Study Abroad
How to Study Abroad in Spain: Programs, Cost, Scholarships, & Visa
This article contains all the details you need to know on how to study abroad in Spain, including the programs, costs, and requirements.
Over 34,000 American students come to Spain each year, and many of them fall in love with the country’s varied landscape, distinctive cultures, exhilarating culinary experiences, and fascinating language learning opportunities.
On the list of preferred study abroad destinations for American students, it comes in third place.
But because neither study abroad programs nor the cost of living in Europe are particularly low, there are scholarships available to cover the cost of your experience studying abroad in Spain.
The governments of the United States and Spain, as well as some colleges and independent organizations, offer scholarships specifically for studying in Spain.
This article will walk you through the benefits of studying abroad in Spain and the best locations for doing so.
As you navigate the road to academic success, we wish you the best of luck.
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Why study abroad in Spain?
1. There are plenty of locations to choose from.
You can choose from a variety of cities while studying in Spain, and there are still more to discover.
Choose Madrid, Barcelona, or spend the spring semester in Seville if you want to study abroad in Spain.
While you’re there, travel by high-speed rail or automobile to Bilbao, Granada, Málaga, Salamanca, Santander, Seville, Córdoba, Cádiz, Ronda, Marbella, Jerez de la Frontera, or Valencia for a cup of mint tea with a tagine or a glass of sangria.
You should go to Spain to study abroad for this reason.
Even Morocco, a mere boat ride away, wants you to spend the day perusing its magnificent rugs and goods.
2. Your wallet will appreciate it.
Prices in major Spanish cities are typically lower than in neighboring European capitals.
Think about going to Granada, which has views of a former Moorish palace, or the charming city of Bilbao to study abroad.
Do you need help deciding between two big cities, say between Madrid and Barcelona for your study abroad program?
Spain still offers great value because you get more time for your money. Bangkok’s metro is significantly less expensive than those in, say, New York or London.
Numerous clubs have free admission and charge an average of 400 euros per month in rent.
A cup of coffee costs between $1.20 and $1.40, and a lunch and beer costs about $12. If you go to school in Spain, you won’t
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3. The best food in Europe
One of our top reasons for choosing to study abroad in Spain is the cuisine.
Enjoy traditional Spanish dishes like Cabrales, Mahón, Herreo Manchego, fresco, semi-curado, and Arza-Ulloa, to name a few, that are laden with cheese.
What about Spanish omelettes, Pisto, Paella, or cured meats like Chorizo and Gazpacho?
Your cravings for Spanish ham, such as Iberian and Serrano varieties, tortilla, pa amb tomàquet, pulpo á feira, paella salmorejo, gazpacho, paella, and cocido madrileo, will intensify quickly.
A lot of fancy names, don’t they? Actually, Spanish cuisine is made with love and is made with fresh ingredients.
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4. History and culture interact in fresh and fascinating ways.
Visit Spain to study abroad and experience the culture. Spain is well known for its Moorish architecture and art, as well as its Medieval and Renaissance works of art.
You will squeal with delight as you read this and picture visiting the chance below, which was home to famous artists like Picasso, Goya, and Salvador Dali.
5. Siesta or fiesta—it’s your choice!
There are many musical festivals there if you want to enjoy Spanish culture and traditions.
Every August in Buol, there is a festival called La Tomatina where you can take part in the largest tomato fight in the entire world.
For about an hour, thousands of people throw tomatoes at one another, covering the town and you in tomato pulp! Bilbao’s Semana Grande includes the Samana Grande, a nine-day festival with shows, concerts, fairs, and exhibitions. Take in the daily fireworks shows.
Because Carnival is celebrated throughout Spain in February, wherever you choose to study in Spain, you will enjoy the rhythm of the Spanish guitar and the dance of the Flamenco.
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6. You will be appreciated by your Spanish.
Utilize the opportunity to learn Spanish while you are there. The second most popular and influential language in the world is Spanish.
Whether you are a beginner or want to improve your level, Spain is the best place to fully immerse yourself in the language, culture, and courses offered.
You will have the opportunity to practice wherever you go in Spain as you improve your fluency.
Learn some Catalan, Galician, or another regional language while you are in Spain in addition to Castilian Spanish to broaden your understanding of translation in various geographical and cultural contexts.
7. Engaging in local sports is enjoyable.
Celebrate after any of Spain’s sporting victories if you’re a sports fan! Play basketball, tennis, and football (soccer).
While you’re there, Spain may host the Summer Olympics or the FIFA World Cup.
You could also be your own athlete and explore the cities’ rich histories, stunning architecture, pleasant climate, and varied landscapes.
Enjoy the islands, rivers, coasts, and mountains! La Liga, a well-known soccer league, is played in Spain.
so if you’re a fan of Barça, Real Madrid, or just want to get involved in the country’s passionate soccer scene, studying there is a necessity for you.
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How much does it cost to study abroad in pain in 2024?
Costs will rise as a result of third-party providers’ inherent higher costs.
These programs typically cost $11,000 for a semester in Spain and offer support throughout the entire process.
This can greatly reduce the experience’s intimidating nature.
As an alternative, if you are willing to make the necessary connections on your own, you can enroll directly with a Spanish university and possibly save a sizable sum of money.
Public universities can be as inexpensive as $1,000, while some private universities can cost up to $7,000 for a semester.
What are the requirements to study abroad in pain in 2024?
The requirements for a student visa to Spain are primarily determined by your country of origin. To apply for a student visa to Spain, you typically need the following list of documents:
- two application forms with all required information.
- Your current passport is the appropriate form of identification (ID card).
- two most recent photos for a passport.
- admission confirmation from the preferred university.
- proof of health insurance.
- Financial statement as evidence of sufficient funding.
- evidence of scholarships or financial aid.
- a notarized letter from the parent or legal guardian (assuming financial responsibility).
- letter from the university or institution (assuming financial responsibility).
- proof that the fee was paid.
- health certification.
- criminal record information (at most three months old).
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List of study abroad scholarships available;
In light of this, we have compiled a list of worldwide scholarships for study abroad here. Despite the fact that they are divided into the following categories:
- Government Scholarships with Full Funding
- University Scholarships with Full Funding
- Study Abroad in General Scholarships & Grants
- Program-Specific International Study Scholarships
- study abroad for only graduates Scholarships
- Member-Based International Study Scholarships
- Travel Awards for International Education Scholarships for Travel
Check: All International Student Scholarships to Study in the US
What Are The Best Places to Study Abroad in Spain in 2024?
1. Barcelona, Spain
Immerse oneself in Catalan culture to learn Spanish in Barcelona.
As you move through this multilingual city, you’ll encounter people from all over the world and locals who frequently speak Spanish as much as or more than Catalan, the other official language of the area.
One of the best locations in Spain to study abroad is here.
Given its recognizable Gaud architecture, easy access to Barceloneta Beach, and convenient access to transportation throughout Europe.
it is not surprising that Barcelona is one of the most popular study abroad destinations.
Whether you are a total beginner or a native speaker, there is a Spanish language course available for you at the IES Abroad Barcelona Center.
Also Read: Best Hack To Help You Make Money With A Part-Time Job As A Student Studying Abroad.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Use the “Paris of the Americas” to your advantage while studying abroad in Buenos Aires.
Imagine yourself conversing in Spanish with a native speaker while taking in the city’s distinctive Argentinian culture and European-inspired architecture at an outdoor café.
Literature classes come to life when you walk the same streets as Argentine writers Julio Cortázar and Jorge Luis Borges. One of the best locations in Spain to study abroad is here.
The IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center offers Spanish language classes for beginners, intermediate Spanish speakers, and advanced Spanish speakers.
Join a student organization to get to know some of the more than 300,000 students at the university, or enroll in classes at the University of Buenos Aires to see how you fare.
3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
When you study abroad in the Galápagos Islands, get ready to interact closely with nature.
In addition, even though you won’t be conversing in Spanish with the sea lions, you can do so with your homestay family and other islanders to learn more about the language.
When you arrive on the islands, hone your Spanish skills by enrolling in more classes.
One of the best locations in Spain to study abroad is here.
4. Granada, Spain
In Granada, life and Spanish immersion take place on the street. After taking a siesta in the sweltering afternoon, Granadinos can be seen unwinding with family and friends in the cool of the evening.
Studying abroad in Granada will allow you to experience the Andalusian way of life in all its fullness, accent and all.
You’ll quickly become accustomed to interacting, listening to, and speaking in southern Spanish while participating in this study abroad program in Spain.
Learn about the final Moorish capital of Spain, where many different languages, cultures, and religions have coexisted for centuries. One of the best locations in Spain to study abroad is here.
5. Madrid, Spain
Use the energy of the city to your advantage while studying abroad in Madrid.
Spain’s capital city, which is conveniently located, invites you to take advantage of the traditional Castilian Spanish culture and language.
Work as an intern, take classes at the IES Abroad Madrid Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, or Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, explore the city on foot or by public transportation, and visit renowned museums, parks, and markets.
One of the best locations in Spain to study abroad is here.
6. Quito, Ecuador
Standing on the equator in Ecuador’s capital, which is high in the Andes, you can see snow-capped mountains.
Discover the impact of indigenous languages and cultures on Ecuadorian Spanish by interacting with the community. Spanish spoken in Quito has a formal musicality and is spoken more slowly than other Spanish dialects.
One of the best locations in Spain to study abroad is here.
You must complete four semesters of college-level Spanish before going abroad to Quito.
You’ll be a part of a group of learners who are dedicated to improving their Spanish.
See also: How to Find, Apply & Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad
7. Salamanca, Spain
You are invited to fully experience Castilian culture in Salamanca, a small, quaint college town in northwest Spain.
You will converse with locals in Spanish and interact with them outside of the typical tourist areas of Spanish cities while studying abroad in Salamanca for a semester or on one of our Spanish summer programs.
Here is one of the best places in Spain to study abroad.
Salamanca is a friendly place for students, offering courses for intermediate to advanced Spanish speakers. Most people in the city are between the ages of 18 and 30.
8. Santiago, Chile
You can experience Chile’s warm and open culture while studying abroad in Santiago, Chile.
You will be guided by seven million-person-strong local university students as part of the Club Chileno activities offered to IES Abroad participants.
Test your understanding of various Spanish dialects as you travel to the nation’s coastal cities, tiny rural towns, Patagonia, and other places. Here is one of the best places in Spain to study abroad.
Conclusion
Looking for places to study abroad where Spanish is spoken? Keep an eye out for opportunities to improve your language.
You should take advantage of the housing assignments and field trips to practice your Spanish.
Want to make the most of your Spanish studies? Consider living in a local family’s house.
Whatever path you take, studying Spanish abroad will change your life, regardless of what you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
After airfare and program costs, budget $2,500 to $3,500 for one semester in Spain.
Since 2001, Spanish Studies Abroad has provided academic programs in Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Argentina with more than $230,000 in scholarships through its two programs, the Diversity Scholarship and the Merit-Based Scholarship.
Students should rejoice because Spanish tuition is among the most affordable in Europe. Spain is an affordable destination for international students because bachelor’s programs cost between 750 and 2,500 euros per year, and master’s programs cost between 1,000 and 3,500 euros per year in tuition.
To live in Spain, you’ll need between 900 and 1,100 EUR. The cost will be higher if you select Madrid or Barcelona, the two most expensive cities in Spain. You can enjoy lower living expenses in cities like Valencia, Seville, or Cadiz, which range from 700 to 900 EUR per month on average.
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