Nestled in the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, Spain provides visitors with the limitless opportunity of to enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate; relax on pristine beaches; taste some tantalizing local cuisines and learn about the culture of the seaside destination. With over 80 universities and colleges both private and public and dozens of specialty education institutions, you have a variety of options to seriously consider studying in Spain while exploring the beautiful country. With over 75,000 international students, Spain ranks the third best destination for abroad studies. We explore some of the main reasons why Spain makes an excellent destination for international scholars.

1. Discover the Rich History

Spain’s past is filled with interesting occurrences that shaped the country to what it is today. From the 16th century coastal palaces to the historical documentation of the Golden Age, there is plenty to be discovered about the country’s history.

Besides, history is also embodied in some of the magnificent structures found in the old towns scattered all over the country. For instance, the Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante is an excellent spot to discover 16th-century architectural designs by the Moors, some of the first Arabic settlers.

2. Favourable Education System

Regardless of the course or the university/college you apply, you can be sure to receive quality learning due to the excellent education system. The policies and regulations governing education provide the best academic framework for organized implementation of the system. There is also a vibrant and dynamic private education sector with pioneering syllabus, especially on the Costa del Sol. A whopping 36% of the 75,000 international students in Spain come from the US. That said, your chances of achieving academic excellence in Spain are high.

3. Warm Mediterranean Climate

Spain falls in the bucket list of many international students because of its sun-baked, rugged, and dry landscape. Additionally, the skies are mostly azure with sparkling Mediterranean waters. The sun and sand offer visitors a reason to want to study in the country, as you can escape the cold winters or seasons back home. Summers may present higher thermal conditions but, further south, the climate remains warm all-year-round even during winter. If you wish to have spectacular views of sunrise and end your day with breath-taking sunsets, then this is the destination to be.

4. Study in Europe’s Capital of Tourism and Hospitality

The hospitality industry has continued to flourish despite the harsh economic times. Spain ranks as the second country in the world with the highest revenue from tourism. In 2018, the country superseded the United States as the most visited destination in the world, welcoming over 82 million visitors who spent over 90,000 million Euros.

There are even a diverse variety of schools and Universities, both private and public that offer degrees in Hospitality, Tourism and Hotel management. Learning tourism management in such a world-class destination means you acquire the best practices to ensure you meet the highest standards in any of the tourism facets: accommodation, activities, food and beverage service, attractions, among others. Many of these programs also offer learners internship opportunities to add to the required skills to spearhead successful careers in the hospitality industry.

5. Affordable Cost of Living

For students on a budget, Spain should fall under your radar as a study destination. Considering the cost of living in other renowned countries, Spain has a relatively lower budget. Besides, most Universities also have affordable tuition fees.

Let’s say you study in Alicante; you have easy access to affordable accommodation. A single, rental room in a shared apartment costs about €250 per month. Combine that with other expenses such as food, getting-around fares, etc., and you spend about €600 per month, which is quite pocket-friendly to a student.

On top of that tuition fees in Spain average around 3,000 Euros per academic year, about 30% of what a degree costs in the UK and about 10% of the cost you will face in the United States.

6. Interact with Friendly Locals

While Spain’s history may present fascinating aspects of the country, interacting with the locals provides an opportunity to meet lively, vibrant, chic, hospitable, and a dedicated lot of people. Hence, making new friends should not be that much of a hassle.

Regardless of the region you study in; whether you take technology in Barcelona, politics in Madrid, or business in Marbella, you can enjoy a home away from home in a friendly, social community. If you think this is but a fallacy, try heading down to Calle Ponzano, the most popular cocktails and tapas destination in Madrid, or the Marina in Alicante where you can experience a bustling life by the beachfront filled with restaurants and shopping centres.

7. Exciting Outdoor Activities

One of the most significant reasons why Spain receives an influx of international students is the variety of outdoor, recreational pursuits that await them in the country. The destination is somewhat a concierge spot for all types of activities to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. You may decide to go for underwater explorations through scuba diving, paddling, jet-skiing, swimming, wakeboarding, and sailing. Further inland, you can relax in tranquil and blossoming gardens; walk and hike on trails teeming with fauna or go snowboarding on the sides of snow-capped mountains. Additionally, you can marvel in traditional and cultural activities such as horse riding.

8. Learn Spanish

As you spend time in Spain on your academic pursuits, you have the opportunity to learn the lingo. In the world, there are over 570 million Spanish-speaking individuals.

Understanding and speaking the language not only gives you a chance to blend in as a local but also presents the opportunity to travel to different Spanish-speaking destinations without worrying about the language or cultural barriers. Besides, it boosts your confidence and diversifies your CV / resume.

9. Study in Spain in English

In Spain, most university colleges teach in Spanish. In other metropolitans such as Barcelona, lecturers tend to teach using the regional Catalonia language. Even so, the higher education department in the country has opened up opportunities for students to study in English by welcoming the idea of internationalization in the country’s tertiary learning levels. There is an upward trend of university and business campuses providing education in English. Today, there are even several American and British Universities as well as colleges, business schools and hospitality schools in Spain that teach in English. As a student, you have an opportunity of taking a degree or master’s course, either in part or full in English.

10. Party Events and Festivals

There is a vibrant nightlife in Spain for those looking for a night-out spot to catch up with friends, have a couple of drinks and dance the night away. The many bigger and smaller clubs and pubs offer an excellent choice for revellers. Ibiza island, tucked away from the south-eastern shores of Spain, is a place you can expect a dusk-till-dawn dancing event virtually every day, with electrifying beachside music. Barcelona, Marbella, Madrid, and Sevilla are some few destinations where you can find thrilling music played in air-conditioned, state-of-the-art night clubs.

Furthermore, you can never miss the fiesta vibe in Spain; thanks to the annual festivals taking place every year. From the traditional bull runs in Pamplona and Valencia’s fire festival in Las Fallas to parades and carnivals lining the streets, you’ll have the chance of learning more about Spain’s culture.

11. Taste the Healthy Mediterranean Flavours

Nutrition experts have hailed the flavours of the Mediterranean Diet as one of the healthiest, comprising of vegetables, fruits, seafood, and spices and herbs that include, saffron, sage, cayenne, parsley, basil, oregano, among others. The lifestyle here barely consists of animal protein or dairy products. The healthy, tasty cuisines in Spain is reason enough to want to spend your time there as a student.

However, it is not only the diet that has raised the life expectancy in this Mediterranean country. The lifestyle too plays a role, and you’ll find people spending time outdoors, shopping for fresh fruits at local markets, living in harmony and sharing meals, stories, and laughter together.

Keen to learn more about what Spain has to offer? Find out all there is to know about applying to University in Spain at the Study Abroad Guide. Secure your future academic career in this beautiful country and enjoy everything it has to offer.