It's only 10 am at the office and I'm already on the Spain Trip Planner. Though I've lived here before and it's been a year since I settled back in Barcelona, I can't get enough of Spain. As the second semester just kicks off, there are those adventurous souls who have already set out to Rome, Salamanca, Paris, Shanghai and even Bali. Then there's those who can't make up their mind on where to go. Can't blame ya - choices seem endless, so I'm giving you my 10 reasons why you should study abroad in Spain.
1. Incredible food
How does the movie go again, jamón, jamón? We've got hands-down the best cuisine in Europe. I know, I know—you "loooove" Italian food. That's what I thought too before going to Spain. Our cuisine is rich, diverse and simple.
Some of the traditional Spanish staples include ham (obviously) which comes in Iberian and serrano form, tortilla, salmorejo, gazpacho, pa amb tomà quet, pulpo á feira, paella and cocido madrileño, to name a few. We've also got an abundance of cheese: Manchego, fresco, semi-curado, Arzúa-Ulloa, Cabrales, Mahón, Herreño - the list goes on.
Food in Spain is simple, fresh, prepared with love (if you manage to make friends with a local friend's mom) and cheap. If you don't do anything else in Spain, at least eat. You won't regret it.
2. Friendly, warm people
They say the same about Spain as they do about the US—the further south you go, the friendlier people become. I've found it to be true. When I went down to Granada, I got so much love from strangers who'd give me directions, tell me stories and feed me tapas. Up here in Barcelona, people are still quite friendly. Everyone will address you as "tú" instead of "usted," so save the formalities.
If you're not fluent in Spanish yet, English will get you by as well, especially in the big cities. Spain has a chilled out vibe making you feel like you're another neighbor in the hood, so relax and embrace it.
3. Sweet road trips
Let me take a moment to say that I absolutely love what Spain has done with the transportation system. Having lived in Boston and spent time in NYC and London, I know how big of a pain the subway can be. Not here. Trains are on time, clean and with very clear directions on stops and neighborhoods.
Not only that, but with the fast-speed AVE, you can go from Madrid to Sevilla in a few short hours and enjoy a scenic journey. I'm super into the romanticism of trains and always bring a book and blanket for the ride. Honestly, I sometimes hop on a random train just to read and nap. Going out to the countryside is a great change of pace for city rats, so go ahead and do it. It's incredibly easy.
4. The chill pace of life
In Spain, just like everywhere else in the world, there's s*** going on, but we really strive to have a good quality of life. Spaniards don't rush to get up at 6 in the morning. In fact, the only early birds I see at this hour are all the expats running by the sea or those who are still partying from the night before.
Businesses open around 9-10 am so that everyone has time for a café con leche (or a small beer, no one's judging), a bite for breakfast (usually a small sandwich or a croissant) and a chat with friends and neighbors. While siesta isn't a thing everywhere in Spain, the gist of it still remains. People don't rush while walking, like to get a good night's sleep and enjoy evening strolls and playing sports outside.
The only problem you may have after leaving Spain is that you'll be the most laid-back person in the room and won't be able to understand how others are capable of stressing so much.
5. Siesta
If you study in Barcelona, you won't be indulging in the sweet nap much, but if you're down in Andalusia, boy, you're in for a treat. Siesta should seriously be an official daily ritual everywhere in the world. Why do they teach us to relax in the lazy hours of the afternoon as kids only to take it all away? That's cruel.
If you choose Granada as your study abroad destination, you'd be pleasantly surprised to find out that the hours between 1:00 and 4:00 (more or less) are reserved for a long lunch and quality time with your bed/couch/rocking chair—you name it. Work resumes only after the sweet nap which keeps you energized for a late dinner and hanging out. In my opinion, it's not broccoli that's the secret to a long life, it's siesta.
6. Easy to navigate
With the AVE and Renfe trains, plus BlaBla car, it's easy to go places and go around the entire country in just one semester if you plan your weekends right. Not only that, but since we're right in Europe, you can hop over to Portugal, France, Italy and wherever else your heart desires in no more than 4-5 hours.
7. Affordable prices
With a coffee ranging from 1.20 to 1.40 euros, sandwiches between 1.50 and 4 euros and rent at around 400 even in a city like Barcelona, your semester abroad in Spain won't break the bank. You can have a great three course lunch for 12 euros and a large beer for 1.
The metro is much, much cheaper than London and NYC. In Barcelona, for one, you can get a T10 card with 10 rides for only 10 euros, making each ride only one euro. If you're into biking, you can easily buy one for about 50 or get a yearly card for the Bicing program for 40 euros. Clubs have a free entrance until 1:30 in the morning and wine and vermouth come at super low prices. Ready to treat yo'self yet?
8. Super scenic views
...are pretty much everywhere regardless of whether you're up in Galicia, down in Cordoba or out in Valencia. Your Instagram is gonna be poppin' all semester long. See me gazing into the beauty of this landscape? That could be you.
9. Incredible monuments
I know you've already heard of Antoni Gaudà (even if it's from Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona—ladies), but there's so much more than that. I say do stop at the Sagrada Familia for a moment, but branch out and see other places as well.
Sevilla and Madrid have incredible palaces and museums, Granada has the majestic Alhambra, Cordoba has the Mezquita, and Barcelona has a whole Modernista lineup all over the city. Better bring lots of SD cards because you'll be photographing the life out of Spain.
10. Can't beat our weather
While you wrestle with piles of snow up to your waist somewhere in Connecticut, I'm wearing a T-shirt. If you're on the East Coast, you're in for a mild winter and a hot, but breezy summer. The landlocked areas aren't bad either, with temperature at a steady minimum of 35 F in winter and 90's to 100 in summer. Everyone and their mom (literally) books a winter trip to Spain in order to bask in our daily content for at least a few days.
Have I convinced you yet?
