In Spain, the education regulating body is “Ministry of Education”. In Spain it is the “Law Of Education” that makes the regulations. According to this law, education in Spain is compulsory and should be free from “six years to sixteen years of age”. This is supported by the government of the Spain. From 6 to 16, the school attendance is compulsory for every child.
A Look at the Education System
Spanish Education SystemThe education before 6 years is termed as pre-primary education or kindergarten education and is divided into two groups. First is up to 3 years and the second is from 3 to 6 years of age. From 6 to 16 years of age, the education in Spain is divided into two groups. 1) The first group, called primary education, is for students between the ages of 6 and 12. 2) 12 to 16 years ( called secondary education) The primary education is divided into three cycles 1) 6 to 8 years (first cycle) 2) 8 to 10 years (second cycle) 3) 10 to 12 years (third cycle) During this stage, the average number of students in a class is around 25 in the Spanish schools.
The primary goal of this level of education is to provide all the children with a common education which makes it possible for them to acquire the basic cultural elements, learning oral expression, writing and arithmetic, as well as a progressive self-sufficiency of action in their environment. The certificate given at the end of this stage is termed as School Graduate. The secondary education is divided into two cycles 1) 12 to 14 years (first cycle) 2) 14 to 16 years (second cycle) During this stage, the average number of students in a class is around 30 in the Spanish schools. The certificate given at the end of this stage is termed as Secondary Education Graduate.
The next stage of education is called as medium-grade training cycles. This stage has two options. 1) Bachelor degree and lasts for 2 years. The subject categories available are o Arts o Natural and health sciences o humanities and social sciences o technology 2) Training for occupations will allow a student to take their studies for only specific jobs and is often an the choice for those who want a less academic course. Upon obtaining this qualification the student is then allowed to enter the workforce in their field, or can enroll in another technical program that combines all of the specialized courses that are required.
The next stage of education also has two choices. 1) Post secondary occupational training, an extension of the occupational training allows students to further enhance their training to a higher level and lasts either one or two years 2) University education and admission into it is determined by a university entrance exam which is held in each June. It has three stages. The short degree programs that take 3 years to complete, which can be either University diploma or Engineering Technician are longer programs last between four and six years. You will find that the programs are separated into two different cycles. In the first cycle you can anticipate two to three years of education that consists of general education studies in the major that you have chosen. In the second cycle there is an additional two to three years of further education required. Doctoral programs generally require two years of further study and consist of both coursework and a dissertation.
Studying is Spanish or English
If you are an international student choosing to attend a university in Spain, prepare yourself. Most of the universities in the country teach their studies in the Spanish language. It is highly advisable that you be able to speak, read, write and understand the Spanish language before you choose to enroll in a college in the country.
The Chance to Learn Spanish
If you do not already know the Spanish language there are many courses that you can take before enrolling in the actual classes that you want to take. The time length for these courses vary, dependent upon the location in which you choose to study as well as the exact program that you choose. Keep in mind there are costs associated with attending these classes, however, they greatly prepare you for what is ahead.
Do bear in mind that taking a Spanish course Is not mandatory, however, without the knowledge of the Spanish language it is much more difficult to learn the subject that you have come to learn. You are in a Spanish speaking country, after all, and learning the language is something that you should want to do. Nothing is more exciting than learning a language from those who speak it the best. Imagine coming back home and being able to talk to all of your family and friends in this new found language. It will amaze everyone around you –including yourself!
English in Spain
Do keep in mind that there are some courses that are taught in English, but these courses are usually few and far between. To learn whether or not a university in Spain offers their courses in English you should contact the university directly.
A couple of universities in Spain that do offer teaching in English include:
Global Business School – Located in Barcelona, this private university offers bachelor’s degrees as well as master’s degrees in a number of different studies. There are students at this university from around the world. Some of the available courses at this university include English Preparation, Finance, Marketing, Business management and a number of others.
Marbella University – Marbella University is another English speaking university found in Spain. This university is located in Malaga. It is the first, as well as the only, university in South Spain that offers English courses. Students can be found from all around the world. This university offers the chance to earn a Bachelor’s degree in any number of popular subjects, including Tourism, Hospitality, Journalism, Business administration and a number of others.
More often than not it is safe to say that you will need to be familiar with the Spanish language in order to be successful at a university in the country.
Popular Courses in Spain
There are quite of few popular college courses in Spain. Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree, there is an ample amount of choices that are available to you. Additionally doctorate degrees can be obtained in the country in a number of different areas. If you are unsure of what type of degree that you would like to earn, understanding the most popular degrees in Spain can be of great help.
The Law field happens to be one of the most popular of all in Spain, but is still one of many different choices available. Let’s take a look at the law field in Spain, as well as the other popular degrees attainable in the country.
The Law Field in Spain
One of the most popular fields that young people are entering is the law field. So there are quite of few very popular college courses in Spain, Madrid, in particular, that offer a variety of law courses for people that are wanting to enter into the law workforce. Whether your goal is to become a lawyer, a government official, or anything having to with law, Madrid, Spain is where you can take some really good courses.
As with many colleges from whatever country you attend college in, the outcome of your grade is primarily based on your test finals. One of the most interesting and a must course if looking for a degree in law is a course called The Legal System of the European Union. Students from all over the world are taking this course as it provides the framework and functioning of the legal system in European countries. By taking this class students will learn not only how the legal system works in Spain, but will also learn the decision-making process in the legal system. This class gives a student a strong foundation on how the whole legal process works in European countries.
Another popular college course in Spain is International Criminal Law. This course will examine the core international crimes as the number of international crimes is quite high. At the end of this course a student will have the knowledge of the development of the international criminal procedure and basically the criminal justice system in general. Finally, any student entering into the law field in Spain or any other European country will need to take a course. This course is divided into two different parts that begin with an introduction of a specific style of approach to the law, along with a unique method of characterizing the traditions of the civil law versus the cultures of that common law as well. The course helps one to understand the how and the why these legal paths were developed. The second part of the course places focus on comparisons of constitutional law.
Other Popular Courses in Spain
Arts and Humanities is yet another popular degree for people in Spain to earn. With this particular type of degree you can work in any number of exciting fields, ensuring that you have a lifelong career that you live. Some of the most popular fields to work in with this degree include the English language, history and language, visual arts and others. Upon successfully completing the courses for an Arts and Humanities degree and the exam is successfully completed, a final research thesis must be performed and completed. This is the final step, and degree is earned. Students whom have earned this degree can enjoy a rewarding career in any number of industries.
Upon majoring in an Arts and Humanities field the individual will have a number of skills that can be used in many faucets of their life and in their career. If you like to work with others on projects and enjoy helping others, oftentimes making a difference in their life, this is the field perfect for you to look into.
Popular courses offered for those who seek an Arts and Humanities degree include:
Western American Literature
Spanish Literature
Fundamentals of Philosophy
Environmental Ethics
Popular Music
Keep in mind that the exact courses that you will take will vary upon the university in Spain that you choose to attend, as well as the exact major that you are shooting for.
Marketing and Finance
These days it is a dream come true for many people to own or operate their own business. With the help of a Marketing and Finance degree this is more than possible. It also happens to be one of the most popular courses in Spain. Both graduate and undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Financing are available, and with the degree an individual has an array of opportunities sitting before them.
Typical jobs that those with a Marketing and Finance degree choose to work in after graduation include Marketing Consultants, Financial Analyst, Advertising Exec, Account Exec, Product Manager and many others.
Science Degrees
There are many different ways that you can go with a Sciences degree, and with that degree you have unlimited possibilities for an amazing future and a career that will be most enjoyable. Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and a number of other choices are all available for your degree. Again, both graduate and undergraduate degrees are available in Sciences, and with these degrees there is always room to grow.
Spanish Courses
Where better to learn Spanish than in Spain? The universities in Spain teach their lessons in Spanish, however, if you prefer, you can also take a course that specifically teaches you the language. These courses can be completed in various lengths of time, depending upon your needs and desires. Many people coming to Spain to study from non-Spanish speaking countries often choose to take this course before advancing to their degree studies. You can also learn Spanish so that you can teach the language yourself.
Hospitality Management
Another popular course for those to take in Spain universities is hospitality management. Hospitality Management can include hotels and motels, restaurants and similar establishments. With this degree you can take assurance in knowing that you will always have a job with plenty of potential for growth. One can obtain a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in Hospitality management, with the length of time that it takes to earn the degree variable according to the exact degree you wish to earn and the university in which you plan to attend.