While you are certainly very excited to be traveling to Spain, you probably also have many reservations about how your life will be once you arrive in the country. After all it is a totally new experience, quite different from what you are used to living. You’re thousands of miles away from home, around people that are strange to you. It can be very scary.
But relax. Living in Spain as a student is something that you will find quite enjoyable. All throughout the country you will find serene, beautiful lands filled with nature and inspiration. Spain offers a fun environment day in and day out, and all of the colleges offer an array of activities for students to participate and engage in. Whether you are a guy or a girl, student life will be of the most pleasure while in Spain.
Your daily schedule as a student will vary according to the college you are enrolled in, as well as the courses that you have elected to take. Colleges offer both full and part-time schedules, with plenty of time for students to study, learn and enjoy their lives. You may find yourself attending college for one to two hours per day, or as many as 6 to 7, depending on your selections.
While learning you can always expect to receive a top notch learning opportunity from highly qualified instructors who really care about their students learning and excelling in all areas of their lives. Spain is home to 76 universities, with 24 of those universities being state funded. Each of those institutions takes teaching their students to the utmost of standards.
You will be expected to show up at school on time, arriving at your classroom before the start time and prepared to work. Success depends upon your desire and your willingness to succeed, so this is of the most importance.
Most classes in Spain are taught in Spanish; however with the increasing number of international students entering schools in the country it is becoming much easier to find classes available in English as well. Even if you choose English classes, do be prepared to learn Spanish anyway. Simply being around peers and in the country will help you quickly adapt to the language, the culture and of course the language as well.
Life as a student in Spain is something worthwhile and more than interesting. You can enjoy every single day of your new found life as you study abroad.
Transportation in Spain
How will you get around while you live and study in Spain? There is certainly no shortage of transportation options available to you, and here we will look at those options and help you learn just a little bit more about them. With this information you can easily get anywhere that you need to go, any time that you need to get there.
Rental Car
Rental cars are available to students in Spain, although there may be restrictions on what can be rented due to your age. A rental car can be rented by the day, the week or the month, with tremendous discounts the longer that you have the vehicle. Many different types of vehicles are available for rental, and the good thing about a rental car is that you always have access to transportation so you can easily get where you need to be without delay. Another great thing about a rental car is that you can travel more, visiting nearby cities if you so choose to do so.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is also available in cities throughout Spain and one of the most common ways that students get around. There are several options for public transportation throughout Spain. Do keep in mind that the public transportation available to you may vary.
Train: Train travel is a popular way to get around. It is really convenient, though service is very limited on the main line, the Spanish Speed Train (AVE), running only from Catalonia to Andalusia and crossing over Madrid. The AVE is more expensive than other train options, though all are affordable for most students. Additionally the trains are quite, clean and comfortable so you can ride them with ease.
Bus: Bus is also popular for getting around Spain. They go places that the train does not go, offering more frequent service and more destinations. There are several different coach companies offering busses throughout Spain at very costs, all very affordable for the budget.
Taxi Cab: A taxi cab rental is available in most Spain cities. Taxi cabs are convenient and can take you anywhere that you need to go. Taxi cabs operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The rates for a taxi can be expensive with taxi cab companies charging a per meter rate for each destination. Flat rates to/from the airport may be available.
Walking
Walking is an option that you can use in many different cases. While it is certainly not possible to walk everywhere you want to go, you can walk to your destination oftentimes. When you walk you are saving yourself money, as well as providing yourself with a number of health benefits. Walking is a great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air and explore the city while you are at it.
Most students in Spain will find they use several of the different methods of transportation, so It is best to get familiar with all of them so you always know just what to do when you need to get out and about.
Also keep in mind that Spain has about 70 different airports that can help you get to and from your destinations both inside and outside of the country.
Health and Medical Treatment in Spain
From the common cold to influenza and broken bones to allergies and everything in between, many different ailments can cause an individual to become ill and see a doctor or make a visit to a hospital or emergency facility. You can become sick, even as a student studying in Spain. The healthcare system in Spain is much the opposite of what you will find in other countries, making it essential that you familiarize yourself with it should Spain be your university destination.
You will find comfort in knowing that health and medical treatment in Spain is top notch. There are many fine doctors, hospitals and healthcare providers found throughout the country, making it easy to get the appropriate treatment needed for your condition and get back to your normal life. If knowing that you are going to receive the best of care were not enough, take comfort in knowing that healthcare costs are also very affordable.
The hospitals, doctors offices and specialty centers in Spain are all state-of-the art facilities that use the latest in technology and equipment to ensure the best of care for each and every patient that is seen by the doctor. You can expect professional doctors and friendly staff members willing to help you with all of your medical needs small and large.
European Health Card
If you are a student in Spain you need the EHC, or the European Health Card. This card titles the recipient access to the great healthcare found in the country. When you have the card you can get all of your healthcare costs reduced, and sometimes at no cost. While most medical services are covered with this card, dental services are not covered. Prescriptions are covered under the plan, with 60% paid and the remaining 40% your responsibility to cover. If you need emergency services while in Spain you will be covered only when you use the public health facilities near you.
Many health centers are available for individuals to obtain dental services from at no cost. You must have your social security number readily available to take advantage of the free dental care. Some Spanish hospitals also offer emergency dental treatment. Because of the excessive waiting periods most people coming to Spain for a short while choose private health insurance to cover their dental insurance coverage needs.
Whether you are visiting a health center, a doctor’s office or a hospital it is necessary that you show your EHC every time that you visit. If you do not have this card available to show you are responsible for the entire amount of the bill and the amount will not be covered under the European health care system.
With the EHC you can obtain treatment for both new and existing medical conditions. Also, the card is usable for the entire duration of your stay in Spain, so once you have the card you have nothing to worry about.
To obtain the EHC card you can apply online. Phone applications are also accepted if you prefer to use this route. In order to apply you will need to provide your name, NHS number and your date of birth. There is no cost to apply for or receive the card.
It is a good idea to start the application process for the EHC several months before your intended arrival. It can take up to two months to process the application, but of course you do not want to push things this close to the time limit.
Private Insurance
If you prefer, private insurance is also available. You may wish to attain private insurance for any number of reasons, including to gain more or better coverage for your health care needs. People also choose to get private insurance when they want more freedom in the selection of the doctors and hospitals they will use.
Many different companies offer health insurance to students in Spain. Each company will offer a variety of services included in the plan, as well as those that are not. It is imperative that you check with a few different companies in order to find the best plan for your need, including that which meets your budget requirements.
When you opt for private health insurance it is essential that you always make comparisons. You can easily make comparisons on the web, and with those comparisons you can easily get an insurance policy at a cost affordable to your budget. A comparison makes it possible to learn the different companies and what they offer so you are never disappointed with the end results.
The amount that you will spend to obtain private insurance will vary according to the services that you wish to have covered in the plan, the company that you purchase from and a number of other things, so make sure that you choose carefully.
There are a number of benefits associated with private insurance. As we mentioned the ability to choose from a larger array of doctors and hospitals is one of those benefits, and you will also enjoy shorter wait times for health care and more.
Getting Treated in Spain
Take a look at the average costs of some of the most common medical procedures being performed.
General doctor Visit -35 Euros
Tooth Whitening -330 Euros
Filling -49 Euros
Varicose Vein Removal -1400 Euros
Compare those costs to others in Europe and other areas of the world and you will see that healthcare in the country is more than reasonable.
Spain has amazing healthcare services throughout, whether you have a minor medical issue or a chronic health problem, and with the great options for health care coverage you can be certain that your time as a student in Spain will be spent in the best of health.
It is a good idea that you take a look at the European health card, as well as private insurance, just to be on the safe side. While we never plan for a medical emergency or need coming our way It is something that you just cannot predict. With these options you can be certain that you are always covered.
