Spain
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Studying abroad in Spain means immersive cultural excursions, hands-on classes, afternoon siestas, and evenings strolling through winding streets to find your favorite tapas. You will explore UNESCO world heritage sites, wander through acclaimed art museums, and marvel at unique architecture as you stroll through winding streets, all while experiencing the wonders of this diverse country when you study abroad in Spain.
The extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline has made Spain one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, but beyond the veneer of tourism, Spain has a long and complicated history of Roman, Catholic, Jewish, and Arab influences. This mix has produced stunning and varied architecture, a strong tradition of academic scholarship, some of the 20th century’s most influential artists, and a complex sense of modern national identity.
From the modern European cities of Madrid and Barcelona, to the medieval university of Salamanca and the Moorish flavor of Granada, Spain has a place for everyone to explore and better understand Spanish culture, which is far from easy to define. If you’re looking for an adventure, our study abroad programs in Spain will not disappoint!
Barcelona boasts a large university community, beautiful architecture, and several Mediterranean beaches in notheast Spain. As the capital of the Catalonia region and the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona is home to 1.6 million residents.
Parc Guell
This famous park was named after Usebi Guell, its original architect. Guell wanted to create a residential housing area with the land; however, Guell's protege Antoni Gaudi wanted a beautiful garden and park. Gaudi ultimately designed the park, its grand staircase, and the main terrace.
Sagrada Familia
This Catholic cathedral has been under construction since 1882. Originally, the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar began to construct the building with a neo-gothic style. Antoni Gaudi took over construction one year later and changed the design to a modernist style.
Las Ramblas
Since the 16th century, Las Ramblas has been the place in Barcelona. Las Ramblas, one long, continuous street, has numerous exciting opportunities for both students and locals. An opera house, museum of contemporary arts, street market, and more are all located on Las Ramblas.
Plaça Catalunya
This popular meeting place is situated in the heart of the Bari Gotic area, surrounded by department stores and modern shops. Known for its benches, ornamental gardens, and fountains, the Plaça Catalunya is easily recognized as the place where all roads meet.
Palau Nacional
This enchanting palace and historic monument was built for the 1929 International Exhibition, which was held on the flank of Montjuïc.
A mid-sized city in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Granada is home to Moorish architecture, Muslim influences, and a large population of Spanish and international students.
Alhambra
The Alhambra was once a palace and fortress for Muslim rulers, and its architecture has much Islamic influence. The Alhambra, meaning "red fort," is named after the red clay used in its construction. More astonishing, is the history of the Alhambra.
Capilla Real
The Capilla Real illustrates the Christian influence in Granada. The Catholic monarchs, King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile are both buried here. King Ferdinand won a war against the Muslims in the 15th century and took over the kingdom.
Alcaiceria
Alcaiceria, which means "House of Caesar," was once a great bazaar where people wove and sold fine silks. In the 19th century, however, a fire broke out and burnt down the bazaar. Today, the Alaiceria is known as a souvenir shopping area in Granada.
Los Jardines de Triunfo
The Triumph Gardens occupy an outdoor space boasting more than 17 varieties of trees. It is arguably more breathtaking at night when an illuminated fountain creates a magnificent display.
Albaicin
The Albaicin (or Albayzin) is a district within Granada known for its narrow winding streets reminiscent of the area's Medieval Moorish past. It was declared a world heritage site in 1984.
Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city in central Spain.
Palacio Real
Constructed in the 16th century, the Palacio Mayor was built to serve as the home for the King of Spain. However, the current royal family lives outside of Madrid. Each palace room is ornate and decorated with magnificent jewels, chandeliers and statues.
Parque del Retiro
At any hour of the day, the Parque del Retiro guarantees excitement. Street performers, such as jugglers and fortune tellers, entertain crowds. The Museo del Ejercito, located in the Parque, is dedicated to Spain's military history.
El Templo de Debod
One of the hidden treasures in Madrid, the Temple of Debod is an Egyptian structure. The temple was built as a religious site dedicated to the goddess Isis. It remained in Egypt for centuries until 1960 when the Great Dam of Aswan's construction posed a threat to the Temple.
Museo del Prado
The construction of this museum was ordered by Carlos III in 1785 to architect Juan de Villanueva. During the reign of Fernando VII in 1819, more than 300 works from the Spanish monarchy were assembled here.
Plaza del Dos de Mayo
The monument in this popular square commemorates two captains and war heroes, Daoiz and Velarde.
Salamanca is a lively and hospitable university city with a small town feel located in northwestern Spain.
Plaza Mayor
Constructed in the 18th century, the Plaza Mayor is the central meeting spot in Salamanca. Restaurants, shops, cafes, the Salamanca Town Hall, and clubs line the plaza and attract students and locals alike. Street entertainers captivate audiences.
Catedral Nueva & Catedral Vieja
These two cathedrals stand right next to each other. The Catedral Nueva, or "new cathedral," is larger than the "old cathedral," and is one of the most beautiful Spanish gothic structures.
Puente Romano
The Puente Romano, or "Roman Bridge," provides breathtaking views of Salamanca, and especially the Catedral Nueva and Catedral Vieja. The Puente Romano stands approximately 32 feet above the land and Tormes River.
The Latest from Spain
Screams and Sirens and Scampers
“So all of you are in favor of independence?”
They nod, then one qualifies, “Well I’m not really for independence, but the Spanish gobernment, es… the gobernment it’s, crap. Is crap.”
Another seconds, “It’s not really about independence it’s about—” the boom of fireworks interrupts— “it’s about democracy” he says with timid pride.
Nine Ways to Improve your Spanish
If you aren’t proficient in Spanish, then living or traveling to a Spanish-speaking country can be a daunting task. You may be afraid that you won’t be understood, will be made fun of, and/or be filled with anxiety due to the culture shock. In the Summer of 2018, I was fortunate enough to go to an IES Abroad program in Quito, Ecuador.
Tourist Time in Barcelona!
I have been in Barcelona for a full month now and it would be safe to say I’m still in the “honeymoon phase” of abroad that people told me about before I left. I am definitely still adjusting to the culture shock and things like taking the metro to school every day, remembering to speak in Spanish, living with five other girls, and the strange eating times, but I think I’m learning pretty quickly!
Balling on a Budget in Barca
After my first week studying abroad, I was concerned about my financial situation for the rest of the semester. Barcelona has a huge tourist attraction which means expensive prices. In fact, Barcelona has one of the highest costs of living in the entire country of Spain. After eating out a couple of times, I had to sit down and create a budget for my entire trip. I gave myself a limit on groceries, travel, restaurants/bars, and recreational activities.
Painting Red Righteousness
Not by desire but by necessity, I have ascended to near mythical status as a hunter of mosquitos. The past few days have been a nightmarish torment of pestering, buzzing and biting. I tried first to ignore the problem, swatting half-heartedly when the miscreants floated through my line of sight. However, as their numbers and appetites increased, a change needed to be made. For too long I had abided by the doctrine of appeasement, reaping the consequences on my scarlet, Braille skin.
