Study in Spain

About Spain :

Spain – A Look at its History, Climate, People and More

The kingdom of Spain, as the country we commonly refer to simply as Spain is officially called, covers almost the entire surface of the Iberian peninsula in the southwest of Europe. Spain is a sovereign state and as of 1986 is a member of the European Union.

The First Settlers Arrive

Human settlers arrived in Spain’s territory 35 thousand years ago. Hispania, as Spain was initially named, was inhabited mostly by Iberian, Basques and Celts. Archeologists have been successful in finding cave paintings in Altamira that prove early human settlements.

As the Roman Empire grew in the territory, Spain fell under its reign in 200 before Christ. Although it took great efforts of the Romans to conquer this territory, once they obtain it, they ruled for more than six centuries. During this time they adapted the local inhabitants to their ways. Apart from the Latin language, the law was implemented as well as Roman roads. Romans didn’t just want to educate local inhabitants, they wanted to exploit their maritime capabilities. Products such as gold, wine, wool and olive oil were exported from Spain’s harbors. Their agriculture grew as the Romans installed their irrigation mechanisms, which can still be seen today. Christianity, as one of the pillars in the Roman Empire, was introduced to the Spaniards in the 1st century AD. Spanish law, religion and language, as it is known today, bears its roots from this particular era. In 409 the Roman Empire started to weaken. That same year Germanicu Suebi, Vandals and Sarmatian Alans took upon themselves to occupy Spain. Social and economic situation changed and became more simplified. However, many institutions brought by the Romans still remained, including Christianity.

By the 8th century Spain was majorly conquered by Moorish Muslims. This was an Islamic army from North Africa. They subordinated Christians, according to their Islamic law. Christians were required to pay tax and had inferior legal and social rights to the rest of the population of the time. Slowly but surely, the conversion to Islam took hold until the 10th century, Under their reign, the city of Córdoba thrived as the wealthiest and most elegant city in this part of Europe. Cultures merged, with Muslims bringing their traditions from their homeland in the East and the North of Africa.

This region enjoyed a flourish of Muslim, Christian and Jewish teachings. With that came the revival and widening of the traditional Greek learning that the Muslims and the Jews were looking to extend to the rest of Western Europe.

The Reconquista period brought back Christianity to the Iberian peninsula. Covadonga was the city where the initial battle was fought in 722. This period overlapped with the Muslim rule and battles was fought for centuries until all Muslim invaders settled outside the peninsula. Palencia and Salamanca became the first cities to establish universities in 1200. However, the 14th century brought Spain the plague, devastating the peninsula. 1469 saw Isabella I of Castille marry Ferdinand II of Aragon. This marriage united the two kingdoms of the peninsula, Kingdom of Castille and the Kingdom of Aragon. 1492 was the birth of the Spanish Inquisition, which ordered the Spain’s Jews to turn to Christianity or be banished from Spain’s territory. Isabella and Ferdinand’ royal power was centralized. They then began calling their land España. At this time, Spain’s political and religious reforms established the land as the world’s first power.

Spain in the 16th & 17th Centuries

During the 16th and 17th century, Spain reigned Europe through its wealth and colonial territories. These included American territories, parts of Italy, towns in Northern Africa, and some territories of today’s the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. The unification of Spain brought with it a period of exploration, which Spaniards took to by land and sea. This opened them up to new trading routes and familiarizing themselves with emerging precious metals, new agricultural plants and spices among others. The Spanish explorers came back with the knowledge about the New World consequently transforming what Europe imagined the world to be.

During the 17th century, Spain was drained of its resources due to religious-political conflicts, with France is gaining ground and overruling Spain’s leadership. The 18th century, however, saw the rise of Spanish rebellion against the French model of rule. The Napoleon wars were fought leaving Spain ruined and devastated. As Spain was politically unstable, Spain’s American colonies declared independence, ending Spanish control of their American colonies.

Even though the period around the turn of the century saw Spain as increasing in prosperity, the 20th century was marked by the Spanish civil war. It broke out in 1936 leaving 500 thousand people dead, and over a half-million fleeing the country. General Francisco Franco supported by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany and won the war. He then established himself as the dictator. Under Francisco Franco, Spain reached great economic growth, which became known as the Spanish miracle.

After Francisco Franco’s death in 1975, Juan Carlos took the position of King of Spain and head of state. From then on, apart from his remaining King, Spain named a head of government in the form of a prime minister and the cabinet consisting of a council of ministers.

The Climate & Population in Spain

Through the ages the governments may have changed, but the state’s climate remained the same. There are three types of climate zones prevailing on the Iberian peninsula. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by warm and dry summers. It is the predominant climate in Spain. Although mild in nature, the Mediterranean climate in the central and northern-central Spain tends to be more extreme, hot in summer and cold in winter. In the southeastern section of the country dry season extends beyond the summer because of the semiarid climate. In the north of the country, winter and summer seasons are influenced by the oceanic climate relieving the region of seasonal drought. Parts of Spain such as the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada and Canary Islands are subject to the alpine and subtropical climate.

As far as the population was concerned, in 2008, the numbers reached 46 million. With a population density of 91/km2, Spain’s population is lower than most western European countries. Native Spaniards make for 80% of Spain’s total population. Many international students can also be found in Spain. Around 10% of those students are from European countries, and the numbers of students from other countries, including the U.S., continue to multiply in rapid numbers year after year.

Students in Spain

As a student in Spain you can certainly enlighten your world to so much more of Spain’s exciting history. There is plenty there for you to learn –all of which is certainty to find interest within your heart. Spain is a beautiful country with beautiful people and a beautiful and interesting history. Make yourself a part of that.

Why Study in Spain?

Every year thousands of students from across the world make their way to Spain to attend one of the 74 universities located in the country. They come to the country for many reasons, all understanding that studying in the country is a truly enlightening experience that leaves you filled with new attitudes and concepts about life. Spain is rich in history and culture, and provides the total package for anyone coming to the area from international lands. Here we will examine some of the many reasons that people choose Spain as their education destination. Perhaps you share a few of these common desires.

A Great Educational System

Spain has a great opportunity to learn no matter what your major might be and no matter which college you have selected for your studies. The educational system is well organized and properly executed, designed to provide students of all levels with the utmost of learning opportunities. Spain is the third most popular country for international studies with around 36% of those people from the USA.  When you study in Spain you can be confident that you will be provided with the best possible education for your time.

Experience the Country

When you think of Spain you probably think of Madrid and Barcelona. While these two cities are beautiful and certainly hot tourist attractions, Spain has so much more to offer the visitor that these two cities. The beautiful countryside of Spain is marvelous and you are certain to enjoy being able to see miles and miles of lush trees and greeneries. Travel to another area of the country and you’ll find yourself amidst the most beautiful coastline you will ever see. Spain has it all, and as a student there will be plenty of time for you to travel and explore and see all of these amazing things.

Have Fun

No matter where you are at in Spain there is always plenty for you to see and do. And, with Paris and London nearby, a great day trip is always something that can easily be planned. Art galleries, museums, clubs, bars and pubs, parks and nature –you name it, you can find it available to entertain your time in Spain. When you’re not busy in class or completing homework you can get out and enjoy so much of the adventure that Spain has to offer. It is then that your time in Spain can be considered time well spent.

Learn a New Language

It may not be your intended reason for coming to Spain, however there isn’t a question that you will learn a great deal of the Spanish language while you are studying, and a beautiful language it is! Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world, just behind English. Imagine how fun it will be to learn a new language…and there is no better way to learn that language than while you are among those who speak it frequently. As you attend university in Spain you will be around those speaking the language so before you know it you will also be speaking it naturally.

Affordable Costs of Living

The costs of living in Spain are very affordable when compared to other countries in Europe. This is always important, especially to a college student already strapped for cash. No matter where you live in Spain you can make it an affordable venture but when you are careful in your selections you can ensure this even more so.

Wonderful Climate

Spain has four seasons, with each of those seasons providing delightful weather. The average temperature in the winter is 59 degrees, a most comfortable and enjoyable temperature. In the summer the average temperature is 70 degrees, also pleasant. The climate in which you will be treated to while in Spain will slightly differ depending upon your location in the country.

Affordable Tuition Rates

In addition to affordable costs of living, attending school in Spain enables you to attain an affordable tuition rate at any of the wonderful higher learning institutes in the country. Tuition at some colleges cost as little as 5,500 Euros per semester while others cost upwards of 12,000 Euros per semester, still far less than colleges and universities in other European countries, as well as the U.S.

Laid Back Atmosphere

Of course Madrid and Barcelona are thriving, busy and popular tourists spots, but even still these cities, as well as most others in Spain, enjoy a  comfortable, laid back atmosphere.  The country is peaceful and friendly, and you are likely to make new friends with most everyone that you meet.

These are certainly great reasons that you should study in Spain, but please know these are just the beginning of the many great things that you will love about studying in the country.