Why Study in Spain?

Every year thousands of students from across the world make their way to Spain to attend one of the 76 universities located in the country. They come to the country for numerous reasons, with the knowledge that studying here is a truly enlightening experience. Spain offers its international students the opportunity to create new attitudes and concepts about life. It gives students a fresh perspective on the world around them.

Spain is rich in history and culture, and as so, it provides the complete package for anyone coming to the area from international lands. While quality education is among the main reasons why international students should study in Spain, you will be able to find plenty of other complementary factors that add up to the experience. In the below sections, find some of the reasons why studying abroad in Spain makes the perfect experience.

Here’s why you should study in Spain as an international student:

1. Receive Quality Education

Spain has a great opportunity to learn no matter what your major might be and no matter which university you wish to attend. The educational system is well organized and properly executed, designed to provide students of all levels with utmost learning opportunities. Spain is the third most popular country for international studies, and this country is, in fact, among top choices for international students from the U.S., along with the UK, Italy, and France. Spain places a lot of importance on preparing students for real-life experiences, and its higher education system reflects this commitment. 

2. Study in English

While the majority of study programmes in Spain are in Spanish, you will be able to find English-taught programmes and courses as well. As an international student who cannot speak the language, you will find numerous options to study in Spain in English. There are also degree programmes that are bilingual, meaning taught in both languages, Spanish and English, in case you haven’t yet mastered the Spanish language and are planning to do so upon arrival. Of course, Spanish universities may require you to provide proof of English language proficiency when applying for an English-taught programme, if you come from non-English speaking countries. 

3. Enjoy Brilliant Outdoors 

Spain is packed with brilliant places to visit and a marvellous outdoors full of beaches, picturesque landscapes, and outstanding architecture. Apart from the fact that there is always someplace you can go and relax in Spain, there are also plenty of tourist attractions you can visit and be astonished. For example, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Spain is the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, which is is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica, that manages to attract people from over the world due to its architectural grandeur. You will also be able to find numerous natural wonders such as nature reserves, small islands, and beaches. Spain is definitely the place to be!

4. Learn Spanish! 

What is a better reason to study abroad in Spain than the fact that you will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish-speaking skills in real-time with native Spanish speakers. Even if you are studying in Spain in English, the opportunity to take a Spanish course, or simply practice on your own is always present. The Spanish language is the second most spoken language in the world, and it will surely open up different career possibilities in the job market. Besides, it is always better to learn to speak an extra language – and it has never been easier than today.

5. Indulge in Spanish Cuisine 

The Spanish cuisine is largely celebrated around the world boasting a wide range of award-winning restaurants. Whether you are up for tapas, paella, churros, tortilla, fabada, or anything, really, Spain will not disappoint. The food culture is what makes Spain quite interesting to numerous international students as well, and it surely adds so much to the study abroad experience. Spaniard are quite fond of their food, and chefs cook with a lot of love and this is likely what wins them all those European awards. Well, who can study and explore with an empty belly? Food is important and so it should be! 

6. Save Money

Spain has its fair share of affordable cities to live in and, generally, a comparatively affordable cost of living, especially compared to numerous European capitals. Cost of living and attending university in Spain depends on numerous factors. For example, you will be able to live off of less monthly expenses if you decide to reside in one of the cheapest cities in Spain, which are typically smaller and get less attention than, let’s say, Barcelona. Living in the city center is also largely more expensive, but Spain offers international students the opportunity to live in student accommodation, which means the cost of rent is affordable. But overall, even cities like Madrid or Barcelona, will be kind, in terms of finance, to international students, since there are just so many budget-friendly opportunities for students, either in forms of accommodation or recreation. 

7. Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine!

The warm Spanish sun gets a lot of attention from tourists every year, but it is also among reasons why Spain makes a great study abroad destination for international students. You will get plenty of sunshine during your time in Spain, which is even better considering that Spain has marvellous beaches! So, relaxing under the sun and by the water is a major form of peacefulness! Spain being the sunniest country in Europe, and its excellent climate, attracts lovers of sunshine from all over the world. The Mediterranean coastline in Spain gets an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. 

8. Earn New-Found Knowledge 

There is just so much to learn while being a foreign student, either related to academia, culture, customs, traditions, styles, architecture, or music. You will find yourself indulging on everything new, the food will definitely mesmerize you and the Spanish architecture will grab your attention in an instant. You will get to speak to people who come from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures, and a simple conversation will teach you plenty! Spain is the perfect place to learn, especially considering it is one of the most popular destinations to study abroad, with around 194,743 international students pursuing their studies in Spain in 2019.

9. Join the Increasing Number of Intl Students

Last but not least, you will join an increasing number of international students in Spain and be part of an excellent and diverse student community. Opportunities to create global connections and friendships are endless in Spain, which is a great reason to study in Spain for ambitious students who are constantly interested in expanding their horizons and gaining new perspectives. 

Back in 2015, there were only 153,193 international students in Spanish universities, a number that has increased by around 27% in a matter of three years. Spanish higher education system is prestigious and advanced but it is also constantly working towards further development, which is what makes international students consider Spain an ideal educational education.

More? Find the top student cities in Spain for international students here!