6 Reasons to Study Abroad in Spain
Studying abroad in Spain was one of the best decisions of my life! It’s a wonderful place to study abroad, and I would absolutely recommend it. Here’s why:
1. Spaniards are pretty warm and friendly towards Americans, unlike many other Europeans.
Studying abroad in a foreign country can definitely be intimidating, especially in a place where the locals don’t speak much English. Luckily the Spanish make it much less intimidating! While studying abroad, I became very close with my host mom, made some friends with Spaniards in classes, and never experienced rudeness from a local. Their kindness makes it much easier to get immersed and get more out of the experience.
2. Homestays are a common housing option and the best way to really integrate into the Spanish culture.
Almost every American I met studying abroad in Sevilla was staying with a host family. I learned more from my host family about Spanish culture than from anything else. I ate all my meals at home with my host mom and, thus, got truly close with a local and the local culture. Now when I travel, I always feel this hole of inauthenticity since I no longer get that immersive experience with locals. It’s never quite the same when you’re just a tourist staying on your own or with other Americans.
3. But being in Europe means Spain is only 1-3 hour flights away from so many other unique cultures!
While Spain may be on the edge of Europe, it’s incredibly close to Morocco, Portugal, France, Ireland, and the U.K. Many other countries aren’t much farther either, and luckily with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona (and fairly large airports in other cities too), it’s easy to travel elsewhere.
4. The country is one of the cheapest in Europe.
You know what that means. More money for travel! I loved my 2 euro beers, cheap tapas and sandwiches, and cheap everything else! Spain is such an affordable country, and even the bigger cities aren’t very expensive. When I studied abroad, everywhere else I went was more expensive than Spain, some shockingly so. Spain is perfect for poor college students and those who want to save more for travel!
5. The weather’s mild.
Spanish weather is SO mild, especially in the south. It was always so nice to come back to my North Carolina-like weather in Sevilla after traveling to places like Paris, which some say has winters similar to northern Michigan! Who knew? When you’re in a country for several months, it’s nice to be comfortable, and the milder climate makes packing easier too since you don’t have to pack as many big winter clothes.
6. It’s a huge country with so much to see!
Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe and is about the size of California. The country is full of many different climates and cultures. Visit Andalucía in the south for the quintessential warm and dry climate with Northern African influences. Head to Asturias in the north for beautiful mountains and coastal views (My host mom called the most beautiful part of Spain.). Next door, head west to the lush green Galicía, or the “Scotland of Spain” as some call it. Or head east to País Vasco for beautiful beaches and a unique culture that stretches into France (Dragonstone from Game of Thrones was also filmed there at San Juan de Gaztelugetxe.). Visit Madrid and Barcelona for two very different cities. Hike or ski and explore one of the greatest Spanish palaces in Granada. Enjoy Spanish wine country in La Rioja or explore sea caves in the Spanish island of Mallorca. I could go on and on. Studying abroad in Spain for four months gave me so many wonderful opportunities to see the country, but there’s still so much more I want to see!
If you’re considering studying abroad in Spain, I hope you do! There’s so much to love about the country. You’ll never regret it, and you’ll be surprised and sad when it’s already time to leave.
Are you thinking about studying abroad in Spain? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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