Salvador Dalí, Francisco de Goya, Pablo Picasso, Fernando Rivero, Gaspar de Espinosa, Hernando de Soto, Federico García Lorca, Plácido Domingo, Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz, Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias, etc. This list will be long. Different directions, different destinies, but the same origin – Spaniards.
Recently, higher education abroad is becoming more popular. For example, higher education in Spain is surprisingly affordable. Education in Spain is characterized by a combination of centuries-old academic tradition with dynamic training programs adapted to the needs of today’s Europe. Wide opportunities of the professional market of Spain attract young people from different countries. Many of them consider the issue of education in Spain as the first step of their future professional careers in this country and other countries of the European Union.
Spanish universities are perhaps the oldest in the world. The first of these was founded in Salamanca in 1218. Historians believe that King Alfonso IX of Leon founded it in response to the establishment of the University of Plasencia by his cousin and rival Alfonso VIII of Castile. Salamanca University quickly absorbed all the latest trends in the sciences and in 30 years the Pope declared it one of the top four universities in the world. It was here that Columbus first presented his initial draft to the Faculty of Theology. There also world’s first woman professor Beatriz de Galindo taught Latin. It is believed that Cervantes and the conquistador Hernan Cortes studied in Salamanca.
The universities in Barcelona and Granada are very well known in the world. University of Barcelona appeared in 1450, and Granada – in 1526. More “youthful” universities – Madrid, Seville and Valencian – are also among the most prestigious public universities of the country.
Universities in Spain are the main type of higher education institutions, which account for 95% of the total number of universities. They differ from each other not only by the profile of disciplines, but also by the number of degrees that can be learned – as they say on the level of qualification. All in all, Spain has 47 public and 10 private universities. In addition to public and private institutions of higher education, there are still a rare species for the whole world – the spiritual, or in care of the church, which in addition to the standard for all higher education institutions set of disciplines, can truly enhance your knowledge on the subject as a “history of religion”. The country has a number of other higher education institutions, which are usually prepared specialists in specific areas, such as art or military affairs.
When is it time to receive higher education in Spain?
To go to Spain to receive higher education after high school is interesting, but also quite difficult. For applicants with an International Baccalaureate diploma, there are no entrance exams. The remaining graduates must pass the entrance exam for foreign students in Spain (Selectividad Para Extranjeros). These exams are written, three of them are obligatory: Spanish, philosophy and history of Spain, foreign language (German, French, Italian or Portuguese), and one – optional on the selected student discipline in order to increase the score. Applicant may individually prepare for exams or attending special preparatory courses.
Exams can be taken in June or September. And perhaps, after years of failure, try again in the autumn:
– prepare the necessary documents: a certificate, a valid passport;
– choose a place of residence – student residence or a dormitory, an apartment in the city, the Spanish family host of foreign students;
– successfully passing the exam, choose the universities in Spain, where you can do based on the number of points;
– get a student visa.
To obtain a student visa it is better to turn to a specialist company, so you will save your time and nerves, as there is enough paperwork and “pitfalls”.
Documents’ admission in Spanish universities is from mid-May.
Study in Span by exchange
If you are already studying at any university or institution, which signed “exchange agreement” (“convenio de intercambio”) with universities in Spain, then in that case, in the second year, this is usually the third, fourth and fifth semesters, you can go to continue studies in Spain. You become a “student visitor” (“estudiante-visitante”).
If you set out to learn in Spain by exchange, you should first ask not only whether there is such a student exchange program at your chosen university, but also to make sure that it really works.
For what purposes higher education in Spain should be received?
- Diploma on Higher Degree of Spanish University is valid for the whole European Community, and in Latin America as well as in countries with the Bologna process – the process of creating a common European educational space.
- Most universities in Spain have their own labor exchange, which allows graduates to avoid rushing in search of work and frustration caused by the mismatch of aspirations and opportunities.
- Education in the Spanish university allows students almost independently organize their curriculum, measuring their ability and desire, given the likely changes in the process of professional self-developing person.
- Higher education in Spain provides an excellent opportunity to learn Spanish, and (or) the English language at the level of the speakers, not only mugging up rules of grammar, but in the direct and, more importantly, long-term fellowship.
- The price policy of Spanish universities in the range of opportunities they offer and the quality of education is the most reasonable compared to UK universities.
- And of course, not to mention the famous Mediterranean climate of Spain. In the absence of extreme temperatures and an abundance of sunny days you will really enjoy your stay in this hospitable country.
In conclusion, I would like to add. Every year the level of requirements presented to us by life itself increases, and that must be met in order to succeed. Cosmopolitan modern social structure blurs the boundaries between countries, notably in Europe today. For the average Europeans to speak more than two languages, as well as work in another country has become the norm. In light of these developments, the opportunity to receive higher education or to study in Europe increases the range of professional opportunities, enhances outlook and personal growth.
