Study and Travel in Spain

When we talk of globalization, education too becomes a part of it. Students leave their homeland and relocate to another country to either pursue higher education in a foreign university or as a part of student exchange plan of an existing course. Foreign exchange students have become most simplified reality of today.

According to an old adage “half knowledge is dangerous”. And there are scores of us who have lot of misconceptions and fallacies about foreign exchange students program.

Lets us look at it from a routine life standpoint. Many of you would have come across overseas students attending classes in your college/university. These are exchange students who stay in another country to complete a full-fledged 3-4 year degree course.

In this context the stay period is not always longer. Perhaps another major chunk of foreign exchange students or sophomores, come to another country for the final semesters of their curriculum. These exchange student programs are actually a student exchange, where you too can ponder upon the prospects of going abroad to complete your education.

Today, where the whole world is shrinking to a global village, what else can better explain this fact than foreign exchange students? These are in general “mutual exchanges” where almost any student enjoys the bright prospects to go abroad and study at least for a year.

As the latest trend, not only college going sophomores, but adolescent school students too is becoming a part of foreign exchange programs. With the ever-widening horizons of education studying abroad has become an inseparable part of customary education. Knowledge and wisdom has transcended the barriers of time and boundaries, and students have broken the leashes of rigid classroom lectures and have gone overboard as foreign exchange students for multifaceted growth and development.

However, a major concern of foreign exchange students is allocating an ideal host family. Selecting a host family has its own set of procedures. It is a very crucial task as student has to stay with the host family for the duration of his course in the university. Once after coherent confirmation and requisite formalities host family is allocated.

Many of the students over the time develop an eternal bond with the host family and learn a lot about country cultural heritage and traditions. Thus, being a foreign exchange student is a win-win situation from all perspectives of life, where a student becomes wealthy at both academic and cultural planes.

For more details: please visit “www.spainexchange.com” .

Prior to summer study programs, summer was never so much fun. Merely a thought of being greeted by people from some hospitable clan, located in some far-flung village at the countryside, creates flutter in the tummy.

Teenage students are thrilled to spend their summers traversing across an alien land, while enhancing their knowledge and tasting a scoop from other nation’s cultural heritage. That’s why summer study programs are now becoming a rage among high school students.

Summer study programs offer lots of choices that almost overwhelm students. Choice depends upon interest and preferences of the students. Based on duration, they can either opt between a week long trip or a 2 months long educational expedition. They may choose a program that offers an insight of the country to be visited or a culmination program that gives both education and adventure simultaneously.

The monetary factor also plays a major role in making the final decision. Both parents and students should perform a thorough groundwork. Always seek professional advice and guidance from school authorities. Be cautious while paying for the program. Clearly enlist what all facilities are included in the cost.

Summer study programs vary significantly both in terms of nature and money. It may cost from frugal few hundred dollars to hefty thousands.

Take a quick look at the policies and procedures of the company. Summer study programs should commence with a formal orientation. Each student much be allocated a host family, after proper research. Going to another nation may also require students to learn the local dialect. Seek guidance from previous participants in the summer study programs. Talk about their experiences and understanding of the course.

Summer study programs help students to sneak a look into the diverse culture of another country. This enhances his/her multifaceted development. Summer study programs are those mirrors that reflect the vivid colors of life in another nation and embrace participants in the spectacular once-in-a-lifetime experience. Within this short-span students see various dimensions of life; they make new friends, visit new schools, live with a new family. Summer study programs is just like a dream come true, where students take a closer look at life and learn to live independently.

So, don’t waste your summers sitting home. There is lot more veiled overseas, waiting to be unleashed by you. So consult some professional study abroad company and pack your bags for your next summer study program abroad.

For more details: please visit “www.spainexchange.com” .

Leaving your country to study abroad has its won set of worries and woes. A couple of bad experiences faced by others may force you to drop your most awaited opportunity. Thus, it’s better to purge your mind first from all delusions and worries, and go overseas to fulfill your long cherished dream to study abroad.

On an average more than 100,000 college students migrate to study abroad. This phenomenal number of students is instrumental in spreading grapevines about study abroad. But not everything you hear is supposed to be true. There are lots of rumors and buzz associated with study abroad with almost no relevance to the actual fact.

The most common misconception regarding studying abroad is that “it is expensive”. Ironically, the truth is just the opposite. Rather it costs you less than what your tuition fee, boarding-lodging and other additional expenses collectively cost you. There are a few study abroad programs that cost you less than what you one semester cost you at your own country.

Another fallacy is that host families are all needy and consider money as the whole and sole motive. Placing children in false families would bring nothing else but disgrace to the study abroad companies. This is far from reality. Most students resort to study abroad companies based on the blissful experiences they heard from their friends and kinfolk. This fact is further reconfirmed by the ever-rising number of university endorsements over the past few years.

Third, students usually presume that they won’t get to see the country they are staying in due to the jam-packed school schedule. Study abroad is not just restricted to classroom lectures. Students get ample time for the sightseeing and taking a trip around the country.

Few other misleading facts are that “I can’t make use of my financial aid to study abroad”, “my graduation may get delayed if I will study abroad” and blah-blah-blah. All these notions are nothing but a figment of ignorance and lack of knowledge. You can anytime consult a study abroad company and lift all the clouds dimming you brighter future prospects.

Getting opportunity to study abroad is like a dream coming true. It’s a sheer foolishness to miss out on such a unique opportunity on the basis of some baseless misconception. Avail yourself of the services of major study abroad advisors in your country, and who knows next year you too are boarding the flight for your dream university.

For more details: please visit “www.spainexchange.com“ .

Studying in the American universities and English universities in Spain has its own advantages and benefits. For instance, you will get a wide exposure to the Spanish culture in a dynamic environment. Besides, studying with the Spanish students will help you get the knowledge of Spanish language which will be of great advantage for your career. This apart, you will expose yourself to a whole new job market by studying in American universities and English universities in Spain.

If you are planning to study in any of the American universities and English universities in Spain but, do not have proper information about the courses offered, or facilities available, or course duration of different American universities and English universities in Spain, then you have landed at the right place. We, at SpainExchange, are devoted to offering the complete information on different American universities and English universities in Spain to assist many aspiring candidates to study abroad.

At SpainExchange we help you find the leading American universities and English universities in Spain that match your profile, budget and interest areas. Following are some of the well-known American universities and English universities in Spain where you can pursue your study.

Schiller International University:

Schiller International University is based in Madrid, and is one of the leading American universities in Spain for offering International Study Abroad Programs, University Degree Program, Graduate and, Professional Programs. It is an independent American university having its main campus in Florida apart from seven branch campuses located in different parts of the Europe. Schiller’s Madrid Campus offers the opportunity to obtain an American MBA degree in International Business.

ESEI International Business School:

ESEI International Business School is located in Barcelona and is one of the best places to pursue University Degree Program, Spanish Language and Culture, and Language Courses. It is a private school under British recognition which offers its courses for first three years in Barcelona and rest of the courses in England under any public universities such as Westminster, Lincoln, Oxford Brokes, or Staffordshire. Moreover, it also offers access to external programme of London School of Economics. ESEI International Business School offers a dynamic environment which is ideal for learning and development.

European University:

European University (EU) is a leading name in among world’s top business schools that are recognized for the excellence of its students and faculties. It trains the future managers on effective business management in an extremely professional environment. Offering excellence for the last 32 years, European University has developed a business education that delivers the highest quality teaching in a highly dynamic ambience.

For more information on other American universities and English universities in Spain, log on to www.spainexchange.com.

Transportation

Various airports are found in many cities of Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Murcia, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca. Madrid and Bilbao boast of their modern and stunning airports designed by prominent architects. If you are a little tight with your budget you can try some of their low cost carriers such as ClickAir, easyJet, Blue Air, Sterling Airlines, Vueling and RyanAir.

The RENFE, Spain’s official rail carrier, and FEVE are rail systems connecting major cities of the country. They are considered to be the some of Europe’s finest because of its modern design and amenities, reliability and punctuality.

Buses, boats and car renting are also common for most people traveling and touring Spain. They are highly recommended if you want to avoid the volume of people using the train systems. You can also enjoy more the view and sceneries of the cities when riding in one these transport vehicles.

Lodging

There are various types of accommodations you can choose from when traveling Spain. Small villages located near the coasts are popular because of the warm welcome and friendly environment they give to tourists. Casa Rural or the counterpart of B&Bs in other countries is also a recommended option since it is strictly regulated by authorities, plus quality and price varies greatly. The Parador, a prominent state-owned hotel chain in Spain, can make your stay a unique since its locations are mostly found in historical places such as Moorish castles, convents, and haciendas.

Food and Dining

Spaniards are known for their exquisite taste in food and wine. They usually eat light with a lot of vegetables with a mixture of meat and fish. Lunchtime normally starts between 1:30pm to 2pm and ends before 9pm. Dinner is served at 8:30pm or 9pm. Between these times, nearly all restaurants and cafes are closed except for big cities that serve until midnight. To make your travel a memorable one, you could try one theses Spanish dishes: Mariscos (popular shellfish in Pontevedra); Pescaíto frito (mouth-watering fried fish served in southern Spain); Paella (rice dish that can be served with seafood, chicken, or rabbit); and Tortilla de patatas (egg omelet mized with fried potato).

Festivities

Since more than 75% of Spain’s populations are Catholics it is no surprise that many of its local and national festivals are celebrated in Catholicism to the religion such as the Holy Week, Fiesta de San Isidro (May 15 in Madrid), and Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (parade for the 3 Kings, celebrated in the 5^th of January). Other local celebrations you should watch out for are the Festival de Patios (2-week event when some locals open their houses to visitors to show their old Patios), Fallas (held in March in Valencia), Seville’s April Fair (consist of flamenco dancing, drinking of sherry and bullfighting), and the world-famous La Tomatina (a massive tomato fight in Buñol.

Shopping

For people who love shopping while traveling, you can find designer brands such Zara, Mango, Camper and Bershka in major cities and it could save you some cash. Popular department and specialty stores in Spain include the El Corte Ingles, Casas, Camper and For. The Kukuxumusu t-shirt is a favorite souvenir for many tourists that have funny designs and various subjects about Spain.

Over time Spain has established itself as one of the most visited country in the world. Hundreds of cities in Spain reflect its vast history, vibrant culture and contemporary lifestyle. Aside from Madrid other cities that are worth your time includes the following:

· Barcelona – is Spain’s second largest city and the capital of Catalonia. It has many modern structures, colorful and lively night life and famous beaches and resorts. You should also try visiting the musical fountains in Placa d’ Espanya, Casa Batlló and Torre Agbar office tower, it offers a magnificent view at night.

· Bilbao – is the city capital of Vizacaya in Basque Country. It is famous for various museums such as the Guggenheim Museum, Museo de Bellas Artes, Basque Museum, La Ria Maritime Museum, Museo Taurino, Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art) and the Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas (Museum of Artistic Reproductions)

· Córdoba – located in the region of Andalucia with a population of 350,000. the city of Cordoba is famous for its La Mezquita, the 3^rd biggest Mosque in the world with a cathedral built inside of it. other places to visit include the Calleja de las Flores, La Sinagoga, Medina Azahara, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and Plaza del Cristo de los Faroles.

· Seville – the capital of Andalucia, the financial and cultural district of southern Spain. Never miss to drop by at the Sevilla Card, this special card provides free admission to a good number of museums, monuments, unlimited use of public transportations and other freebies. The Cathedral of Seville, Real Alcazar, the Jewish Quarter, Torre de Oro, Parque Maria Luisa, Plaza de España, Universidad de Sevilla, The Museum of Fine Arts at Plaza del Museo and Casa de Pilatos

· Valencia – considered to be the birthplace of paella, Valencia is the capital of the Old Kingdom of Valencia. The best places to visit are the City of Arts and Science, Barri del Carme, the Seu, the Llotja, Mercant Cathedral, and the old Turia river bed. It also recently hosted the 2007 America’s Cup.

Second to Italy, Spain has the most number locations declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site with a total of 40 found all over the country such as the Historic Walled City of Cuenca, Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Burgos Cathedral, Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula, Vizcaya Bridge and many more.

The cities of Granada, Santander, León, San Sebastian, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera are also much recommended. Each city offers a unique and diverse culture that every visitor will surely find remarkable and something to make you keep coming back for more. There would no dull moments in Spain once you stepped in any of these cities. Exploring each city will be a new and exciting experience you will never forget.

After deciding which country to study and what course to take, another decision every international student has to make is choosing the best place to stay. It is very important to find the best accommodation. This does not mean it has to be fancy and state-of-the-art. The key in finding you second home is looking for one that suits your personality and of course budget!

Luckily, SpainExchange offers easy-to-follow searching procedures for international students looking for residence. Students can easily search by country and region. Almost every city can be the next best thing after your home. If you have been dreaming of that grand European city all your life, then I suggest begin your journey with SpainExchange. You can also filter by the type of property you intended to live in such as flat, shared flat, attic, duplex, studio type, house, individual room or one that is shared with a family. It also a smart thing to do to filter places based on your budget. You can specify that lowest and highest monthly rent you can afford.

Do remember that the place you will be staying can have a great effect on your study so be sure to get a one that you personally choose. The happier you are with your house the better you can concentrate with your study. Also, if you are sharing a flat or house with other people that you just recently met, try to safeguard your personal properties.

For people who have places to rent to international students you can join SpainExchange’s and advertise it. This is a very good opportunity to earn some cash and at the same time meet new people and experience different cultures. To make your advertisement more effective be sure to provide the following information:

· Location of the place for rent (country, city, property address)

· Type of property – flat, attic, duplex, house, garage space, individual room, etc.

· Total dimension in square meters

· Usable dimension in square meters

· Floor level of the area

· Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garage.

· Availability of the following: air-conditioning, TV, Internet, furniture, elevator, etc.

· Permission of the following: pets, smoking, etc.

· Required gender of the person renting the place

· Photo of the place (this is optional)

· And of course the monthly rent

SpainExchange offers the various places abroad that will surely meet your specific preferences. They say there is no place like home. To some extent, this may be true. This is the reason why SpainExchange establishes effective and efficient resources readily available for international students with a click of a mouse. The more you use SpainExchange, the better you realize that your own home is really not that far. SpainExchange cuts down the longing experienced by students in foreign places by providing preferences-specific, vast, affordable, and comfortable homes.

SpainExchange offers a one-of-a-kind experience for every aspiring student who wishes to meet new culture, see new faces and learn foreign way of life. But the best thing about Exchange Student program is the fact that it is not only the students who experience learning and different traditions. The whole family can also have some fun and remarkable experience by being a host to an exchange student. Sounds interesting? Well it is! Just follow these 3 easy steps:

Decide if you are an Exchange Student or a Hosting Family.

Provide necessary information.

Tell something interesting about you and your country. Doing so can result to more people contacting you!

Exchange Students program is a very exciting and extraordinary experience any student can have. Meet and talk to fellow students from all over the world. You can make new friends just by searching students who are also interested in Exchange Programs. You can begin by browsing through almost 90 countries where Exchange Student program is offered. From France, Belgium, the United States, Chile, Guatemala, Japan, Philippines, Israel, to India, it’s all on the tip of your hand. Your choice of destination is seemingly endless. You can also search by specifying criteria. One can indicate the age, gender, or country of origin of other students you wish to participate with the Exchange Program as well as the duration of the program and program date. There would be no reason for you not to find your match. SpainExchange’s searching criteria will definitely give you more than you ask for.

If you want to participate in an Exchange Program and at the same time do not want to miss the bonding and closeness of your family while you are abroad then try searching for a hosting family. SpainExchange understands that there is no place like home and that is the reason they are bringing your home next to you wherever you are while attending your Exchange Program. A hosting family will provide almost of your basic needs – shelter, food, and of course a family-like environment. The Hosting Family program is also wonderful for families who are more adventurous and open in living a whole new world right at their own backyards. You can search for a hosting family by specifying details such as their location, the age of students they wish to host, gender, country of origin and also the duration and date of arrival.

Who says learning and fun moments are only for students? SpainExchange provides a unique and exciting experience that anybody can benefit from. Whether you are a student or hosting an exchange student, you are assured of an exceptional adventure and education. SpainExchange’s Exchange Students Program provides different kinds of opportunities experience while studying.

SpainExchange is not your typical student resource site. It offers a number of specially formulated approaches in aiding international students. Its Study Abroad program provides students who are seeking international studies with effective, easy-to-follow, and efficient strategies.

Search by countries

With more than 150 countries to choose from, it is a sure thing that you will never run out of place to study. From Europe, Americas, Oceania, Middle East to Africa the world will be at your command.

Search by studies

SpainExchange currently offers the following study abroad programs –International Study Abroad; English as a Second Language Courses; Language Schools and Language Immersion Courses; University Courses; Graduate and Professional Programs; Career Colleges and Vocational Schools; Online and Distance Learning; and Primary/Secondary Schools.

Search specific subjects

If you can’t find the course or study you want to pursue in your country then I guess this is the best time to visit SpainExchange. With more 1000 subjects to choose from, SpainExchange offers one of the most diverse studies you can find online. From Engineering, World History, Management Courses, IT subjects, Education, to International subjects the list is endless. Name it, SpainExchange has it!

Search by school

SpainExchange includes top calibrated schools and universities from every corner of the world. You can even filter you search by specifying the type of studies you prefer such as a university program, vocational training or distance/online learning. You can also indicate the areas of study in the school you selected or sort out schools based on its types – public, private, language school, career college, etc.

To make your life easier, SpainExchange can even make schools and universities personally contact you. If you are tired sending emails and other personal messages to people you are not even sure if they exist then SpainExchange is the answer. Stop looking for schools. Let them search for you. All you have to do is follow these 5 simple steps:

Step 1: Provide personal information

Step 2: Decide which subject you find interesting

Step 3: Select which country to study

Step 4: Tell something about yourself – interests, hobbies, etc.

Step 5: Last but not the least, authorize SpainExchange to include your information in their international student database

Your personal information may be removed from SpainExhcange’s database anytime you wish to. Truly, SpainExchange can make studying abroad more exciting and very much anticipated. You can enjoy your vacation without worrying too much on how to search for schools and universities abroad. No more hassles and troubles in contacting and talking to school officials regarding their various programs and courses offered. SpainExchange provides international students their own personal assistants with absolutely no charge and will follow commands as they wish!