Smile, You're in Spain!

If you've ever thought of studying abroad in Spain, you're not alone! Consistently ranked as one of the top ten worldwide study abroad locations, this southern European country has something to offer learners of nearly every discipline.

Consider the capital city of Madrid, which is often referred to as the cultural center of Spain. The sheer number of museums, theatres and architecturally significant structures and monuments will tire even the most voracious learners.

And then there's Barcelona, "the fashion-forward" Spanish city, with an immensely diverse population. Students will appreciate not only the extensive opportunities for a first-rate education at schools like the University of Barcelona, but also the round-the-clock nightlife and international music scenes.

Since Spain holds such a high appeal as a study abroad locale, there's dozens of colleges and universities offering international programs to foreign students. No matter your interest or degree area, there's a place for you to learn in Spain.

Geography

Perhaps Spain is a hot study abroad locale because of its close proximity to many other European countries. A short plane or train ride away and you can find yourself sipping espresso in one of France's famous street-side cafes, or sunning on the sophisticated shores of Estoril in Portugal.

Spain is on the southernmost tip of Europe, bordered to the west by Portugal, and to the northeast by France. If you're interested in visiting another continent while you're there, take a look at a map and you'll notice how close you are to Africa! You can even take a ferry to Morocco and spend some of your time off in one of Morocco's largest and most storied cities: Casablanca.

If you're after beach time, Spain is definitely your ideal study abroad destination. With almost 90% of its borders surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Bay of Biscay, there's no shortage of gorgeous turquoise waters to dip your toes into!

A Temperate Climate

Due to its varied geographical regions, the weather in Spain, while typically mild, gets a tad chilly in some areas, and pretty hot in others!

• The northern coast is characterized by an Atlantic climate, with temperatures dipping to about 50 in the dead of winter and warming up to about 70 during the peak of summer.
• The interior central plateaus have colder winters, where temperatures swing from between 5 and 75 degrees from winter to summer, with heavy snowfalls occurring. This is your area for skiing and boarding!
• The Mediterranean proper climate includes the cities of Barcelona and Valencia, and temperatures here are pretty mild-ranging from about 52 to 74 degrees. A mild winter and a not-too-hot summer will definitely please students studying abroad here!
• The subtropical climate of the Canary Islands means these little hotspots are fantastic to visit year-round, with temperatures hovering between 60-80 degrees during most periods.

Sports, Culture & More

Such a mild climate means that many thrilling outdoor activities in Spain are accessible year-round:

• Windsurfers find the best conditions at the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Windsurfing World Championships are held each year in the early Fall. If you don't participate in the sport, a ticket to the festivities is worth purchasing.
• Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, draws hundreds of thousands of spectators each Sunday as international matches are played in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
• Perhaps you're a winter sport enthusiast. Spain prides itself on being the 2nd most mountainous country in Europe, and as such, they have some fantastic slopes in Andora, Sierra Nevada, La Molina, and several other areas.

• Before you head over (or while you're there) be sure to read Don Quixote, the famous novel written by Spaniard Miguel de Cervantes.
• Spain's history of famous painters and sculptors is unlike any other European country. True greats such as Pablo Picasso, El Greco, Salvador Dali and Francisco Goya call this country home.

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