Spain is a country in Europe with a rich history and diverse culture. If you’re a college student looking to study abroad, Spain is an excellent option. There are many universities in Spain that offer English-based courses, and the cost of living in Spain is relatively low. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to study abroad in Spain. We’ll discuss the different types of schools available, the cost of tuition and living expenses, and how to apply for admission. Let’s get started!
Research University Choices
As with any study abroad destination, it’s important to pick a university that meets your needs and interests. You may consider choosing universities based on factors such as study programs offered, cost, location or size. Consider what kind of lifestyle you would like to have while living in Spain. Although living costs are relatively cheap, just like in any other country living luxuriously can add up quickly. The economy in Spain is not the best at the moment, which means getting a job in Spain, especially as a foreigner, would be difficult but not impossible.
Get All of Your Paperwork and Documentation in Order
Many study programs offered by universities entail studying at a foreign institution, or employment or internship opportunities. you will be required to obtain various documents to study abroad in Spain. For most universities there will be an entrance exam to be completed a few months before the semester starts. The required documents can include:
- Driver’s license (if necessary)
- Birth certificate
- Transcript from high school/undergraduate degree
- Secondary school diploma (if applicable)
- Passport
If you do not have the original version of any of these documents, it is worth checking with your local consulate whether you can use an official copy instead. There may also be additional documents that your study abroad program requires. For example, some English language study abroad programs require evidence that you have passed an English language proficiency test.
Choose Your Study Abroad Program
There are a variety of study abroad programs in Spain, including but limited to:
- Combined Studies Abroad Program (CSA) in Spain
- English Language and Culture Assistantship in Madrid
- School Year Abroad (SYA) in Barcelona
- The Spanish Government Internship program for students of Spanish studies
- University College London’s study abroad program in Seville or Barcelona.
As well as study at university level, these study abroad programs often include other benefits such as excursions to nearby countries or weekend activities that provide opportunities to experience different aspects of Spanish life. If you are unsure about where to begin when choosing a study abroad program, consider talking to alumni or counselors at your university.
Determine How You Will Finance Your Study Abroad Program
There are many funding options available for study abroad students in Spain, including but not limited to:
- Study Abroad Scholarship
- Private scholarship provided by an individual or organization
- Personal funds (savings, student loans, etc.)
- Parental funds.
The best way to find sources of study abroad funding is often through research before you even apply to study abroad programs. It’s worth checking whether your university offers scholarships that can be applied for through the International Center or other similar offices within universities. You may also want to look into grants and trusts that support study abroad students from your country or study abroad students in general.
Apply To Study Abroad Programs
Now it’s time to apply! How simple this step will depend on how many universities you have applied to and which study abroad program you have chosen. If possible, try applying early as some study abroad programs only accept applications several months before the semester begins.
Living costs to Consider
On average living costs can vary between 600 Euros to 1,500 Euros, depending on your lifestyle, any roommates, and living expenses.
- Rent, utilities, internet, health insurance, etc.
- Transportation from airport, and day to day travel
- Groceries and restaurants
- Tuition and fees
- Study materials such as books, photocopying, printing, etc.
Every study abroad destination has its own unique living costs. A study abroad student should take into account the cost of living in their study abroad location before they start applying for study abroad programs or scholarships. You can get a more accurate estimate of living costs using online calculators such as numbeo.com
Tuition Costs
Tuition fees for study abroad programs can vary drastically depending on study abroad location. If you are applying to study in Spain, tuition fees at the undergraduate level range from €1000 to €4000 per year while tuition at the postgraduate level is typically higher than that of undergraduate study.
You should also take into account living expenses when estimating how much money you will need. Study abroad students often find that their study abroad program does not cover all of their living expenses, and the money they bring to study in Spain may not last through the study abroad semester or year.
Pro Tip: My best recommendation to cover living expenses and as well as tuition costs is to have a remote job. Working remotely, even with a time zone difference, can help ease the stress of covering expenses, as most remote jobs tend to pay well.
Conclusion
While we can’t promise you’ll find the love of your life in Spain, we do know that many people who study abroad there return home with a renewed sense of adventure and openness. You will also have the opportunity to learn about another culture first hand-something very different from what you are used to. And if all else fails, it’s guaranteed that taking an extended vacation is always good for the soul! Want more information on how to study abroad? Follow our Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter page for great articles like this one. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the benefits of studying abroad in Spain!