Education Spain

Moving to Spain with children requires an understanding of local procedures for enrolling them in kindergartens and schools. Here are the main steps to take:

 

Enrollment in kindergarten

 

1. Find and choose an institution:

   - Types of kindergartens: In Spain, there are public, private, and semi-private kindergartens. 

   - Online research: Use search engines and parent sites to find kindergartens in your area.

   - Recommendations: Seek advice from other expats, neighbors, or colleagues.

   - Visiting institutions: Before making a decision, visit several kindergartens to assess the environment and interaction with staff.

   - Compliance check: Ensure that the kindergarten has all necessary licenses and certifications.

 

2. Required documents:

   - Child's passport or residency card.

   - Child's birth certificate.

   - Medical record and proof of necessary vaccinations.

   - Registration certificate from the local municipality.

 

3. Application process:

   - Obtain and complete an application for kindergarten enrollment. The application can be obtained at the kindergarten itself or the regional education department.

   - Submit the completed application and necessary documents to the selected kindergarten or local education authorities.

 

Enrollment in school

 

1. Choosing a school:

   - Types of schools: In Spain, there are public, private, and semi-private schools. 

   - Research: Start by researching schools in your area, considering curricula, language of instruction, and proximity to home. Information about schools can be found on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Education.

   - Recommendations and reviews: Seek recommendations from locals and other expats, read reviews online.

 

2. Required documents:

   - Child's birth certificate (translated into Spanish, if necessary).

   - Child's and parents' passports.

   - Parents' tax numbers.

   - Registration certificate.

   - Child's medical record and proof of vaccinations.

   - Two passport-sized photographs.

   - Certificates of completion from previous classes (if applicable).

 

3. Application process:

   - Fill out the school enrollment application, which can be obtained at the school itself or at the local education department.

   - Applications are usually submitted in the spring for enrollment in the next academic year. The application and documents can be submitted in person or online, depending on the school.

   - After submitting the application, an entrance test might be required, especially for older children.

   - Wait for enrollment confirmation, which may take several weeks.

 

4. Registration and the start of education:

   - After receiving enrollment confirmation, the child must be registered for classes. This includes a meeting with the school counselor to discuss the academic plan.

   - Prepare the child for the first day of school by providing all necessary supplies.

 

These steps will help you successfully enroll your child in kindergarten or school in Spain, ensuring a comfortable adaptation and quality education.

In Spain, there is a wide selection of kindergartens and schools with foreign language instruction offering programs in English, French, German, and other languages.

 

Types of international schools

 

British schools: These schools follow the British curriculum, including GCSE and A-levels. Examples include the British Council School, The British School of Barcelona, and Cambridge House Community College. Education is conducted in English, making it ideal for children from English-speaking families or those who want to achieve a high level of English proficiency.

 

American schools: American international schools, such as the American School of Barcelona and the American School of Madrid, offer the American curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses. Education is conducted in English, and students can earn an American high school diploma.

 

French Schools: French schools, such as Lycée Français de Madrid, follow the French national curriculum and offer education in the French language. These schools are suitable for children who speak French or those who want to learn it in an academic setting.

 

German Schools: Deutsche Schule Barcelona and other German schools in Spain offer programs in the German language, following the German curriculum. These schools support bilingual education, including Spanish and Catalan languages.

 

Other International Schools: In Spain, there are also Italian, Swedish, and other international schools that offer education in the respective languages. For example, Scuola Statale Italiana di Madrid and Svenska Skolan Mallorca offer programs in Italian and Swedish languages, respectively.

 

Features of International Schools

 

- Bilingual Programs: Many international schools in Spain offer bilingual education, combining a foreign language with Spanish. This helps children integrate into the local community while maintaining an international quality of education.

- Exams and Qualifications: International schools often offer internationally recognized qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-levels, and Advanced Placement (AP). This opens up opportunities for students to enter universities around the world.

- Extracurricular Programs: International schools emphasize the development of extracurricular skills, offering a variety of programs in arts, sports, music, and community activities.

 

How to Choose a School

 

When choosing an international school for your child, consider the following factors:

- Curriculum: Ensure that the offered program aligns with your educational goals and your child's needs.

- Language of Instruction: Choose a school that provides instruction in your preferred language or offers bilingual programs.

- Location and Infrastructure: Pay attention to the school's location and available infrastructure facilities, such as sports fields, libraries, and laboratories.

- Reviews and Ratings: Research school ratings and parent reviews to make an informed choice.

In Spain, there are several types of educational institutions: public, semi-private, and private schools and preschools. 

 

Public schools and preschools

 

Main characteristics:

- Free education: Education in public institutions is free, however, parents pay for educational materials and school supplies.

- Admission based on registration: School placement is provided based on the place of residence.

- Uniform curriculum: The curriculum of public schools is uniform across the country, although there may be differences depending on the autonomous community (e.g., education in Catalan in Catalonia).

- Secular institutions: Public schools and preschools are secular, although they may offer religious education subjects as an option.

 

Advantages:

- Free education.

- Wide coverage across the country.

- Good integration into the local community and culture.

 

Disadvantages:

- Large classes and less attention to each student.

- Limited resources and infrastructure compared to private schools.

 

Semi-private schools

 

Main characteristics:

- Partial funding: These schools are partially funded by the government and partly by parents. They may charge a small fee for additional services.

- More autonomy: Semi-private schools have greater autonomy in organizing the educational process and management.

- Religious orientation: Many of these schools have a religious orientation, often Catholic.

 

Advantages:

- Higher degree of autonomy compared to public schools.

- Possibility of choosing religious education.

- More diverse educational programs and methods.

 

Disadvantages:

- Presence of additional costs.

- Less availability in some regions.

 

Private schools and preschools

 

Main characteristics:

- Paid education: Private schools are fully funded by parents. The cost of education varies depending on the school.

- High autonomy: Complete freedom in choosing educational programs and methods, including international programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or British A-levels.

- Smaller classes: Private schools usually offer a better student-to-teacher ratio, allowing more attention to be paid to each child.

 

Advantages:

- High level of infrastructure and resources.

- Wide choice of educational programs and extracurricular activities.

- More personalized approach to students.

 

Disadvantages:

- High tuition costs.

- Less integration with the local community and culture.

 

Thus, the choice between public, semi-public, and private schools and kindergartens depends on your priorities, financial capabilities, and educational goals for your child. Public institutions offer free and quality education, but with larger classes and limited resources. Semi-public schools offer some flexibility and religious education but require additional expenses. Private schools provide high-quality education with a personalized approach but at a significant cost.

 

When choosing an educational institution, it is recommended to consider all these factors and also visit the schools to get the best idea of the opportunities and conditions offered.

The Spanish education system pays special attention to inclusive education and the support of children with special educational needs (SEN). Below are the main aspects and measures taken to ensure quality education for such children:

 

Key principles and legislation

 

Spanish legislation, in particular, the Education Act, supports inclusive education, providing equal opportunities for all students without discrimination. This includes a universal learning structure, early diagnosis and intervention, as well as adapting educational programs to meet the individual needs of students.

 

Types of educational institutions

 

1. State Schools: They provide inclusive education with the support of specialists such as therapeutic educators, speech therapists, and counselors. These schools may have special classes for children with severe developmental disorders, where they spend part of the school day, combining this with classes in regular classrooms.

 

2. Semi-State Schools: Partially funded by the state and offer similar support services, including specialized teachers and therapists. They may also have a religious orientation and charge a small fee for additional services.

 

3. Private Schools: Private schools often offer smaller classes and more individualized attention but are not always required to provide inclusive education. Some of them may have resources to support children with special needs, but this depends on the specific school.

 

Specialized Support

 

Schools may provide the following types of specialized support:

- Therapeutic Educators and Speech Therapists: Help children with speech and language issues.

- Integration Classes: Classes for children with autism, where they receive intensive support in small groups.

- Educational and Psycho-pedagogical Consultants: Conduct assessments and develop individual educational plans for children with special needs.

- Technical Assistants and Social Integrators: Provide additional support and help in the socialization of children.

 

Inclusive Practices and Adaptation of the Educational Process

 

- Individual Educational Plans: Created based on each child's needs, including significant and minor adaptations of educational programs.

- Reduction in Class Size: In classes with children with special needs, the number of students may be reduced to ensure better attention to each child.

- Use of Technologies and Alternative Communication Systems: Includes the use of specialized equipment and software to support learning.

 

Additional Measures and Resources

 

In cases where a child's needs cannot be met in regular schools, education in specialized educational centers is possible.

 

The Spanish education system strives to provide accessible and quality education for all children, including those with special educational needs, through inclusive practices and specialized support.

In the Spanish education system, there are various programs and classes designed to support foreign students. These programs aim to assist children in integrating into the new school environment, learning the Spanish language, and adapting to the local culture.

 

1. Adaptation programs:

   - Language support programs: Most schools offer Spanish as a second language courses for foreign students. These courses help children quickly acquire the language and integrate into the educational process.

   - Transitional classes: Some schools have created special classes where children study the Spanish language and basic subjects in a simplified form before moving to regular classes.

 

2. International schools:

   - Bilingual and international schools: There are numerous international schools in Spain offering education in English, French, German, and other languages. These schools follow international programs such as the International Baccalaureate, British or American curricula. Examples of such schools include International College Spain, American School of Barcelona, and others.

   - Support for foreign students: These schools offer special support programs for foreign students, including courses in Spanish language learning and cultural adaptation.

 

3. Special educational programs:

   - Inclusive education: Spanish public schools strive for inclusive education, providing support for children with various educational needs, including foreign students. This includes the use of special teaching methods and support from language development specialists and other professionals.

 

4. Summer language camps:

- Spanish language courses: Summer camps, such as INESLE Madrid and AIP Language School programs, offer intensive Spanish language courses for children and teenagers. Classes usually include morning lessons and cultural, sports, and entertainment activities in the afternoon. This helps children not only learn the language but also get acquainted with Spanish culture.

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- International Camps: Many camps offer an international environment where children can interact with peers from different countries, promoting intercultural exchange and improving language skills.

5. Additional Resources

- Local Language Schools: In addition to school programs and camps, there are language schools that offer Spanish courses for children of various ages and skill levels. These schools can offer both regular courses throughout the year and intensive summer programs.

- Support from Local Communities: Many municipalities and public organizations offer support and integration programs for foreign families, including free or subsidized Spanish language courses for children and adults.

In Spain, extracurricular activities for children are diverse and cover a wide range of interests and skills. They help children develop comprehensively, including physical, social, and intellectual development.

 

After-School Programs

After-school programs provide children the opportunity to stay at school after the completion of main lessons. Within these programs, children can engage in various activities under the supervision of educators:

- Homework: Time for completing homework under the guidance of teachers.

- Creative Workshops: Drawing, modeling, crafts, and other types of creative activities.

- Sports: Outdoor games, sports sections, physical education classes.

 

Clubs and Societies

 

Schools and extracurricular organizations offer various clubs and societies aimed at developing children's interests and skills:

- Music and Drama Clubs: Lessons in playing musical instruments, choral singing, participation in school productions and musicals.

- Sports Sections: Football, basketball, tennis, swimming, as well as less common sports like rugby and athletics.

- Science and Technology Clubs: Robotics, programming, young explorers and engineers clubs.

- Art Clubs: Painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design.

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Summer Camps

Summer camps are a popular form of extracurricular activity in Spain, offering children the opportunity to spend their vacations actively and learn new skills:

- Language Camps: Intensive courses in Spanish or other foreign languages combined with cultural and sports activities. These programs include full language immersion, which helps children significantly improve their language skills.

- Sports Camps: Camps specializing in specific sports such as soccer, tennis, swimming, surfing, etc.

- Creative Camps: Camps with a focus on art, including workshops in drawing, sculpture, theater productions, and music.

- Adventure Camps: Camps offering various active pursuits such as hiking, camping, orienteering, and other types of outdoor recreation.

Spain uses a ten-point grading system, which is applied at all educational levels: in primary, secondary schools, and universities. 

 

Primary and Secondary School

In primary and secondary schools, the grades are distributed as follows:

 

- 9-10: Sobresaliente (Excellent)

- 7-8: Notable (Good)

- 6: Bien (Satisfactory)

- 5: Suficiente (Satisfactory, minimum passing grade)

- 3-4: Insuficiente (Insufficient)

- 0-2: Muy deficiente (Very Poor)

 

For students who demonstrate outstanding performance, a special mark "Matrícula de Honor" (Honor Roll) can be awarded, which is usually granted to less than 5% of students in the class.

 

High School (Bachillerato) and Universities

In high school and universities, a ten-point system is also used, but grades may include more detailed categories:

 

- 10: Matrícula de Honor (Honor Roll)

- 9-10: Sobresaliente (Excellent)

- 7-8.9: Notable (Good)

- 6-6.9: Bien (Satisfactory)

- 5-5.9: Suficiente (Minimum passing grade)

- 0-4.9: Suspenso (Fail)

 

Universities may also use a four-point grading system, where grades are distributed as follows:

- 4: Excelente (Excellent)

- 3-3.99: Muy Bien (Very Good)

- 2-2.99: Bien (Good)

- 1-1.99: Satisfactory (Удовлетворительно)

- 0-0.99: Unsatisfactory (Неудовлетворительно).

 

Grading and Retakes

The Spanish grading system also includes continuous assessment throughout the academic year, which may involve projects, presentations, and class participation. Final exams or essays also play an important role in the overall evaluation. If a student fails an exam on the first attempt, they are given the opportunity to retake it without the need to retake the entire course.

Spain is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education and cultural diversity. Below are the main requirements and steps for admission to Spanish universities for international students.

 

Main Requirements

 

Academic Documents

   - High School Diploma: You must provide a high school diploma recognized as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. This requires a procedure of document legalization by the Ministry of Education of Spain or the Spanish consulate.

   - Translation of Documents: All documents must be translated into Spanish and notarized by an accredited translator.

 

Spanish Language Exam

   - For programs in Spanish, proof of language proficiency is required, usually not below level B1 or B2. This can be a DELE or SIELE certificate.

   - For programs in English, TOEFL or IELTS certificates may be required (usually a minimum of 80 points for TOEFL or 6.0 for IELTS).

 

Entrance Exams

   - Selectividad or EBAU: International students, especially those who graduated from high school outside the EU, must take entrance exams known as Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad (EBAU). The exam consists of mandatory and specialized parts, including tests in Spanish language, history, a foreign language, and profile subjects.

 

Other Documents

   - Passport or Identification: A copy of the passport or another document proving identity.

   - Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance covering all possible medical expenses in Spain.

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 - Bank statements: Proof of financial capability to cover tuition and living expenses.

 

Motivation letter and recommendations

 - Some universities may require a motivation letter explaining the reasons for choosing a specific program and university, as well as recommendations from teachers or employers.

 

Application process

 

1. Application submission

 - Complete the online application on the chosen university's website.

 - Attach all required documents, including translated and certified academic records, language proficiency certificates, and other required documents.

 

2. Receiving an admission letter

 - After reviewing the application, the university will send an admission letter, which is necessary for applying for a visa and obtaining a student residence permit (for students from non-EU countries).

 

3. Preparing for arrival

 - Find accommodation in advance, arrange health insurance, and prepare all necessary travel documents.

 

Thus, gaining admission to universities in Spain requires careful preparation and compliance with all requirements, including academic qualifications, language tests, and document legalization. It is recommended to start the process a year before the planned start of studies to allow sufficient time for the preparation and submission of all necessary documents.

 

 Top 10 universities in Spain

Spain offers many high-quality universities that attract students from around the world due to their academic programs and research opportunities. Below is a list of the top ten universities in Spain for 2024:

 

University of Barcelona - One of the largest and oldest universities in Spain, known for its programs in social sciences, humanities, health sciences, and biological sciences. It ranks first among Spanish universities and is among the top 152 universities in the world according to Times Higher Education.

 

Autonomous University of Barcelona - Located in the industrial and technological area of Bellaterra, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, including courses in English.

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Pompeu Fabra University - Known for its programs in the fields of social and humanities sciences, health, and information technology. The university is located in Barcelona and actively attracts international students.

 

University of Navarra - A private university in Pamplona, offering high-level programs in various fields including business, medicine, and law.

 

Autonomous University of Madrid - One of the country's leading universities, known for its programs in biological sciences, medicine, and economics.

 

Complutense University of Madrid - One of the oldest universities in the world, offering a wide range of programs in the humanities, social and natural sciences.

 

University of Granada - Known for its research and programs in the fields of science and technology, as well as the humanities.

 

Rovira i Virgili University - A university in Tarragona, known for its programs in chemistry, engineering, and environmental science.

 

University of Valencia - Offers diverse programs in science, medicine, and arts, attracting many international students.

 

University of the Balearic Islands - Located in Mallorca, the university is known for its programs in ecology, tourism, and management.

To validate foreign diplomas and certificates for admission to a university in Spain, you need to undertake several important steps to ensure your qualifications are recognized as equivalent to Spanish ones.

 

Homologation and Validation

 

Homologation: The procedure for recognizing a foreign diploma as equivalent to a Spanish one. This is essential for diplomas that directly correspond to Spanish ones.

 

Validation: Partial recognition of your previous education. You may need to take additional courses to meet Spanish qualification standards.

 

Steps:

1. Translation and Apostille: The diploma and academic transcripts must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and apostilled in your country.

2. Application Submission: Submission of documents for homologation or convalidation at the Spanish consulate or directly at the Ministry of Education of Spain. The procedure can take from 2 to 6 months and requires the payment of a fee.

 

2. Additional Requirements

 

Language proficiency:

- For programs in Spanish, a DELE certificate (level B1 or higher) is usually required.

- For programs in English, TOEFL results (minimum 80) or IELTS (minimum 6.0) are required.

 

Other documents:

- Motivation letter: Explain your academic goals and why you chose to study in Spain.

- Letters of recommendation: Usually required for master's and PhD programs, should be written by your previous lecturers or employers.

 

3. Specific Requirements of Universities

 

Each university may have additional requirements and a specific application process. Usually, it is necessary to:

- Fill out an online application on the university's official website.

- Upload scanned copies of the required documents.

- Send the original documents with an apostille, if required by the university.

 

4. Entrance Exams and Application Submission

 

Some universities may require the Spanish entrance exam (Selectividad or EBAU) or other specialized tests (PCE). Always check the specific requirements of each university to which you are applying.

 

5. Practical Tips

 

- Start early: Begin the process at least a year before the planned admission.

- Check university websites: Each university has its requirements and document submission deadlines.

- Join online communities: Communicate with other international students through forums or social networks for advice and support.

 

For detailed information and updates, always refer to the specific recommendations of the universities and the Ministry of Education of Spain.

Spain offers a wide range of additional adult courses and programs, covering both language courses and professional training. These programs can significantly help improve the skills needed for personal and professional growth.

Language Courses

Intensive Spanish Courses:

   - Tenidiomas (Jerez de la Frontera): Offers courses ranging from 1 to 52 weeks with 3-hour group lessons and 2-hour private lessons per week. Courses are designed for students of all levels, starting from 16 years old.

   - Expanish (Barcelona, Malaga): Courses of varying intensity, from evening classes to super-intensive courses with 30 lessons per week. Programs include both group and individual classes.

 

DELE/SIELE Exam Preparation Courses:

   - Many language schools in Spain offer specialized exam preparation courses for these exams, which are official Spanish language proficiency certificates recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Instituto Cervantes.

 

Professional Courses

Professional Development and Professional Programs:

   - Many universities and educational institutions offer continuing education programs in fields such as business, marketing, IT, and medicine.

   - For example, the University of Salamanca offers courses related to biomedicine, genetics, and medical Spanish for healthcare professionals.

 

Courses for Specific Professions:

   - TEFL Courses: Training programs to obtain certification as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Programs usually include a 160-hour course with access to materials and job search support.

   - Courses for IT and Digital Technology Specialists: Courses in programming, web design, and digital marketing are also widely available in major cities across Spain.

 

Cultural and Specialized Courses

Spanish Language and Culture Courses:

   - Seville Cultural Experience: Programs that combine Spanish language education with cultural activities such as culinary workshops, flamenco, tours of historical sites, and more.

   - Españolé (Valencia): Intensive Spanish courses combining language study with cooking classes, sailing, and other cultural activities.

 

Spanish Language Courses for Seniors:

   - Special programs for older students, combining language learning with cultural activities and excursions, are offered in places like San Sebastian and Cadiz.

 

For more detailed information and registration for courses, it is recommended to visit the official websites of educational institutions and programs, as well as consult with representatives of these institutions.