Spain-Destination Spots

Barcelona

Barcelona is a marvelous destination spot for international students! The second-largest city in Spain, and the capitol city of the Catalonia region, is situated right on the Mediterranean.  Barcelona has its own very unique culture, including the wide use of the Catalan language, which is the official language of its government. But don’t worry if you only speak Spanish; the majority of people in the city still speak Castilian Spanish.

Architecture and art fans will love traveling to Barcelona, where they can see the iconic, unfinished church La Sagrada Familia designed by Antonio Gaudi as well as his Park Guell and the Mil Home.  The city is also home to more historic buildings, especially in the Gothic Quarter, and many museums including the Picasso Museum and Museum of Catalan Art.

If you’re looking to learn Spanish or Catalan, Barcelona is home to many language schools.  Teaching English in Barcelona is an option, too, as there’s always a need for instructors.

Madrid 

Lonely Planet called Madrid in its guide to the city “a rebellious ex-convent schoolgirl who grew up, got sophisticated but never forgot how to have a good time.”  Spain’s largest city offers bountiful cultural sights and sounds to travelers, including fashion, live music and opera, fine dining, and plenty of the arts to feast your eyes on and keep you busy.

Speaking of art, if you long to see work by Goya, Velazquez, or Picasso, you’ll love the galleries and museums of Madrid.  Guernica, one of Picasso’s most famous works, hangs on display at the Reina Sofia Museum.

Although it’s not for the faint of heart, Madrid is home to the largest bullfighting ring in Spain, a classically Spanish sport consisting of the battle between bull and bullfighter.  For a less blood-filled stadium sport, catch a Real Madrid soccer (or football) match.

If you’re looking to teach English or learn Spanish in Spain, especially in Madrid, you’re in luck: the city is filled with language schools and teaching opportunities.

Seville

Seville, or Sevilla to Spaniards, is the fourth largest city in Spain and the capital of the Andalucia region of the south.  Seville is home to plenty of historical architecture, including the Moorish castle Alcazar, the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), the third largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. 

Springtime is the best time to travel to Seville, when Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions and the April festival (Fería de Abril) bring yearly excitement to the city.
  Crowds surround the Holy Week processions, consisting of huge and elaborate depictions of Christ or the Virgin.  The week following belongs to the April festival, consisting of a week long party of drinking, dancing and eating amidst parades.