Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in Spain

You have numerous options when it comes to studying abroad in Spain. Regardless of what you study, you will enjoy settling into your new city and getting immersed in Spanish culture. Students studying abroad in Spain will find inspiration in the food, the culture, and the nightlife of this great country.

It’s no wonder that studying abroad in Spain is so popular! The following top ten reasons will show you just how great it can be and motivate you to start your Spanish study abroad journey.

1. Discover the History

From the Inquisition to the Spanish “Golden Age” to the War of Spanish Independence, Spain has played a role in some of the most dramatic events in human history. With so many reminders of the past still present throughout the country, studying abroad in Spain is one of the best experiences you can have.

During your time studying abroad in Spain, you will be able to see and feel the history entwined in every building and street. Take the Catedral de Sevilla in Seville, Spain. It is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which was built over the city’s mosque after the Castilian King Fernando III captured the city from its previous rulers. Or, take the Prado in Madrid, which has served as a meeting place of intellectuals, barracks for Napoleon’s troops, a palace, and now a museum.

2. Meet the People

Although fascinating, Spain’s history is nothing compared to the people who have made the country what it is, a place to live life to the fullest. Passionate, chic, and dedicated to making every experience count, Spaniards are a lively bunch. As an international student studying abroad in Spain, you will have no problem making new friends.

Whether you are studying for a degree in architecture in Madrid, interior design in Barcelona or engineering in León, a fun and exciting social life is always just a few hours of classes away. No trip to Madrid is complete without walking down Calle Ponzano, the hottest street in town. With so many tapas bars, bodegas, and other hip hangouts to choose from, studying abroad in Spain certainly won't disappoint!

3. Learn the Language

Since you are studying abroad in Spain, you might as well learn one of the world's most influential languages: Spanish!

Spoken across oceans and continents, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, when you count only native speakers. No matter if you're a total beginner or want to improve what you've already learned in school, studying abroad in Spain is the best way to do it! Not only do many universities offer courses to international students to learn Spanish, being immersed in the culture will also give you the ability to practice what you learn no matter where you go!

4. Taste the Cuisine

Paella, Spanish omelettes, Gazpacho, Chorizo and other cured meats. Spanish study abroad experiences wouldn’t be complete without diving into the local food, so if you are not yet familiar with Spanish cuisine, it is time to get to know it.

When studying abroad in Spain, it is best to participate in one of Spain's cultural institutions - tapas. To experience tapas like a local, make sure to bring along some of your new international friends, then collectively find a bar to get a drink and order your first round of tapas. But don’t eat (or drink) too much at the first spot, tapas are to be enjoyed in several different locations over an evening. When you’re ready to move on, the next tapas bar is only a few steps away.

5. Participate in the Festivals

Spain study abroad students will be surprised that a country that dedicates so much time to living the good life is home to a plethora of unique and entertaining festivals! Cities and small villages alike all have their own special celebrations, some of which have become world famous.

While studying abroad in Spain, make sure not to miss some of the best:

La Tomatina – Every August in the town of Buñol, participants get involved in the world’s largest tomato fight. That’s right — for about one hour, thousands of people throw tomatoes at each other, drenching the entire town in tomato pulp!

The Semana Grande of Bilbao – One of Spain’s new, up-and-coming cities, Bilbao, is also home to the Samana Grande, a nine-day festival featuring performances, fairs, concerts, and exhibitions. Don’t miss the firework competitions that take place eight of the nine nights during the fair!

Carnival – Across Spain, carnival celebrations are everywhere during the month of February. So, no matter where you study abroad in Spain, you will be able to experience the wonderful colors and rhythms of one of the world’s most popular festivities!

6. Witness the Art and Literature

After all the partying, you might need a little down time to recuperate. Any student studying abroad in Spain can also experience the more laid-back side of Spanish culture. Start by exploring the diverse literature produced by famous Spaniards such as Miguel de Cervantes or Javier Marías. Try reading them in their original language to practice your Spanish skills!

The list of famous painters from Spain will not disappoint either. If you haven’t heard of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Francisco Goya, or Joan Miró, you should check out one of the many worthwhile art museums during your Spain study abroad trip.

7. Experience the Music and Performing Arts

Whether it’s traditional Spanish music or commercial pop music, the variety of styles and genres to be found in Spain will entertain music lovers throughout their Spanish study abroad experience. 

Perhaps the most famous is flamenco, an art form that combines both music and dance based on the folk traditions of Southern Spain. Don’t forget to also check out Spanish opera when studying abroad in Spain! Major opera houses exist in almost every Spanish city, hosting world-famous opera singers performing widely-recognized pieces.

Afterwards, if you need something a little more upbeat, head to any Spanish club to experience what makes Spanish pop music so catchy!

8. Celebrate the Sports

When studying abroad in Spain, be prepared to celebrate after one of Spain's many sporting successes if you're a sports fan (and even if you're not)!

In recent decades, Spain has experienced great success in football (soccer), tennis, and basketball. Spain has also hosted international events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics, making it the ideal destination for any student who likes to catch a game or two during breaks from class. 

9. Catch a Glimpse of the Monuments

If you are looking to spice up your social media feed during your Spain study abroad experience, snap pictures of the amazing Spanish architecture! It’s hard not to be mesmerized by one of the many cathedrals, fortresses, basilicas, mosques, or monuments across Spain.

If you’re planning a study abroad in Mallorca, don’t miss getting a few snaps of the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, a beautiful 14th century gothic cathedral featuring a tower that houses nine bells.

Or, check out one of the best places to study abroad in Spain if you’re passionate about architecture: Barcelona! There’s the Arc de Triomf, the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, and the fountains at Montjuic, to just name a few wonders worth seeing.

10. Find Yourself

The decision to leave friends and family behind to study abroad is not an easy one. However, it grants students who are ready to take on the challenge the opportunity to explore what it means to be an individual in the world at large.

While studying abroad in Spain, take the chance to find yourself, make new friends, learn a new language, explore a new city, and immerse yourself in a new culture! The benefits of studying abroad in Spain are unlimited! The hardest part is just figuring out where to go.

But, if any of the above top ten reasons to study abroad in Spain have inspired you, look no further! Now it’s just time to pick the best program to study in Spain, and luckily, we’re here to help!