[Must-see for international students!] What to prepare in advance for studying abroad in Spain, a popular study abroad destination

Hello to everyone considering studying abroad in Spain. 

Spain is a country blessed with beautiful scenery and rich culture. There is no end to the things to see, from historical architecture and art museums to passionate flamenco. It also offers a great opportunity to learn Spanish and has easy access to other parts of Europe. Studying abroad in Spain will not only improve your language skills and deepen your understanding of different cultures, but will also be a valuable experience that broadens your international perspective. 

1. Obtaining a passport

When planning to study abroad, the first thing you need to do is get a passport. Make sure it has enough validity. If your passport expires during your stay in Spain , your visa application may not go smoothly. Generally, you need a validity period of at least six months from the date you plan to return to Spain. Applying for or renewing a passport can take time, so we recommend starting the process early!  

2. Applying for a student visa

If you are studying in Spain and staying for more than 90 days , you will need a visa. 

The type of student visa you need to obtain varies depending on whether you are studying abroad for a short or long term period. 

■ Short-term Student Visa (SSU): 91 to 180 days 

The Short Term Study Visa (SSU) is for students who wish to study in Spain for 91 to 180 days. This visa is required for language courses and short-term programs lasting less than six months. The condition for an SSU visa is that you stay in Spain for no more than 180 days, and it is generally not possible to extend it or obtain a residence permit locally. To apply, you will need a passport, a letter of admission, proof of financial ability during your stay, and proof of health insurance. You may also be asked to provide a reservation confirmation for accommodation and a round-trip flight. Applications for an SSU visa are processed at a Spanish embassy or consulate, and it can take several weeks to be issued, so it is recommended that you apply early. This visa is issued for the purpose of focusing on your studies, so you are not allowed to work, but it is a good option for students who want to learn in a short period of time while immersing themselves in Spanish culture. 

■ Long-term study visa (SLU): 181 days or more 

The Long-Term Study Visa (SLU) is for students who plan to stay in Spain for 181 days or more. This visa is required for university degree programs, language courses lasting one year or more, or other long-term educational programs. Once you enter the country, you will need to apply for a Residence Permit (TIE) in Spain. To apply for the visa, you will need your passport, a letter of acceptance from a Spanish school, proof of tuition payment, proof of financial ability to cover living expenses during your stay, proof of health insurance, a criminal record certificate, and a medical certificate. The application process for the SLU visa is complicated and can take a long time to be issued, so it is important to prepare well in advance. 

■ Preparation of necessary documents 

First, gather the necessary documents. Below is a basic list of documents. 

• Passport : Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your study abroad ends. Please bring a copy of your passport. 

• Visa application form : can be downloaded from the website of any Spanish embassy or consulate. The application form must be completed in English or Spanish and must be signed. 

• Photo ID: You will need a photo ID to attach to your application. Please prepare a recent photo. 

• Acceptance Letter : You will need an official Acceptance Letter from your Spanish school, which will include start and end dates for your course and course description. 

• Proof of tuition payment : You will be asked to provide proof of tuition payment, usually a bank statement or receipt. 

• Proof of financial ability : You will need a bank statement or a scholarship certificate to show that you will be able to cover your living expenses during your study abroad. 

Check the Spanish embassy or consulate's website for the latest visa application requirements. Applications take time, so it's important to start preparing well in advance. When applying for a visa at a consulate, you will need to make an appointment via their website and submit your application at the appointed time. 

Be sure to prepare thoroughly and complete all the necessary paperwork before proceeding with your study abroad. 

3. Consider getting a health check and purchasing overseas insurance

The three basic types of overseas insurance required when studying in Spain are health insurance, travel insurance, and liability insurance . Health insurance is particularly essential, and in order to obtain a Spanish student visa, you will be required to enroll in insurance that covers all medical expenses during your study abroad. It is important that this insurance includes hospitalization, outpatient expenses, and emergency medical evacuation costs. 

In addition to illness and injury, travel insurance also covers theft or loss of belongings, trip cancellation costs, etc. Liability insurance is also available to prepare for cases where you injure someone else or damage property, so it's a good idea to have it. 

When choosing insurance, it is important to choose a reliable insurance company with a wide range of coverage.

4. Money management

First, calculate the total cost of tuition and living expenses. Tuition includes not only tuition fees, but also textbook fees and facility usage fees. Living expenses include housing, food, transportation, insurance, daily necessities, etc. Check the university's website and study abroad information sites to find out the approximate costs and create a budget. It is important to calculate living expenses and create a budget in advance, especially in big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, ​​where rent and transportation costs can be expensive. 

Next, think about how you will prepare your funds. If you have savings, you can base your plan on that, but if necessary, you should also consider applying for scholarships and grants. Many universities and organizations offer scholarship programs for international students. Scholarship information can be found at your university's international student office or scholarship information website. It is important to check the application deadline and application requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and apply early. 

5. Housing arrangements

Choosing where to live in Spain is also important. You have the option of university dormitories, homestays, apartments, etc. Dormitories are located within the university facilities, making it easy to commute to school and allowing you to interact with other students. Homestays have the advantage of allowing you to practice the language and experience the culture by staying with a local family. If you rent an apartment, you can choose one that suits your lifestyle. Be sure to also take safety and convenience for commuting to school into consideration when making your selection.  

6. Transportation

We will introduce you to the best ways to travel while studying abroad in Spain! 

■ Long distance travel within Spain

For long-distance travel within Spain, trains, buses, and airplanes are the main means of transportation. Trains are particularly well-known for their high-speed trains (AVE), which connect major cities such as Madrid to Barcelona and Seville in just a few hours. The AVE is comfortable and punctual, making it a convenient means of transportation for many international students. On the other hand, buses are cheaper than trains and can take longer , but the bus network is very well developed and can access small cities and villages that are not served by trains. Domestic flights are suitable for travel between major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, and can be used at reasonable prices if you book early. 

■ Traveling within Spanish cities

In major cities in Spain, subways, buses, and trams are common means of transportation. In big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, ​​the subway is very convenient and has extensive lines. The subway is an ideal daily means of transportation for international students, as it has frequent service and is reasonably priced. Buses are useful for accessing areas not covered by the subway. Some cities have trams, which are good for traveling to tourist attractions and around the city at a leisurely pace. When traveling, you can use a transportation IC card such as the " T-Casual " to make multiple rides at a discount. 

7. Means of communication

When studying in Spain , securing a means of communication is an important item that you must prepare . There are ways to use your existing smartphone in Spain, such as a Wi-Fi router, SIM card, and eSIM ( embedded SIM) . In particular, eSIM is a digital SIM that is built directly into your smartphone, unlike conventional physical SIM cards , and does not require the replacement of a physical card . You can start communicating immediately by simply configuring simple settings online. There is no need to rent, carry around, or charge a Wi-Fi router , which significantly reduces the hassle.  

If you're going to Spain! " eSIM " is definitely recommended! 

■ Benefits of using " eSIM " in Spain 

We strongly recommend an " eSIM " (embedded SIM) for traveling to Spain . Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, an " eSIM " is a digital SIM built into a smartphone. This new technology eliminates the need to physically replace SIM cards, and allows you to easily start communication services online. It also eliminates the hassle of renting, carrying, and charging a Wi-Fi router, as well as the hassle of returning it. It 's sure to make your stay in Spain even more comfortable. Use an " eSIM " and experience the next generation of convenient and comfortable travel.  

■ VOYAGE eSIM is recommended for traveling to Spain

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summary

When studying abroad, it is important to think in advance about what you want to learn and what skills you want to acquire. For example, choose a field that is directly related to your interests and career, such as deepening your business knowledge, dramatically improving your language skills, or acquiring specialized skills. 

By making these preparations thoroughly, you will be able to enjoy your study abroad experience in Spain with peace of mind. A life abroad filled with new experiences and learning awaits you. Get ready and start your wonderful life abroad! We hope you have a wonderful time studying abroad in Spain! 

The contents of this blog post are provided based on information available at the time of writing. Therefore, we ask that you always check the latest information for yourself.