International students: challenges and advantages

If you like the idea of studying in Spain, you should keep in mind that this country offers many advantages for international students from all corners of the world such as, for example, a high quality education, accompanied by a rich culture and a beautiful climate.

But it is also good to keep in mind that as a student you should be prepared to face certain challenges that are likely to arise when living in a different country.

Here are the mainchallenges facing international students in Spain and how you can deal with them.

Culture shock

Undoubtedly one of the first challenges facing any international student in Spain is culture shock.

This means that they may suffer certain mishaps when adapting to the customs, habits and values of Spanish society.

Such habits may be considerably different from those of their country of origin. A very common example is the schedule of meals, the way of communicating in general, the rhythm of life.

It is important for international students in Spain to keep in mind that maintaining an open and curious attitude towards a new culture will help them considerably in overcoming culture shock.

They are also recommended to be participants in social and cultural activities. As this helps significantly to meet local people and this allows for an integration that is usually quite enjoyable.

Adaptability to climate

The climate is another challenge that international students in Spain may face, since depending on the place where you study and the place of origin, there may be certain climatic differences that affect your health and therefore your well-being.

For example, if you are a student going from a cold country or a densely rainy country, there may be some inconvenience to get used to the dryness of the Spanish summer and its heat. But it can also be the other way around. If you are from a tropical country, you may have some trouble coping with the snow and the intense cold of the Spanish winter.

The important thing for this, is to be informed about the weather conditions of the place where you are going to study and have available the appropriate clothing for each season.

Adapting to the educational model

This third challenge that almost all foreign students in Spain must face. Consists of having the capacity to adapt to the educational model of this nation.

As is to be expected, the Spanish educational model usually has certain characteristics that make it differ from the educational system of other countries and this can vary significantly. From the academic organization, the methods of learning and teaching processes and even the evaluation processes.

In order to adapt to the Spanish educational model, we recommend that you inform yourself about the curricula and subjects to be studied. As well as the indications of the academics in the university institutions.

You can also ask for help from other classmates, because on campus you will surely find help to alleviate any difficulties that may arise in the path of the university student.

Social Integration

Some of us find it difficult to establish relationships with other people, either on or off campus.

It is normal that at the beginning there is some difficulty in making friends and, it cannot be denied that there are cultural and language barriers that can stimulate shyness and insecurity.

That is why we recommend that, in order for you to successfully integrate socially, you should maintain an active and very positive attitude. This will help you when trying to communicate with everyone around you. It also helps to participate in multiple extracurricular activities, such as sports activities, student clubs or volunteering.

Another tool that helps a lot to foreign students in Spain, is to take 100% advantage of social networks. As a way to contact other international students and ask for advice, especially students of the same origin.

Financial Challenges

Surely you are eager to go study in Spain, but you are also concerned about certain financial aspects, because you are not really alone. Almost all international students face financial challenges, especially when trying to pursue a long degree or a master’s degree in the Iberian country.

The main financial challenge is usually the cost of tuition, which can vary greatly. In general, public universities tend to be very economical, but they tend to have very few places and much more requirements.

One option is to save money by applying for a scholarship, that is, a study grant that can come from the Spanish government or also from your country of origin. Although private entities can also pay for your studies. In reality there are many options available, you just have to do a little research and study each requirement well.