de Granada.
Study abroad in Spain and you can:
- Throw tomatoes at the great La Tomatina
- Dance the night away doing the Flamenco.
One thing’s certain: a Spanish study abroad program will forever change your outlook on la vida.
Where to Study Abroad in Spain
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 was named in 2006 as one of the world’s top 200 universities, might be.
Additional information on Spanish study abroad programs is available in the Universities section of Study Abroad Domain. Need financing advice for a Spanish study abroad program? See Financing Your Experience.
Getting Around Town While Studying Abroad in Spain
Spain has excellent public transportation systems.
- Their 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.
- You can find great deals through a service like RailPass.com. And if you’re under 26 you can find great deals on a Eurail youthpass which allows you to travel freely about 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.
Don’t forget that your study abroad health and safety should always come first when traveling abroad.
Spanish Money Matters
In 2002 Spain, as well as a number of other European countries, officially adopted the Euro as their currency. You should have a working knowledge of the Euro system before you depart for study abroad in Spain. Here are the basics:
- One hundred centimes equals one Euro. Centimes come in denominations of 1,2,5,10, 20, and 50
- There are seven different banknote denominations for the Euro including 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
You should know how you’ll bank abroad before you travel to Spain. So be sure to check out your options and make yourself aware of current exchange rates by checking a site like XE.com. Then exchange at least the amount of money you’ like to have on hand in Euros when you get to Spain.
Be a Spanish Explorer
Pizarro. Cortez. Ponce de Leon. You. While you’re in a Spanish study abroad program you can:
- Be a Spanish Explorer and discover the world of sherry and tapas.
- Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus at the Cathedral of Seville or see works by the likes of Spaniards Picasso, Dal, and Mir.
- Hop a train to nearby Portugal.
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 the running of the bulls and 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.
The possibilities for fun while studying abroad in Spain are endless.
Important Information for Studying Abroad in Spain
Take the following list of important phone numbers and information with you on your Spanish study abroad program. Be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need:
