From its cultural treasures and stunning architecture to the excitement of the running of the bulls and its buzzing cities, Spain is an enchanting and invigorating destination for studying abroad.

An understanding of Spain's rich culture and history begins with its geography. Located on the second biggest peninsula in Europe at the crossroads of Western Europe and North Africa, Spain has been influenced both by various European cultures and the Moorish culture and history of Morocco and Northern Africa.

Once part of the Roman Empire, Spain displays an architectural and artistic history from that period as well as influence from the eight centuries of Moorish rule in Spain. Religious influences also played an important role historically in the country's art and architecture as well as holidays such as Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Today, Spain is a thriving Western European nation with the 9th largest economy in the world. Spain's economy revolves around important industries including tourism and exports of textiles, food products, and manufacturing. Some students think of Spain only in context of its history, but it is a modern, technologically advanced nation and a great place to live today. (The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Spain as having the 10th best quality of life out of 110 countries in the ranking.) Likewise, Spain's well-developed modern education system consists of dozens of public and private universities, which are spread throughout the country's cities and smaller towns.

If you already speak Spanish, you can jump right into one of the country's excellent schools, or if not, there are a variety of study abroad programs that are in English or will help you learn Spanish along with other subjects relating to your major. For example, API offers intensive language programs as well as programs in everything from art to business and a variety of direct enrollment options with local Spanish universities. 

The country's capital, Madrid, is located in the center of the country, and is not only central to the country's politics and business, but also typifies the Spanish love of life. From a soccer match of the famous Real Madrid team to dinner at 11 pm and traffic jams at 3 am, you will find the Madrileños a lively group. Due to its central location, Madrid makes a great jumping off point for visiting much of Spain. It is a large city with an extensive public transportation system that students new to cities may find an adventure. Madrid is also home to the largest university in the country, the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, which is currently educating close to 100,000 students in 76 degree programs at any one time.

Students of architecture can revel in the influence of Gaudí in Barcelona and experience the free-spirited international city. Barcelona is a promising place to pursue an internship due to its variety of international businesses. Its diverse population makes it a great destination for students wishing to explore a truly multi-cultural city. The University of Barcelona is a fine institution, which boasts over 76,000 students and an active international student population. Barcelona is also unique as its official language is Catalan. You may want to learn some of the basics first if you're going to study there, especially if you plan to enroll directly in a local university, since many lectures will are held be in Catalan. Barcelona also makes a great starting point if you're interested in visiting France, which many students will do during a break - look into buying a Eurail Pass.

For students wishing to avoid some of Spain's larger cities, there are a number of other options available. Seville is the capital of the gorgeous region of Andalusia and is known as the birthplace of Flamenco. Not surprisingly, the Sevillanos are known for their love of music and dancing. While studying there, you also have to see a bull fight in the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. Seville is home to the world's third largest cathedral, and you can also witness the stunning architecture of La Giralda and the Torre de Oro. Salamanca is a classic "university town" that many students find enchanting due to its intimate, small town feel and the ease of getting around on foot. It is a great place for learning Spanish because its residents speak Castillian Spanish that isn't influenced by regional dialects. The University of Salamanca is also known as the country's most prestigious university. Marbella is located in southern Spain and shows some of the mixed influence of Spain's heritage with the ruins of Roman baths rubbing architectural shoulders with Moorish architecture. Granada is also an excellent study destination -- it's the home of the Alhambra and the only city in Spain with free tapas. (And if you don't know what tapas are, you're going to be delighted to find out!)

Once you investigate your options for destinations in Spain, you should also note that studying there for more than 90 days requires a student visa. Leave yourself plenty of time to apply and talk to your study abroad adviser on how to get one.

No matter where in Spain you study, you will find its people warm and welcoming with a zest for life that few other cultures can boast. As both a modern European nation and a culturally and historically rich treasure, Spain offers true depth for the students who choose to study there. Oh, and did we mention the weather is fantastic too?

If you already speak Spanish, you can jump right into one of the country's excellent schools, or if not, there are a variety of study abroad programs that are in English or will help you learn Spanish along with other subjects relating to your major. For example, API offers intensive language programs as well as programs in everything from art to business and a variety of direct enrollment options with local Spanish universities.

Resources -

Universidad Complutense de Madrid: http://www.ucm.es/info/ucmp/index.php
Universitat de Barcelona: http://www.ub.es/en/
The Economist Intelligence Unit (Download Quality of Life PDF): http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/QUALITY_OF_LIFE.pdf
Cooperation and Foreign Office, Spain: http://www.spainemb.org/ingles/indexing.htm
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP