Spain is one of the best countries for the Erasmus Exchange program. It has top-notch universities, an affordable cost of living, a wild party scene, delicious food, and the list goes on. Unsurprisingly, more than 50,000 students chose Spain yearly for the Erasmus program before the corona outbreak.
No matter which Spanish city you choose, you’ll make unforgettable memories on your exchange. Let's dig deeper into top 9 reasons why students choose Spain for their Erasmus exchange and which Spanish cities are student favorites.
1. High-quality education
Spain universities offer top-notch education. In fact, 52 of them rank among the top universities in the world.
2. Spain is affordable
Spain is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, especially in comparison to the neighboring countries like the Netherlands and France. You can enjoy your time in Spain without breaking the bank, thanks to lower rent prices, affordable grocery shops, student-friendly public transport subscriptions, and cheap student nightlife.
As a student, you can live on €1,000 per month in Spain. This will be enough to cover your accommodation, groceries, health insurance, and going out a few times.
3. Fantastic student nightlife
Spain's nightlife is buzzing, eccentric, and full of fun . Partying here is also affordable as several student organizations, such as ESN, organize student nights with free entrances and affordable prices. A perfect opportunity for you to meet other exchange or international students in Spain!
4. Popular among international students
Spain is one of the most popular countries for international students. Currently, there’re more than 208,366 international students in Spain. By spending a few months studying here, you’ll grow your cultural perspective, and make life-long friendships with people from all around the globe.
5. Exploring Europe
Participating in the Erasmus Exchange programs allows you to travel within Europe during the program. So, most EU students use the Erasmus Exchange program as an opportunity to travel across Europe.
Spain is located in southwestern Europe, with France, Portugal, and Italy at a short distance. You can jump on a bus, train, or plane from Spain and be in any country you want within hours. There’re direct trains to France and Portugal, and almost every city is well connected to other countries with 59 airports.
In addition to trips to other countries, Spain, during your Erasmus program, you can explore the rest of Spain, exploring beautiful Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
6. Spanish food
Do we need to say anything else? Spanish food is world-renowned for its taste and for being one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Food is also a very important part of the culture as it brings people together during social events.
With so many delicious meals in Spanish cuisine, your tastebuds will continue craving the fresh, simple, and rich flavors long after you leave Spain. So make the most of your time in Spain and enjoy the delicious foods, from paella to Iberico ham and gazpacho to patatas bravas.
7. 3,000 hours of sunshine
Spain has a warm, Mediterranean climate with an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly. It’s ideal for outdoor activities, sipping cocktails at beaches, and picnics with friends.
8. Easy to make friends
Spaniards are social people. They’re open and easygoing people who love making new friends. You’ll see that there’re so many opportunities to meet new people and become friends. You can go to festivals and events to meet same-minded people. There’re also many Spanish apps to make new acquaintances. Also, most universities have their own Erasmus nights called tandem nights, where you can hang out and meet new people.
9. Spain is rich with art and culture
Spain is a country full of artistic and cultural wonders. From Gaudí’s works in Barcelona to Picasso's museum in his hometown Málaga every Spanish city has many galleries, museums, and art exhibitions.
Best cities in Spain for an exchange
After all these reasons, if you’ve decided to participate in the Erasmus exchange program in Spain but are undecided about which city, let's see which Spanish city will be ideal for you.
Erasmus in Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain, and it's the most multicultural city. Exchange students choose to explore student accommodations in Madrid for its eccentric nightlife, extensive public transport, and a high-quality lifestyle. Madrid also has one of the best universities in Spain, such as the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Because of these, many international students choose Madrid as their destination. So if you decide to do your Erasmus exchange in Madrid, you’ll have an all-embracing friend group.
One thing to note is that while Spain is overall pretty affordable, Madrid is one of the most expensive cities in Spain. But if you want to experience a fast-based metropolis life, busy student nights, and be surrounded by diverse people, Madrid should be your Erasmus destination.
Below are the best universities to apply to for an Erasmus exchange program in Madrid:
- Polytechnic University
- Complutense University
- University Carlos III University
- Autonomous University
- CEU San Pablo University
- Comillas Pontifical University
Erasmus in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most popular cities among international students. Every year, 20,000 international students come to study in Barcelona. It’s home to the most prestigious universities in Spain, of which 5 rank among the top universities in the world. It's no wonder plenty of Erasmus students decide to explore student-friendly accommodation in Barcelona for their exchange!
From stunning beaches and integrated public transport to buzzing nightlife and an extensive international network, Barcelona is one of the best places you can do your Erasmus exchange.
While it’s the most expensive city in Spain, you can still live comfortably in Barcelona if you budget well and shop smart.
Below are the best universities to apply for an Erasmus exchange program in Barcelona:
- University of Barcelona
- International University of Catalonia
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- Pompeu Fabra University
- Ramon Llull University
Erasmus in Valencia
Valencia is a laid-back, fun, affordable student city welcoming around 3,000 international students each year. It has beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and a lively party scene. Thanks to its public transport system, exploring Valencia and traveling across Spain is super accessible too. Most importantly, the cost of living in Valencia is much cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona. Necessities, rent, groceries, and public transport will cost you about €800 - €900 a month. You'll easily find affordable student accommodation in Valencia.
Below are the best universities to apply for an Erasmus exchange program in Barcelona:
- University of Valencia
- Technical University of Valencia
- Valencian International University
- European University of Valencia
Erasmus in Málaga
Málaga is the ultimate student city for those who want to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and make local and international friends. It’s a very affordable and compact city with vibrant nightlife and rich history. Plus, you can pretty much walk everywhere or use its cheap public transport modes for extra convenience.
In Málaga, you’ll need around €600 a month to cover your expenses, including finding a private room in one of the top neighborhoods.
The only university in Málaga is the University of Málaga which has Erasmus agreements with 422 European universities.
Now that you’ve decided which Spanish city you want to do the Erasmus Exchange program in, it’s time to take a look at the relocation checklist for Spain to find out everything you need to do before moving to Spain!
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