After beginning a new degree, and once settled into university life, many students go on to ask themselves “Should I study overseas?”. Considering so many degrees are compatible with a period of overseas study, it’s an important question and one well worth investigating.
Here, in this blog post, we’ll look to explain what the advantages of studying abroad in Spain (aquí añadiremos el enlace en un futuro a la nueva landing de la versión en EN de study abroad in spain) are and how the University Pathway Programme at IH Madrid, which is designed specifically for international students, can help you achieve the necessary minimum level of Spanish to embark on such an experience.
There really are so many reasons to study overseas, but we’ll narrow in on just 10 of the most common and significant benefits of studying abroad. So, let’s take a look!
If you’re going to spend a semester or two in Spain, then learning Spanish is going to be one of the ultimate academic benefits of studying abroad. By taking an intensive Spanish course, you’ll study all the technical elements needed to become an excellent Spanish speaker. Then, in your day-to-day life while studying abroad, you’ll be exposed to all sorts of real-life conversations, slang and cultural nuances. All of this will help you develop fluency and confidence, as you achieve one of the ultimate personal goals in life – that of learning a second language!
Leaving your comfort zone to study abroad is also a major step towards personal development. By navigating an unfamiliar environment, you’ll become a more resilient and more self-aware individual during your time abroad. While it might seem daunting at first, taking on challenges while you’re far from home will allow you to discover your strengths and maybe even reassess your life goals.
There are, logically, major career advantages of going abroad for a spell. That’s because many employers value the skills that come with studying abroad, such as greater adaptability, awareness, sensitivity and communication skills. Recruiters know that anyone who has lived abroad has had to demonstrate independence and initiative at some point. Moreover, opening the door to a foreign country means opening the door to another jobs market. Once you finish your degree, you’ll be more likely to consider applying for jobs at home or overseas, dramatically expanding your options.
Let’s face it – the Spanish climate is also going to be a major advantage of studying overseas in Spain. It might not have much to do with your academic objectives, but it’s natural to consider the weather when picking a study abroad destination. And, that’s perfectly okay! Most parts of Spain boast a climate that can put a smile on your face in the morning, and that’s important.
When you live abroad, you’ll have the chance to call a brand new city your home. For example, if you stay in Madrid you’ll be able to explore the capital city’s beautiful streets, fascinating museums and world-famous nightlife. And, beyond that, studying abroad in Spain’s capital will open up so many options for day and weekend trips, with Madrid boasting excellent local transport links to interesting suburbs and with Spain’s high-speed AVE rail network opening up all corners of the peninsula. That makes it possible to discover as much of this beautiful and culturally diverse country as possible, and each trip will bring unforgettable memories and deepen your appreciation for the world.
Appreciation for the world at large is an important part of the personal development that takes place during any study abroad term. By encountering new traditions, social norms and ways of thinking, your assumptions will be challenged and your understanding of the world will be broadened. It sounds so simple, but living in another country really can help you to appreciate diversity, to become more open-minded and, ultimately, to adapt to different perspectives in a healthy way.
Without a doubt, one of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad is the friendships you’ll form. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, whether that’s locals from your host city or other international students from around the world. Because experiences like navigating a new city or tackling language barriers are so real and raw, the relationships with your year abroad companions often become bonds that span countries and continents, and that last a lifetime.
Living in Spain and learning Spanish is, as mentioned above, a clear positive, but it’s also important to understand how learning a second language can strengthen your overall communication skills. Yes, learning the nuances of Spanish can also help you with your understanding of your own native language. Plus, the confidence it takes to speak a second language day in and day out should also translate to confidence in all forms of speaking, both personally and professionally.
For many, studying in Spain and all that it entails may be the first real experience of living on your own. Even if you’ve moved out from your family home already, renting an apartment in a different country is another level of independence, helping you gain important practical life skills.
We simply couldn’t finish this list of advantages of studying abroad in Spain without mentioning the world-famous Spanish cuisine! From tapas at your local bar to meals shared with flatmates to the most exciting restaurants of your Spanish city, there are so many flavours to savour in Spain after a day in the classroom and the library. Perhaps you’ll even pick up some recipes that you can go back to time and time again to fondly remember your time abroad for years to come.
If you’re convinced by all these benefits of studying overseas and are starting to research courses that suit your interests, also take the time to research the University Pathway Programme from IH Madrid. This is a programme which helps international students reach the minimum level of Spanish necessary for the exams required by Spanish universities, and it consists of overall Spanish language training as well as specific preparation for the PCE exams. If you want to study abroad in Spain and need to pass a PCE exam to do so, this is the programme for you!
