If you've decided you're going to study Spanish abroad in Spain but haven't decided where you'd like to go, it's good to think about what you want out of your experience, to examine your options (on a site like AllStudyAbroad, for example!) and to understand the vast differences between each city. Here are five popular choices:
Madrid is the capital of Spain and an ideal location for you if you're looking for a bustling city environment to practice your new skills and vocabulary. It is centrally located in the country, which makes it very accessible to all other parts of the country. It's home to many boutique stores that may appeal to the fashionably inclined, and is also home to one of the most notable collections of art in the world, the Prado Museum, or 'Museo de Prado'.
2. Sevilla
Sevilla is an ideal location for history buffs and those seeking a smaller city. It has a rich history full of influence from other lands and Spanish heritage alike. You can learn how to flamenco dance, take an architecture tour, or see an authentic bull fight. Sevilla is the capital of Andalusia and contains the Alhambra, a historical fortress.
Every July in the city of Pamplona, locals and tourists participate in the age-old tradition of the 'Running of the Bulls,' ("encierro") at San Fermin. Each year it is an exciting and controversial event, and many out-of-towners who have attended would consider it an experience of a lifetime. Outside of the Running of the Bulls event, the city of Pamplona is laid-back and mild, and would be a good place to study for one who wants to relax and mill about with the locals.
Barcelona is a gorgeous beach town on the Mediterranean in close proximity to France. If you want to have a lively and energetic Spanish experience and require a beach for some R&R, it may be the place for you. It has a lot of unique culture and activities to offer, and a tour of its world-famous Goudy architecture is a must see. Keep in mind that many Spaniards in Barcelona do not speak Spanish but Catalan, which is an entirely different language altogether!
Another beach town, Valencia has a lot of relaxation, culture and beauty to offer the weary traveler in addition to offering the novelties of the city life. You can visit the Old City ruins in the center of town, spend a day at the beach, visit museums, and go shopping. It is not a super touristy destination, so you will have much more exposure to unadulterated Spanish culture and native speakers!
Comments