Spain as a study abroad destination
- Population: 47,000,000
- Europe
- Euro
Setting your priorities
Studying abroad in Spain has a strong tradition among US students and the reasons comprise a long list. In choosing your study abroad destination, it takes understanding your own priorities. As noted above, there are some obvious reasons such as wanting to study in Europe, warm temperatures and the quality of life in Spain. Spain is also known for quality education and personal safety, if those are important to you. You also need to take into account what courses you might need to stay on track for graduation as well as what destinations are approved by your university.
How much does it cost to study abroad in Spain?
Spain is more reasonable than most people imagine and compares favorably to other European countries. There can be some variance by university but our shorter programs are generally from $3,000 to $5,000 and semesters can be around $15,000 without factoring in financial aid and scholarships. When making your budget, consider what extra expenses you may have; for example, if you plan to travel extensively on the weekends, your expenses will be higher than someone who focuses on staying primarily in one’s host city.
How to get started studying abroad in Spain?
For American college students, the first step is to speak with your academic advisor and the international education office on your campus. Our programs are for college credit and it’s important to figure out how a study abroad program can fit into your degree plan.
Financial issues must be considered, such as how your financial aid can apply as well as what other scholarships may be available. Keep in mind that Spain is a great destination for many types of majors beyond Spanish or International Studies -- SSA has classes taught in English. Almost all of our Barcelona coursework is offered only in English.
Where should I study in Spain?
SSA offers 3 locations in Spain so consider what type of environment suits you best. Seville in the South combines the history and culture of Spain with a medium-sized urban environment. If you want to be surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings and the Spanish language, Seville is a great choice.
Alicante, on Spain’s Southeastern Mediterranean coast, offers a small and friendly city, with beaches, seafood, and an outdoor lifestyle. Students take their classes at the prestigious Universidad de Alicante. It’s a great choice if you enjoy fresh produce and delicious seafood as well.
Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city. Located on Spain’s Northeastern Mediterranean coast, Barcelona provides students with a sophisticated European environment to study, learn, and experience. As a multilingual city, most available coursework is in English.
When can I study abroad in Spain?
SSA offers semester programs in the Fall and Spring, which can be combined into an academic year. If you can’t work out a full semester, SSA offers January term language programs and short-term Summer programs (including May). Many of our students combine June and July terms to spend two months in Spain.
SSA also supports a lot of colleges’ short-term faculty-led trips to Spain.
Even More Reasons to Study Abroad in Spain
Still not sure if Spain is the right destination for you? We have some great resources for you to help in your decision, starting with "why study abroad is so hugely beneficial to students", and “10 great reasons to study in Spain”. Here are some good stories of alums of our programs and the impact that their study abroad semester has had on their lives. If you’re seriously contemplating a study abroad program, here’s an A-Z guide for you; there may be things you haven’t thought of!
