Spain is the first country we will be highlighting in a new series exploring top destinations for students from around the world. Spain is one of the most popular countries in Europe for students interested in either short-term or longer exchange programs, as well as for those looking to earn a full degree in a foreign country.

Spain’s popularity with students comes as no surprise – in addition to the great educational opportunities the country has to offer, the language is useful in countries around the globe, the culture is rich and diverse, the food is delicious, the cities are beautiful and there are beaches galore. In this post, we’ll offer you specific examples of why you ought to consider Spain when taking the next step in your education.

• High quality education

Spain is home to hundreds of higher education institutions, including many top-notch universities that consistently rank high on QS and other global lists. For instance, the University of Barcelona, the Complutense University of Madrid, the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics and the University of the Basque Country  are all very well respected institutions with faculty and students from around the world. Students interested in earning a graduate degree or spending a semester or year abroad would be wise to look into these and other top Spanish universities.

Moreover, the number of graduate programs taught exclusively in English has increased rapidly in recent years, catering to the demands of the international community and raising the bar for graduate education in Spain. For more detailed information about the benefits of earning a graduate degree in Spain take a look at this recent article on the INOMICS Advice Section. For more info about studying abroad go here. 

• Spanish language

In addition to offering ample educational opportunities for students from around the globe, Spain also allows students to gain expertise in one of the world’s most spoken languages. Whether you choose to take one of the thousands of language courses offered around the country or prefer to simply immerse yourself in daily conversations with those around you, studying and living in Spain is a great way to boost your language skills.

Being able to put Spanish proficiency on your CV will give you a leg up in any field. So what better way to reach that goal than to enjoy an extended stay on the Iberian Peninsula?

• Culture and lifestyle

Spain is a country known for long and leisurely lunches, afternoon siestas and all night parties. Yet, it’s also known for it thousands of years of culture and traditions, stunning architecture and numerous World Heritage sites. Whether you’re living in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville or anywhere in between, you can easily fill your weekends visiting the countless beautiful sites around Spain or gazing at world-class art in one of the many globally renowned museums.

Furthermore, Spain is home to numerous first-rate football clubs, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Asthis article points out, even if you’re not normally a big sports fan, letting yourself get swept away in the enthusiasm of a Spanish crowd at a football match is an experience you won’t quickly forget.

• Beaches and landscape

Not only is Spain home to some of the most beautiful, engaging and interesting cities in the world, it also boasts almost 5,000 kilometers of coastline, and mild temperatures that make a beach trip possible all year long. With hundreds of pristine beaches along both its northern and southern borders, Spain is a prime vacation spot for people from around Europe and elsewhere. As a student in Spain you would have the opportunity to scout the best beaches, find your favorite and hit up great spots during the off season when you can have the whole beach to yourself.

In addition to its countless gorgeous beaches, Spain also has 14 national parks with stunning ecological diversity. From snow-topped mountains to placid lakes or the prehistoric forests on the Canary Islands, Spain is a country full of natural beauty.

• Food and entertainment

Many students cite the adventures they had and great memories they made with fellow exchange students as the key experiences their made their time abroad a success. Regardless of whether you’d prefer an all-night rave or an early evening flamenco performance, Spain has everything a student could want in terms of entertainment.

And with a diet rich with Mediterranean influence – olives, wine and olive oil in abundance – no matter where you are you can always find great food in Spain. From tapas to cured pork to hot chocolate with churros, traveling through Spain is simply a culinary delight.

No matter where you choose to study in Spain, you will have ample opportunities for engaging with the rich culture, beautiful landscape and amazing cities the country has to offer. Furthermore, the personal growth you experience will make you cherish your time in Spain for many years to come.

Photo credit: mariusz kluzniak