14 Reasons Why Spain is the Best Place to Study Abroad in Europe

What makes Spain awesome for study abroad?? You mean, besides the fact that you get free snacks when you order a drink?!

Well, truth be told, there’s waaaaay more to Spain than free chorizo with your Sangria. And when it comes to study abroad, there’s really no one who does it better (trust us, we’ve asked). So, why should you study in Spain, and what makes it so great? Stick around to find out. Spain is the best place to study abroad in Europe because…

Why study in Spain?

1. It’s affordable.

Don’t let rumors of the Euros relative strength fool you. Spain remains one of the best value destinations in Europe for study abroad, allowing you to maximize fun without having to constantly overdraw from your bank account.

2. It’s hella sunny.

Pack your sunnies and your sunblock because the sunshine just won’t quit while you’re studying in Spain. It averages 300+ sunny days in a calendar year, each more bright and beautiful and full of adventure than the day prior.

One quick stroll about Spain and you’ll definitely know why it’s the continent’s best.

3. You have your pick of incredible cities.

The menu of destinations within Spain is fabulous—and there’s no such thing as a bad choice. Between the cultural powerhouse of the capital, Madrid, and the progressive, party-loving shores of Barcelona lays an entire land of cathedrals, plazas, buskers, and churros just waiting to be discovered (and devoured). 

And, with some study abroad programs, you don’t even have to choose just one city to call home during your time abroad. Voyager Study Abroad’s Voyager Spain Program gives you a taste of life (and tapas, let’s be serious) in 14 different Spanish destinations: Barcelona, Bilbao, Catalonia, Cordoba, Girona, Granada, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, San Sebastian, Segovia, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia (say that 3x fast!).

[KEEP READING: Should I Study Abroad in Barcelona or Madrid?]

4. You will literally walk in the footsteps of so many incredibly influential people. 

Do names like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, or Antoni Gaudi ring a bell? How about Penélope Cruz, Enrique Iglesias? The list goes on and on, ranging from conquistadors to voice actors (Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots <3), to explorers to soccer (call it football) players and beyond. When studying in Spain, you are truly in the presence of greatness!

There’s soo much to discover off the beaten path in Spain—like Lastres!

5. You certainly won’t starve.

Many study abroad programs include a Spanish cooking class (paella and sangria), a tapas tasting, pintxos tasting, wine tasting, cava tasting, and more. Don’t be upset if one of your study abroad souvenirs ends up being a couple extra pounds around the ol’ waist...we’d actually be more disappointed if you didn’t eat to your heart’s content every meal.

6. You won’t even have to try to be artsy. You just will be. 

Wandering iconic landmarks like Segrada Familia, Alhambra, Mosque of Córdoba, Alcázar of Seville, Aqueduct of Segovia, Royal Palace of Madrid and amazing museums like the Reina Sofía, Prado, City of Arts and Sciences, and Guggenheim Museum of Bilba—you are so cultured!

[KEEP READING: The Ultimate Studying Abroad in Spain Bucket List]

7. You will cheer on your favorite football team. 

Even if you call it soccer, how great is it to visit both Camp Nou - the home of FC Barcelona and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium—the home of Real Madrid CF. Don’t forget to check out the pitch (*please* don’t say soccer field).

Take only photos, leave only footprints.

8. Study abroad programs have been happening here for years.

You won’t be the first to set foot as an international student in Spain—and that’s a good thing. The millions of intrepid explorers (and studious learners!) who’ve been here in the last several decades have laid an incredible foundation for your experience. Programs, like Voyager Spain, are well-equipped to provide you with a smooth, safe, and fun experience.

Pro tip: Mom and Dad usually love this fact.

9. You’ll definitely impress your high school Spanish teacher... and even your future employer.

“Señora Porapat, remember when I couldn’t even conjugate Caber? Look at me now! Quepo, cabes, cabe, cabemos, cabéis, caben.”

“Also, I think you forgot the o’s accent on juguetón.” Schooling your old teach aside, one of the main reasons Spain is the best place to study abroad in Europe is the immense access to language immersion. ¡Vamos! Take a Spanish class or just practice with the locals. Not to mention, the study abroad will look great on your resume, and your new language skills may help land you a job.

[NEXT STEP: Find a Program with Spanish Courses Included]

Amigas goals - Like exploring Ibiza <3

10. Your crew is about to get a whole lot bigger. 

And we’re not just talking new American friends either (though they can be awesome, too. Road trip??). You’ll also make lifelong friends from all over the world while studying in Spain. And you know what that means—lots of couches to crash on for your next international romp.

11. No one does holidays and festivals like the Spaniards. 

Did you know there’s an entire festival in Spain dedicated to throwing tomatoes at each other? Or that it’s not uncommon to see community-wide parades during Holy Week? Or that they celebrate the longest day of the year with the giant bonfires of Saint John? You won’t believe Madrid Pride 2018, which is anticipated to host more than one million visitors. The holidays are so extra in Spain, and you’ll love every second of them. 

12. There’s history around every corner. 

Spain has been the crossroads of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic culture for hundreds of years, and created a unique atmosphere of cultural and religious tolerance that lasted for centuries. Moorish architecture butts up alongside grand cathedrals near old Jewish quarters. While the history isn’t always pleasant, it’s certainly always worth a second (or third… or fourth) look. You can’t help but be impressed while visiting historic cities like Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville!

[NEXT STEP: Bookmark & Compare Your Favorite Programs with MyGoAbroad]

Studying is important, and it’s somehow more fun and interesting while abroad!

13. There are playas for days.

Hit the beach in Valencia, Malaga, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Barcelona, and Ibiza. If you’ve never had “class” on the beach, you’re in for a real treat.

14. The Spanish spirit is indomitable—and contagious.

You can’t visit Spain without a willingness to have your world totally rocked. Studying abroad will open your eyes, your mind, and your heart in ways that you never anticipated. The kindness of the locals, their laid back attitude, and the country's general vibe might surprise you. Take this time to reflect on where you come from and where you’re going. Enjoy every second of your journey, and squeeze every ounce of learning out of each unique experience.You’ll come back changed—not as an entirely new person, but an evolved version of yourself with new interests, insights, and…opinions about manchego.

What are you waiting for? The time to study in Spain is now!

Coordinating your study abroad packing list for Spain will be easy-peasy.

The only real downside of studying in Spain is returning to a culture that doesn’t prioritize afternoon naps. We’re sure these 14 reasons are enough to inspire you to find that perfect program and book your flight across the world ASAP. Afterall, Spain is the best place to study abroad in Europe. The access to historic and influential culture, immersion into one of the world’s most important languages, and its overall cost effectiveness are unmatched, making it an absolute “duh” for any modern-day college student. Go on now, we’ll see you there!

Make Study Abroad in Spain a Reality

This article was sponsored by Voyager Spain, a well-rounded study abroad program created for students to fully experience Spain. Voyager Spain is a one-stop shop for students interested in immersing in Spanish culture, history, and language.