Are you considering studying in Spain? Wondering what makes studying in the country so worthwhile? In this EDUopinions article, we’ll discuss 5 reasons to study in Spain and provide details on basic considerations you should make before you embark on your study abroad adventure!
Is Spain a good country to study in?
Spain is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in Europe, with nearly 100,000 international students taking up courses in the country every year. As we’ll detail below, there are many excellent reasons to study in Spain, including learning a new language and culture, plentiful business opportunities to help launch your career and the country’s tradition of high-quality education. As well, pursuing a university degree in Spain can be more affordable than in other places in Europe, considering the country’s relatively low cost of living and the fact that many public universities charge low tuition fees. Keep reading to learn more about why you should consider studying in Spain!
What do you need to know about studying abroad in Spain?
Before studying abroad in Spain, as with any country, you should do your homework. Spanish people are often very welcoming and happy to share their culture and traditions with the many international students in their country, making it an ideal place to expand your horizons. At the same time, an important thing to know is that while Spain is one country, there are many different autonomous communities with their own linguistic and cultural identities, including Catalonia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Valencia and more. These regions are what makes Spain such a diverse and varied country!
Do you need to speak Spanish to study in Spain?
Studying abroad in another country isn’t just about pursuing your academic/career in another location—it’s about embracing and learning about that location and its people! For this reason, it’s typically a good idea to learn Spanish before studying in Spain. Of course, this is not an absolute requirement but will help you go about the day-to-day parts of life in the country and connect with locals.
If you don’t speak any Spanish, you’re not alone! Many students go to Spain to learn the language, as many universities with exchange programmes offer lessons to international students. As is often said, the best way to truly learn another language is to immerse yourself in a place where that language is spoken!
EDUopinions’ 5 reasons to study in Spain:
Spanish cultural immersion(s)
The first reason to study in Spain is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s many cultural traditions and learn about regional differences. As stated above, Spain is home to many autonomous communities, with some unique cultural practices, cuisine and languages. Because of this diversity, Spain is a great place to get to know various different cultures and learn about the similarities and differences between them. Trying tapas, sipping wine and drinking gazpacho is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of cultural experiences you can expect in Spain! The country is also home to countless historical and architectural landmarks, art museums of all kinds and endless natural beauty. For those keen on culture, Spain is hands-down a great place to study.
Spanish Language
Next, studying abroad in Spain is a great opportunity to learn the Spanish language. Being able to communicate with shopkeepers, servers and people in everyday life is an important part of a study abroad experience. Luckily, Spanish universities and business schools most often provide language instruction to international students. If learning Spanish is one of your study abroad goals, you should consider Universidad Europea – UE, which maintains campuses in Madrid, Valencia and the Canary Islands and offers dozens of courses tailored to different levels of Spanish language knowledge.
If in the past you have tried to learn Spanish without much success, you may be surprised by how effective immersive language learning can be. With native-speaker professors, constant opportunities to practice and even the cultural pressure to improve, international students in Spain have a unique opportunity to advance in their Spanish language skills. Given that there are over 500 million Spanish-speakers in the world, this language is a highly valuable skill not only in terms of personal growth but professional development too.
High-quality education in Spain
Another reason to study in Spain is the country’s tradition of top quality higher education. Home to 84 universities, 322 research institutes and 78 science/technology parks, meaning there are plenty of institutions and degree types to choose from. Altogether, Spanish universities rank 11th in the world for higher education system strength. If you are interested in agricultural technology, biochemistry and molecular biology, Spain is a particularly good place to be, as it is ranked the top in the world for these disciplines.
That said, you can study nearly any subject you like in Spain, with fields like business, management, computer science/technology and renewable energies being very popular among students. Be sure to check out IE University, an excellent institution offering courses in both Spanish and English.
Another top-notch institution is IESE Business School. Students at IESE have incredibly positive things to say about their time there. Check out what Roger thought of his MBA programme there:
I enjoyed every bit of my time at IESE and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a boost in their career. I learned essential management skills in every part of the business ecosystem, from entrepreneurship, to supply chain, people management and new technologies. One of the most cherished memories that I have is the mock company competition, where we partnered in groups for a whole week and acted as members of the board, with key decision making moments across all areas of the business.
Making new connections in Spain
Another advantage of studying in Spain is the number of people you can expect to meet during your time there. Because students from across Europe and the world flock to Spain as a study destination, it’s likely you’ll find yourself surrounded not just by Spanish peers but by students from a myriad of different backgrounds. For starters, such diversity makes for an exciting student atmosphere, with plenty of student-run cultural events. In addition, studying abroad in Spain presents a unique opportunity to expand your personal and professional network given the large numbers of students from across the world. As such, meeting new people and making connections is yet another great reason to study in Spain.
Business Opportunities
Finally, the plentiful business opportunities in Spain are another enticing reason to study there. In particular, Spain is home to a number of excellent business schools. For instance, ESADE Business School has campuses in both Barcelona and Madrid and provides degrees at the undergraduate, master, MBA and executive levels, in addition to research programmes and summer school. The school is known for its innovative spirit and unique approaches to teaching, meaning your education there is bound to help you down the line in your career.
Another great institution to consider is EU Business School, with campuses in Barcelona, Munich, Geneva and Montreux. EU Business School offers a highly international education, perfect for those who aim to work in global business.
Last but not least, ESEI International Business School is yet another fantastic place to pursue your professional goals in Spain. ESEI offers a number of specialised masters in business fields, like sports management, international relations & international business as well as tourism & hospitality.
After looking at just a few schools, it’s easy to see why Spain is a great place to study business and pursue professional opportunities!
Conclusion about the 5 reasons to study in Spain
Hopefully, this article on the reasons to study in Spain has given you a better idea of what makes the country such an attractive student destination. From culture to language learning to high-quality education, Spain has it all! If you have any questions or want help finding the right university for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to EDUopinions for free, individual advice!
Check out these related articles on the five best business schools in Spain and the best MBAs in Spain.
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