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Discover Spain: Where Vibrant Culture Meets Mediterranean Living.

Spain offers students two unforgettable study abroad destinations to call home. In Seville, the heart of Andalusia, immerse yourself in Spanish language and traditions, flamenco, festivals, and historic architecture.

In Barcelona, in Spain’s Catalonia region, discover a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city shaped by Gaudí’s architecture, a vibrant international community, and the blend of Spanish and Catalan cultures.

Why study abroad in Spain?

Education style. Opportunities to study in both English and Spanish, with programs in business, arts, social sciences, and international studies.

Cultural orientation. A rich mix of historic and modern traditions, from flamenco and festivals to world-class museums and contemporary design.

Student lifestyle. Outdoor plazas, late-night cafés, vibrant markets, and easy access to beaches and mountains create a welcoming, social atmosphere.

Spanish cities popular among study abroad students to visit or live:

  • Barcelona is a cosmopolitan, Catalan city known for Gaudí’s iconic architecture, Mediterranean beaches, vibrant nightlife, and international student life.
  • Seville is the heart of Andalusia, famous for flamenco, Moorish palaces, orange tree-lined streets, and authentic immersion in Spanish culture.
  • Madrid is the capital of Spain, known for it’s art, rich history, and elegant streets
  • Granada, nestled in the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is famous for it’s spanish Renaissance architecture, particularly the Alhambra.

Spain study abroad highlights

Language spokenSpanish (Castilian), with Catalan widely spoken in Barcelona
CapitalsMadrid
Common housing typesResidence hall, shared flats, homestays
Known forMediterranean lifestyle, vibrant festivals, flamenco, football, art, and tapas culture
Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Fun factsCamp Nou in Barcelona is Europe’s largest soccer stadium. Seville has tens of thousands of orange trees, more than any other city in the world.

IFSA programs in Spain

With IFSA, you can choose the Spanish study abroad experience that fits your goals.

  • By program type
    • Humanities and social sciences
    • Business and economics
    • Arts and culture
    • Spanish language
  • By term
    • Full Academic Year
    • Fall semester
    • Spring semester
    • Summer

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need a visa?
  • Are there scholarships?
    • Yes! IFSA offers a range of scholarships, including need-based awards and destination-specific funding. View scholarships.
  • What excursions and activities are typically* offered?
    • Visit charming Girona. 
    • Explore Figueras, home of the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
    • Discover Montserrat and its stunning mountain monastery.
    • Enjoy Sitges, a lively seaside town. 
    • Tour Madrid’s grand boulevards and world-class museums.
    • See Granada and marvel at the magnificent Alhambra Palace.
      *Excursions vary by term, year, and location
  • What sports are popular in Spain?
    • Football (soccer). Spain’s most popular sport has deep roots and an energetic fanbase behind clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
    • Basketball. Widely followed and played at universities.
    • Tennis. Popular across the country, with Rafael Nadal as a national icon.
    • Cycling. Especially popular in Catalonia and northern Spain.

Study Abroad Programs Available in Spain

Student stories from Spain

“Barcelona taught me how to slow down, trust myself, and be present in a way I never had to before. I found happiness in the consistent small wins, from ordering meals in Spanish to hanging out with strangers who soon became friends.”

—Kathleen B., IFSA Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

“Seville taught me so much more than just Spanish or history about the city. It taught me patience amid frustration, flexibility, and joy in the unexpected. During walks, errands, or spontaneous kebab runs with friends, I discovered the value of slowing down and enjoying the little moments in life.”

—Stephanie B., IFSA Seville Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO)