Natascha – Linguaschools.com blog

How to apply to a university in Spain for international students? [2025]

Natascha — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 16:03:33 +0000

Do you want to study in Spain but you’re not sure what to do and how to apply? You’ve come to the right place.

It is important to be well prepared and know what you need before you start these sometimes complicated procedures. However rest assured, when doing one of the University Pathway courses in Spain with us, our educational consultants on location will help you along the way.

In this post, we’ll show you all you need to know to apply to a university in Spain.

Index:
EBAU, Selectividad, PAU, PCE – important terms explained
The Spanish University system
Requirements for applying to Spanish universities
The Spanish University entry exam explained
How to calculate your University access grade (nota de acceso)?
Frequently asked questions

Introduction

Spanish is the language with the second most native speakers in the world (after Mandarin) and one of the most studied foreign languages alongside English and French. Additionally, its great weather, world-renowned cuisine, and bustling nightlife make Spain a favorite destination for international students.

Spain is also home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. So, it’s no surprise that every year more than 600,000 students come to study in Spain.

Whether you’re planning to study in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or any other Spanish city in Spain, there are some things you should keep in mind before arriving. One of the most important ones is the application to the university. That’s why in this post, we’ll show you how to apply to a university in Spain as an international student.

What is the difference between EBAU, selectividad, PAU, PCE? – important terms explained

EBAU (Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad): It is the system of exams to enter a [public] University in Spain. These exams take place every year in May. In September there is a second round of tests, in case you need to improve your first exam results.
Selectividad: The popular name given to the EBAU university entry exams.
PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas): It’s the term used to refer to the individual exams, per subject (asignatura in Spanish). Read here about the PCE exams for students from EU and bilateral agreement countries China, Norway, Switzerland, etc.
PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad): It’s how the University entry exams for foreign students were called before 2017.
UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia): UNED is the biggest public university in Spain and the second biggest in Europe, and allows you to study remotely. The UNED organizes the EBAU exams and has campuses all over Spain.

The Spanish University system

Spain is home to more than 80 universities (or universidades in Spanish). Nearly 60% of them are run by the autonomous communities while the rest are private or run by the Catholic Church.

The majority of the most prestigious universities are in Madrid and Barcelona. However, there are also distinguished business schools and universities in other cities such as Valencia, Granada, or Salamanca.

Types of University

Universities can be divided into three groups:

Public University or Universidad Pública: It’s funded by the national or autonomous community government.
Private University or Universidad Privada: They’re funded and run by private organizations. Some of them also receive state funding.
University run by the Catholic Church or Universidad de la Iglesia: They’re run by the Catholic Church and grant official titles and certificates with the same validity as public and private universities. These institutions are usually financed mostly by the students. The main difference with private universities is that church universities are governed by the agreements between the Holy See of Rome and the Spanish State and they have educational projects based on Christian humanism.

Need help on finding the right University in Spain for you? Read our specials on the best Universities for international students in Barcelona, Valencia or Madrid.

Credits and ECTS

Each academic year in Spain is worth 60 ECTS in accordance with the European Credit Transfer Scheme. As a result, a Bachelor’s Degree (Grado) is worth 240 ECTS (4 years of study) while a Master’s Degree (Máster) is worth 60 to 120 ECTS (1-2 years of study). PhDs (Doctorado), on the other hand, don’t have an ECTS range.

It is important to note that all the universities in Spain accept international students. So, regardless of where you’re from or where you have obtained your secondary school certificate or diploma, any international student can apply to attend a university in Spain.

Before starting at the University of your choice, you will have to go through a series of bureaucratic procedures, which we will explain in the next section of this article.

Requirements for applying to Spanish universities

Master’s Degree

Even though each university might ask you for different paperwork if you want to obtain a master’s degree in Spain, there are some documents and certificates that most of them require such as:

Bachelor’s degree certificate (officially translated)
A copy of your passport or ID
A copy of your transcripts (officially translated)
An official Spanish level test (DELE or SIELE), certifying B1 or B2 level of Spanish

As requirements vary per study and university, it is recommended you contact the university of your choice in Spain.

Bachelor’s Degree

If you’re an undergraduate and want to earn a Bachelor’s degree at a Spanish university, the requirements vary depending on the country you have studied to obtain your secondary education.

Students from the EU
If you have successfully finished your secondary education in a country within the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or a country with whom Spain has a bilateral agreement (such as China), you need to apply through the Spanish National University for Distance Education (UNED).

It is not compulsory to take any of the EBAU tests. However, depending on the University and the studies you want to apply to, and the grades on your secondary education certificate, it is recommended you sit for some of the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE) exams. Taking these tests will significantly improve your chance of admission to the studies of your choice.

The application called for registration or Solicitud de inscripción usually opens in April and must be filled out by the candidate. After that, the student has to print out the application and mail it to the UNED along with a copy of their passport, identity card, or school leaving certificate.

If the application is accepted, within the following 3 months, the candidate will receive a certificate called Credencial de Acceso. Then, the student has to send this certificate to the university in which they want to attend. Along with this Credencial de Acceso, universities may ask for some other documents. This varies from each institution so check it with the university of your choice.

Students from outside the EU
If you are not from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or a country with whom Spain has a special agreement and you want to earn a Bachelor’s degree at a University in Spain, you will need to go through a series of procedures.

First of all, you will need a student visa to study at a University in Spain. You will already have your student visa if you are doing the University pathway course in Spain or any intensive Spanish language course with Linguaschools for longer than 90 days. In that case, contact us and we will help you extend your study visa. Apart from that, to enter University you will need:

Homologación of your school certificate: Get a recognition certificate from your secondary school (homologación). This document certifies that you have obtained the necessary degree to study at a Spanish university.
To obtain the recognition certificate you will need to ask the Spanish Embassy or consulate in your country. The Embassy will give you a so-called Volante de Acreditación that you will need to apply to the universities you want to study at.
EBAU entry exam: You need to register for a Spanish university entrance exam called Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad (EBAU). This system of tests is also referred to as the ‘selectividad’ exam and before 2017 it used to be called PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). We will explain more about the EBAU University entry exam later on.
Spanish language level certificate: At most universities in Spain, a minimum level (B1 or B2) of Spanish is required to start your studies. This level should be proved by any of the two official tests for the Spanish language: DELE or SIELE. Many of our Spanish schools in Spain are SIELE and/or DELE exam centers.
From a practical point of view, it makes sense to have a high level of Spanish as you will be living and studying in Spain.

Apart from those, some other documents that universities might require when you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree are:

Birth certificate
Social Security Card
Medical insurance (read here all you need to know about this special health insurance)
Bank statements

Keep in mind that you need to submit all these documents in Spanish and they must be certified by a translator.

Once the University accepts your application, you will receive an acceptance letter.

NOTE: Each university may have different procedures and they might also ask you to pay an application fee. So check the specific requirements and documentation that you need for the respective university.

If you take the University pathway course in Spain with us, you do not need to dig too far into all these procedures, as we will hold your hand and guide you through the whole process.

The Spanish University entry exam explained

You will read various terms used to refer to the Spanish University entry exam, like “Selectivity exam” or Examen de selectividad, PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas), or PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). Earlier in this article, we explained all the different terms. We will refer to the University entry exam as the “EBAU exam”, which consists of various PCE exams, one for each subject (asignatura).

The EBAU or Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad is a non-compulsory exam that students need to take to get into a university in Spain.

Although in theory it is not compulsory, because of the way your access grade (nota de acceso) is calculated, in practice it is mandatory if you want to access the studies and university of your choice. Especially if you have taken your secondary education outside the EU.

The EBAU exam is composed of two parts, the General phase, and the Specific phase. Each phase consists of various exams per subject (PCE’s):

General phase

In this section, you need to take 4 mandatory subjects (5 in Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, Galicia, and the Balearic Islands) about:

Spanish Language and literature
Spanish History
Foreign Language (can be English, French, Italian, German or Portuguese)
One ‘core’ subject linked to the Bachiller modality that includes subjects such as science, arts, music, technology, and others.
Extra language test (if applicable): Galician in Galicia, Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Valencian in Valencia, and Basque in the Basque Country.

Specific phase

In the Specific section, students can choose between 2 and 4 subjects depending on their Bachillerato and the specific weights that each university requires. Subjects can be: Biology, Chemistry, Mathamatics, Physics, Economics, Art, Geography, Scientific math, and others.

The specific phase exam isn’t mandatory but it’s highly recommended as students can add an extra 4 points to their access grade.

How to calculate your access grade (nota de acceso)?

Your access grade is a score between 5 and 14 points. The maximum grade for the General phase is 10 and you can add an extra 4 points in the Specific phase. The average grade on the (homologated) certificate of your secondary school makes up for 60% of your access grade and the 4 (or 5) test scores of the General phase score will count for the remaining 40% to get to the maximum of 10.

Each University and study establishes different weighing parameters for the test scores and subjects taken in the Specific phase.

The exact calculation is as follows:
NMB=avg. grade of your secondary study
CFG=avg. grade of the general phase
CFE1=grade on specific phase subject 1
WP1=weighing parameter subject 1
CFE2=grade on specific phase subject 2
WP2=weighing parameter subject 2

[NMB x 60%] + [CFG x 40%] (avg. score general phase, max. 10)
+
[CFE1 x WP1] + [CFE2 x WP2] (avg. score second phase, max. 4)
=
nota de acceso (max. 14)

Example: A student got an average score of 8.55 from the general phase. Then in the second phase, they took Physics and Chemistry exams and got a 9 and a 7 respectively. They want to study Architecture, and the University they want to study at considers Physics more important than Chemistry at that degree, so their 9 will turn into 1.8 additional points (9*0.2) and Chemistry in 0.7 more points (7*0.1). The final score will be 8.55+1.8+0.7= 11.05 out of 14 points possible.

It’s worth noting that the test score in the general phase lasts forever, but a test score in the specific phase is valid for only 2 years.

Frequently asked questions

When does the academic year start in Spain?
When is the application deadline for Universities in Spain?
How much does it cost to study at a University in Spain for international students?
Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
How long does it take to validate my secondary school certificate?
Can I extend my student visa without leaving Spain?
Is Spain a good country to study for international students?
Do I need to take an entry test to study at a University in Spain?
Do I need to present my documents in Spanish to apply to a University?
Do I need to speak Spanish to study at a university in Spain?
Is it easy to find accommodation in Spain as an international student?

When does the academic year start in Spain?

At Universities in Spain, the academic year runs from September to June of the following year. Schools are closed on public holidays, which can be national, regional, or local, and holidays such as Christmas and Easter (Semana Santa in Spanish).

When is the application deadline for Universities in Spain?

Although application deadlines may vary depending on the institution, there are usually 3 intakes for studies at Spanish Universities:

First week of June: for studies beginning in the fall semester (October).
First week of September: late applications for studies beginning in the fall semester (October).
First week of December: for studies beginning in the spring semester (February).

How much does it cost to study at a University in Spain for international students?

Tuition fees in Spain are among the lowest in Europe. The fees are calculated and presented according to ECTS credits. A Bachelor program can cost between €750 and 2.500 per year at a public university while a private university costs up to € 20.000 per academic year.

Can I work in Spain with a Student Visa?

If you have a student visa and residence permit, you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week. It’s important to note that you’re only allowed to work as long as you have a valid visa.
Read more: Can I work in Spain with a student visa?

How long does it take to validate my secondary school certificate?

That depends on the country you’re applying from but, normally, it takes around 3 months.

Can I extend my student visa without leaving Spain?

Yes! As long as you don’t change studies or universities, you can apply to extend your student visa at the Oficina de Extranjeria from 60 days before your current visa expires and not later than 90 days after the expiration of your visa. Terms might vary per region and these procedures can take time, so we recommend starting as early as possible.

Is Spain a good country to study for international students?

Absolutely! Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and receives more than 600,000 international students every year.

Great weather, rich culture, good universities, and buzzing nightlife make Spain one of the most attractive options for both students and young professionals.

Even if you don’t speak Spanish yet, you even have some (part-time) job opportunities in Spain.

Do I need to take an entry test to study at a University in Spain?

Even though in theory the EBAU (Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad) is a non-compulsory exam, it’s highly recommended that you take it if you want to access the studies and university of your choice.

If you are a citizen from the European Union or a country with whom Spain has a reciprocity agreement such as China, Norway and Switzerland, you may not need to take the EBAU exam, but only take up to 2 PCE exams. Read more here about the PCE exams in Spain.

Do I need to present my documents in Spanish to apply to a University?

Yes! You need to submit all the documents in Spanish and they must be certified by a translator.

Do I need to speak Spanish to study at a university in Spain?

Even though some universities have courses in English, for many studies you need an official Spanish level test (DELE or SIELE) that certifies, at least, a B1 or B2 level of the Spanish language.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Spain as an international student?

If you take a general Spanish course or University pathway course in Spain with us, you can reserve a stay in one of our shared apartments or host families. There are some attractive prices for students staying long term.

You can also reserve only the first 4 weeks if you need a study visa, and look for a long term solution once you’re in Spain. Spain receives thousands of students every year so there is a wide range of accommodation options for every taste and budget. You can either rent a place once you arrive in Spain or book it from your country.
Read also: how to find a room or apartment for international students in Barcelona.

Do I need a visa to study (Spanish) in Spain? [2025]

Natascha — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 08:35:58 +0000

The first thing you may want to know if you’re planning to study in Spain is if you need a visa or not. And if you do, what type of visa it is, what the procedure is and what documents you’ll be asked for. Look no further! Here you’ll find everything you need to know.

Please mind that only full time courses are considered for student visas. This can be an intensive Spanish course, a course to prepare yourself for Spanish University entry or a full time study at a University in Spain. As long as the course intensity is 20 hours per week or more.

If you’re from a Schengen area country

So all EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland (more information)

Less than 90 days	you don’t need a (student) visa	No need to get a Spanish Identification Number for Foreigners (NIE).
More than 90 days	you don’t need a (student) visa	You will have to get a Spanish Identification Number for Foreigners (NIE).

If you’re from any other country

Less than 90 days	you cannot apply fo a student visa	You may need to apply for a tourist visa. There’s no problem to study Spanish with a tourist visa as long as the course duration is less than 90 days. Here you find out if you need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Spain.
Between 90 and 180 days	you will need to get a student visa type C
More than 180 days	you will need a student visa type D

What is the NIE and how do I get it?

Natascha — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:04:10 +0000

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) or Foreigner’s Identification Number is an identification and tax number in Spain for all foreigners. The NIE number typically starts with an X or Y followed by 7 digits. It is issued by the National Police of Spain or Policía Nacional and it applies for both EU and non-EU citizens.

Why do you need a NIE?
Who needs a NIE?
How do I get a NIE?

Why do you need a NIE?

The NIE is needed if you want to undertake economic activity in Spain such as open a bank account, get a telephone contract, get employed, buy/sell a car, buy/sell property, pay tax, etc.

Who needs a NIE?

Non-EU students: if you are not from Schengen and have a student visa type C (for less than 180 days), you won’t be able to apply for a NIE in Spain. If you have a student visa type C (to stay longer than 180 says), the [temporary] NIE number is written on your visa. And you will have to apply for a TIE card during the first 30 days of your stay in Spain. The Tarjeta de Identidad para Extranjeros (TIE) or Foreigner Identity Card is an ID that contains your NIE.

EU students: if you are from a Schengen area country (EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland):

Staying longer than 90 days	You are obliged to register as an EU resident in Spain and get the NIE certificate.	Your NIE will be printed on a Certificate of registration as an EU resident (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE).
Staying less than 90 days	You can get a temporary NIE, but it is not obliged.	Your NIE will be printed on a Certificate of registration as an EU resident (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE).

How do I get the NIE?

1. Make an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros
In order to get your NIE certificate, you need to make an appointment with the local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the immigration police.

2. Fill out the NIE form
Fill out the NIE application form (EX-15). English instructions here

3. Go to the appointment and apply for your NIE
Before making the appointment online, you’ll be shown a list of things you need to bring. It is always recommended to bring all documents you have used for your Spanish study visa application, and have the required photocopies, as the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the immigration police will not make photocopies for you. For the NIE appointment, be sure to bring:

The printed out NIE form
2 recent passport photos
A supporting document, such as the acceptance letter from Linguaschools, that shows why you need a NIE
A valid passport (that doesn’t expire for at least six months after the expiration of your visa, if applicable) and a copy of all the pages
Fill out and pay the Tasa 790 that costs around 12 € (you can also print it, fill it out and pay it before going to the appointment)
Depending on the police station you may need to prove where you live legally (Padrón).

If all goes well, you will be given the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE with the NIE number on it on the spot. Please mind this document cannot be used to identify yourself and should always be shown together with your EU passport or ID card.

If you are a Linguaschools student and you have any questions or doubts about the process, just come by the school reception. We speak many different languages and we’d be happy to help you!

Other relevant articles:

Study visa for Spain

Study at a Spanish University

Other interesting information

Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using a number of different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.

What is the TIE and how to get it?

Natascha — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 07:50:22 +0000

The Tarjeta de Identidad para Extranjeros (TIE) or Foreigner Identity Card is the title that demonstrates that you have the legal right to stay in the country. It’s a valid temporary stay permit for the duration of your studies in Spain.

The permit is granted for a maximum of one academic year and is renewed annually, provided that you haven’t completed your studies and you can demonstrate good use of the previous course.

If you have the Spanish student visa type D, so to stay longer than 180 days, you have 30 days from the day of arrival to start the procedure of getting your TIE card. However, we recommend making the appointment right after arrival, as in many cases you will have to come back with an amended document.

IMPORTANT: Make sure your have enough safe margin to apply for your visa in the first place. Even if you have the type D student visa, if there are less than 180 between the date of arrival in Spain and the end date of your visa, you may not get the TIE card.

What is the difference between NIE and TIE?
The NIE is the identification number for foreigners. Although it commonly referred to as the NIE, the TIE is a card which actually has the NIE number printed on. You should find your temporary NIE number also on your Spanish study visa.

What steps should I take and what documents do I need?

1. Make an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros
In order to get your TIE, you have to make an appointment with the local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the immigration police (depends on the region). When making the appointment, first choose the region and after that the “Expedición de tarjeta de identidad extranjero (huella)”.

2. Get your empadronamiento certificate
The padrón, or certificado de empadronamiento is a letter confirming your registration at el padrón, the local register of residents in a particular place in Spain. You will need it for the application, but this part might take the most time.

3. Go to the appointment and apply for your TIE
Before making the appointment online, you have been shown a list of things you need to bring. It is always recommended to bring all documents you have used for your Spanish study visa application, and have the required photocopies, as the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the immigration police will not make photocopies for you. For the TIE appointment, be sure to bring:

The printed out appointment form
Proof of payment of the TIE application fee (M790 Codigo 012 form)
A valid passport that doesn’t expire for at least six months after the expiration of your visa
Completed application form (available at the office)
Photocopy of the passport stamp showing your entry into Spain
Letter of acceptance of your Spanish course at Linguaschools
3 recent passport photos in colour
The empadronamiento certificate

You will be informed of where and how to pick up your final TIE card, which can take up to 4 weeks after application.

If you are a Linguaschools student and you have any questions or doubts about the process, just come by the school reception. We speak many different languages and we’d be happy to help you!

Other relevant articles:

The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

Best 7 places to learn Spanish in Spain

Natascha — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 09:15:17 +0000

Are you thinking of learning Spanish but you’re not sure where to go? Don’t worry, here we’ll help you narrow down your choices.

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Chinese and it’s the official language in 20 countries. Therefore, it’s a great choice if you want to pick up something new and live an unforgettable experience.

Even though going to a language institute is a good start, if you want to learn faster, the best way is to do a Spanish course in a Spanish speaking country. You could go to many places but Spain is definitely one of your best choices. What better way to learn Spanish than doing it in the place where Spanish was born?

There are many cities to choose from but some are better than others for language learning. That’s why today we’ll have a look at the best 7 places to learn Spanish in Spain.

The Best 7 places to learn Spanish in Spain

Barcelona

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to learn Spanish, Barcelona is one of your top options. The second-biggest Spanish city is the most famous city in the Iberian Peninsula and a very popular destination among travelers.

Apart from stunning beaches, the city offers plenty of incredible attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, and Las Ramblas. Additionally, it’s an excellent place for football fans as it’s home to Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium.

It’s true that many locals in Barcelona speak the local language (Catalan). However, they also speak Spanish with a very clear accent making it easy to understand.

Being a tourist destination, Barcelona has a big airport and excellent train and flight connections to other places in Europe.

It’s worth noting that Barcelona isn’t the cheapest city in terms of accommodation or eating out, especially in summer. But that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune. If you stick to local places and look for rooms or flats outside the tourist areas you can find affordable options.

Valencia

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and arguably one of the most underrated. It enjoys agreeable temperatures year-round and fantastic beaches making it one of the best places to live in.

Valencia is home to the famous City of Arts and Science built by Santiago Calatrava, a beautiful old town, vibrant Central Market, and the Fallas, a local festival that takes place in March. In addition, this city is famous for being the birthplace of paella.

Even though some locals speak Valencian (a dialect of Catalan), they also speak Spanish and their accent is very clear making it an excellent choice to learn Spanish.

Want to know more? Read 13 reasons why you should visit Valencia

Málaga

The coastal city Malaga has experienced an incredible development in the last 10 years. Its stunning beaches, warm weather year-round, and rich Moorish history make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Andalusia.

With nearly 570,000 inhabitants, Málaga is also known as the “capital of the Costa del Sol”. However, it isn’t as big as Madrid or Barcelona so you can walk or cycle to most places.

Málaga is well connected to other major cities in Europe and to many other coastal towns along the Costa del Sol making it an ideal destination for beach lovers.

Granada

Granada is the favorite city of many Spaniards for good reason. This city has a rich Moorish history, a beautiful cathedral, and it’s home to the Albaycín neighborhood and the famous Alhambra. Additionally, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are only 30 kilometers away and there are amazing beaches nearly 1 hour away.

Even though it only has around 250,000 inhabitants, Granada has a vibrant atmosphere. The University of Granada has more than 80,000 students every year so it’s a great place to meet young people.

Granada is also famous for its cheap and big tapas making it an excellent option for those looking for a medium-size city with affordable prices.

Do you need more information? Here you’ll find the 15 reasons why you should visit Granada

Salamanca

Salamanca is a city located 200 kilometers west of Madrid, and only 1 hour from Portugal. It has nearly 150,000 inhabitants of which more than 30,000 are students.

Salamanca has a stunning old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s full of monuments. Some of the highlights are the famous Salamanca University, the Old and the New cathedrals, Plaza Mayor, and the Roman Bridge.

It’s said that Salamanca locals boast one of the clearest accents in Spain. Additionally, accommodation and eating out are cheap making it a great place to study Spanish.

Madrid

Madrid is one of those cities that the more you know it the more you like it. The Spanish capital has a lot of great attractions such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, San Miguel Market, La Latina and Malasaña neighborhoods, and its magical plazas.

It’s also home to Santiago Bernabeu and Wanda Metropolitano, Real Madrid’s and Atlético Madrid’s stadiums respectively, making it an excellent option for football lovers.

From Madrid, you can take day-trips to Toledo or Segovia, both less than 1 hour away. Additionally, Madrid is in the center of Spain and it’s very well connected with the rest of the country and with other cities in Europe.

It’s worth noting that Madrid isn’t as cheap as Salamanca or Granada. However, there are plenty of cheap bars and accommodation options in the city so you’ll find the ones that best suit your budget.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a beautiful coastal city in the Spanish Basque Country. It’s arguably one of the most famous cities in northern Spain and for good reason.

San Sebastián is home to La Concha, one of the best beaches in Europe, and Monte Igueldo, from which you can enjoy amazing views of the city. Additionally, it has a lovely old town and a world-class gastronomy scene with three 3-Michelin star restaurants and its delicious pintxos.

If you want to explore more of northern Spain and France, this city is a great base. It’s only 30 minutes away from France and only 45 minutes from Biarritz and Bayonne.

In San Sebastián, many people speak a local language called Basque. However, they all speak Spanish so you won’t have any problems to practice.

It’s worth noting that this coastal city gets very busy in summer so expect higher accommodation prices and more people from June to September.

Still not convinced? Here you’ll find 7 reasons why you should visit San Sebastián.
If you like beaches, find here the 7 most beautiful and secret beaches in Spain and other places to learn Spanish near the beach, apart from San Sebastián.

Conclusion

If you want to study Spanish, taking a course in Spain is probably your best choice. You’ll learn in the classes and you’ll be able to apply all that knowledge straightaway speaking with locals. Not only will you master a new language but also have a wonderful time!

At Linguaschools we offer many different courses depending on your level, time, and preferences. You can get more information about our Spanish courses here or contact us, we’ll be happy to answer all your questions!

You may find these articles interesting:
7 best places to learn Spanish in Spain
The 4 best places to learn Spanish in January

5 things to do in Valencia this summer

Natascha — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 12:31:52 +0000

Summer is usually the time of the year in which we travel the most. Spain is full of beautiful places but some don’t receive the attention they deserve. A clear example of this is Valencia.

Here we’ll tell you 5 things to do in summer in this beautiful city and why you should go.

1. Enjoy the sun and sea

One of Valencia’s biggest attractions is its wonderful beach, where both locals and tourists enjoy the sea. From hanging out on the beach to reading a book, any activity is fun when you’re enjoying the sun.

2. Discover the Turia gardens

For nature lovers, strolling through the gardens of Turia is an excellent choice. Valencia has several beautiful parks and gardens, but none compares to Turia, the largest urban park in the city.
With more than 110 hectares, it is the perfect place to walk, relax, play sports and sightseeing as it’s home to the most spectacular architectural complex in Valencia: the City of Arts and Sciences.

3. Go out for tapas in the historic center

Especially after sunset, terraces, cafes, bars and restaurants of the historic center are full of locals that go out to enjoy delicious tapas and drinks with friends. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, so going out for tapas is the perfect plan to meet people and enjoy Spanish cuisine.

4. Enjoy cinema on the beach

Do you like the sea and the movies? What can be better than watching a film on the beach? Every week in summer, a film festival takes place in different beaches of Valencia. There’s no admission fee making it an excellent plan to enjoy with friends.

5. Improve your Spanish

Summer is the ideal time to practice a language and enjoy cultural activities. In addition to meeting people, you’ll learn Spanish with native teachers and you can put it into practice with the locals in your free time.

Don’t miss out! Join one of our courses and learn Spanish in Valencia.

Spanish and surf classes in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Natascha — Wed, 04 May 2022 06:52:15 +0000

Did you know that there’s an ideal beach for both beginners and advanced surfers that’s easy to reach and it’s close to other beautiful beaches? That place is called Tamarindo and it’s located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica.

Tamarindo is famous for its amazing coast and its big waves making it an excellent place for surf lovers. But that’s not all. From a wide variety of lodging options to great nightlife, this town offers everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

For many, Tamarindo is one of the best spots to learn Spanish near the beach. To make things even better, some of the Spanish courses that Linguaschools Tamarindo offer include surf classes!

Tamarindo is also a great base to explore other places in the area. Avellanas and Playa Negra to the south, and Playa Grande to the north are amazing beaches that you can visit.

What are you waiting for? Sign up for our courses and come to learn Spanish while you enjoy surf classes and beach life in Costa Rica!

Best Coworking Spaces in Granada

Natascha — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 06:32:33 +0000

Do you live in Granada and are tired of working from home? Are you looking for a motivating place to work from? You’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll have a look at some of the best coworking spaces in Granada to help you be more productive.

The working from home dilemma

In theory, working from home is great. You can sleep a bit more, you can take more time to have breakfast and you don’t have to commute. However, the truth is that in most cases, the reality isn’t as good. According to recent research, nearly 70% of employees experience burnout symptoms while working from home. This not only impacts people’s health but also their productivity at work.

That’s why even though more and more people are working from home, many still prefer an office space. If you’re one of those people, you should have a look at co-working spaces.

What are coworking spaces?

Coworking spaces are shared workspaces. They’ve become very popular in recent years because they are affordable and they provide you with all the comforts of an office: big desks and comfortable chairs, WiFi, meeting rooms, and so on. On top of that, some of them also have additional amenities such as kitchens, projectors, a cafeteria, and more.

Apart from the office-like comforts, coworking spaces are a great solution for those who feel isolated or unmotivated working from home. As you share the working space with many different people, co-working spaces usually create a community of people who can support you and provide great feedback about your work. So not only will you meet new people with different backgrounds and professions but also get new ideas for your projects.

Finally, it’s worth noting that a coworking isn’t just a place for freelancers but also for anyone who wants to be part of a community and create synergies whether you’re an entrepreneur or a growing startup.

Best Coworking Spaces in Granada

It’s no secret that Granada is one of the favorite cities for students and young professionals. It’s beautiful, it’s home to the Alhambra, has a vibrant nightlife, it’s affordable, and it’s located between the stunning Costa Tropical and the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Granada has many coworking spaces so choosing one can be overwhelming. That’s why in this post, we’ll make your life easier and have a look at the best coworking spaces in Granada.

Anda CoWork

Anda CoWork is one of the best coworking spaces in Granada. This shared office gives professionals who work from home not only the opportunity to work with other professionals but also to share much more than just the same workspace.

Right in the center of Granada, Anda CoWork offers spaces for events, conferences, meetings, interviews, workshops, seminars, and classes.

Anda CoWork has independent and quiet locations with natural light, high-speed fiber, Wi-Fi, printer, fax, office, ticket office, registered address, and even a security system.

Many different professionals choose Anda CoWork for their projects, from self-employed professionals to businessmen, architects, lawyers, photographers, designers, translators, consultants, and more. This variety of profiles makes Anda CoWork an excellent space to network with other professionals.

Address: Avenida de Andalucía 5, 18014, Granada
Phone: +34 958 273 889
Website: https://www.andacowork.com

TROPIcoworking

Are you looking for an inspiring place to work, meet new people, connect with nature, and get your job done? What if you could have all that and be only 20 meters from the beach? If that’s the type of coworking you’re searching for, TROPIcoworking is one of the best options for you.

Located on the beautiful Costa Tropical, this coworking space is perfect for those who want to stay connected while enjoying a tropical paradise in Spain.

TROPIcoworking is an environmentally friendly space and powers all computers and Internet usage with solar energy. Additionally, it offers high-speed internet, insurance for your belongings, and 24/7 access.

Address: Calle Las Palomas, 4 Edificio Bahia Jardín Fase IV, La Herradura, 18697
Phone: +34 643 361 941
Website: https://www.tropicoworking.com/

La Variable

La Variable is a shared workspace located in the heart of Granada. This top coworking space is very popular among designers, architects, photographers, and software developers, as well as communication, cultural management, and tax and labor advice professionals.

On top of that, they also collaborate with professionals from other artistic fields such as writers and musicians.

La Variable offers clean and comfortable spaces with big tables, high-speed WiFi, lockers, and it’s open 24/7. It also has a multipurpose room that you can use for photoshoots, work meetings, courses, seminars, and anything you can think of.

Address: Calle de Buensuceso 40, 18002, Granada
Phone: +34 652 184 222
Website: https://www.lavariable.es/

All in all, in theory, working from home is great. However, many people struggle to be productive when working from home and end up working too many hours and experiencing burnout. Coworking spaces offer a great solution. They’re affordable, have all the comforts of an office, and are excellent places to network with other professionals.

Finally, Granada is an amazing city for students and young professionals. However, to experience all it has to offer you need to speak Spanish. So check out our courses and start learning Spanish with us make the most of your stay in Granada!

Why Michelle is having her private Spanish lessons in los Jardines de Viveros

Natascha — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 11:26:00 +0000

Meeting new cultures, exchanging opinions, and practicing Spanish in an international environment are just some of the many advantages of learning in a group. But what about those students who prefer to learn Spanish in a more individualized setting?

The private Spanish classes that Linguaschools offers allow students to customize the classes according to their personal motivation and fully cover their linguistic needs. This way, students can focus on a specific area or topic, as well as reinforce those aspects of the language in which they don’t feel fully confident.

Individual classes are a great way to learn Spanish fast and effectively. Michelle, our beloved student from the Netherlands, combines group classes with private classes, allowing her to consolidate her knowledge and make the most of her stay in Valencia. In fact, last week, Michelle and her teacher María enjoyed a wonderful outdoor Spanish class in the Jardines de Viveros.

If you also want to learn Spanish in Valencia and enjoy your Spanish classes to the fullest in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, check out our wide variety of courses. We’ll be waiting for you!

Best jobs for non-Spanish speakers in Spain [2023]

Natascha — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 09:15:29 +0000

You want to move to Spain and find a job but you don’t speak Spanish? Don’t worry! There are many things you can do to earn some money. In this post, we’ll show you some of the best jobs for non-Spanish speakers in Spain.

Many students and young professionals dream of living in the Iberian Peninsula. Great weather year-round, friendly locals, vibrant culture, and beautiful cities are some of the reasons why everyone loves Spain.

Even though many people want to move to Spain, the main hurdle is that they don’t speak Spanish, so they think they won’t be able to find a job. Of course, the first thing to do is learn Spanish with us. But even if you’re not well-versed in the local language, there are plenty of jobs available. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best job options for non-Spanish speakers in Spain but first, let’s have a look at the requirements.

Requirements to work in Spain

If you’re from the EU, you simply need to get a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero or Foreigner’s Identification Number) to legally work in Spain.

On the other hand, if you are from a non-EU country, you need a work visa. For this, you’ll need a job contract with a Spanish employer and other documents. Your employer must request a work permit and once the Government grants the authorization, which will also include your residence permit, you can apply for a Work visa. This is very important as non-EU citizens can’t legally work in Spain without a visa.

There are different types of Work Visas. Some of the most common ones are:

Long-term
Seasonal
Au Pair
EU Blue Card

It’s important to note that if you’re from a country outside the EU and you are in Spain with a student visa, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. For more information, check out our guide on how to work in Spain with a student visa.

Now, let’s have a look at some of the best jobs in Spain for non-Spanish speakers.

Best jobs for non-Spanish speakers in Spain

Language teacher

One of the most popular options if you don’t speak Spanish is to work as a language teacher. English is the most common one but there’s also a high demand for French and German teachers.

Competition for these types of jobs is very high, especially if you want to become an English teacher. So, if you want to improve your chances of finding a job, we recommend getting a teaching certificate.

Find out How to become an English teacher in Spain

Freelancer

Freelancing is becoming more and more common nowadays. People want to be able to work from anywhere and manage their working hours. And the best part is that you can become a freelancer regardless of what your skills are. From translation jobs to product manager positions to web development to design, the possibilities are endless.

Even though it can be hard to get clients at the beginning, you can combine freelancing with a more stable job until you get a more recurrent income from your clients. So, if you like the idea of having a flexible job, becoming a freelancer can be an excellent option for you.

Customer service

Working in customer service is one of the best jobs you can find in Spain for non-Spanish speakers. In big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, many international companies are constantly looking for customer service roles in many different languages.

If you like talking with customers and speak a bunch of languages, this is an interesting choice for you.

Copywriter/Editor

If you’re into writing, a good alternative is to work as a copywriter or editor. There are millions of blogs and online magazines that need content for their users and hire copywriters that can work remotely.

Apart from having writing skills, it helps if you know about SEO and have a portfolio that you can use to showcase your work and get your first clients. If you’re new to the copywriting world, one of the best ways to create a portfolio is to write about your travels or experiences that you’ve had that people can relate to.

Tour guide

If you have a good knowledge of the city and you like to show people around, working as a tour guide is an excellent choice.

In cities like Barcelona or Madrid, many companies offer all kinds of tours for tourists. So, if you’re outgoing and enjoy meeting new people while sharing your passion for your city, working as a tour guide is a great option.

Recruiter for international companies

Another interesting alternative if you don’t speak Spanish and you’re into HR, is to work as a recruiter for international companies. Many companies need specific profiles that are hard to find in Spain, so they hire international people and need recruiters that can speak several languages.

Remote work

One of the best things you can do in Spain if you don’t speak Spanish is to work remotely. Nowadays, it’s becoming more and more common for people to work from home. This trend has accelerated with the pandemic, so now many companies are allowing their employees to work remotely 100% of the time.

If that’s your case, you could move to Spain and enjoy the best weather in Europe without even quitting your job!

Au-pair

If you like children and you don’t speak Spanish, becoming an au-pair can be a very good job for you in Spain.

An Au-pair is a person from a foreign country that lives with a host family and helps them with childcare and housework duties. In return, they receive accommodation, food, and sometimes a small allowance.

Apart from liking children, au-pairs need to be responsible, organized, and be willing to do different chores. Many families prefer to hire au-pairs through agencies because they tend to provide background checks and references. Even though you probably won’t make as much money as doing other jobs, keep in mind that you’ll also have fewer expenses.

Club promoter

Being a club promoter is one of the best jobs for non-Spanish speakers who love nightlife and meeting people. If you’re outgoing and you like working at night, this can be an excellent job for you.

Club promoters are very popular in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, and other Spanish cities. Most times, promoters get paid per hour and get commissions depending on the number of people they convince to get into the club or pub. Additionally, sometimes you may also have to promote other activities such as dinners, tours, and so on.

Keep in mind that many nightclubs and pubs pay informally for this kind of job, so make sure you ask before starting.

In most places in Spain, you can probably go about without speaking the language. However, speaking Spanish will help you experience places like a local and help you make the most of your time here. Make Spanish friends, get to know your neighbor, or discuss football or politics with the local shop owner.

That’s why we recommend you check out our courses and start learning Spanish with us! If you want to give your Spanish a boost before start working, you should either go for the intensive group courses, individual courses, or a combination of the two. If you want to learn Spanish while working part-time or full-time, you will find the semi-intensive group courses the most suitable. What are you waiting for?