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 Spain has had a turbulent history. While empires have conquered it, it has also conquered. Furthermore, while other countries around the world have influenced this country, Spain also has touched deeply the history of our own continent. Because of its comfortable climate, strong historical and cultural traditions and affordable living, Spain has become a popular destination for students from Europe, the U.S. and around the world. Spain has been occupied by waves of various peoples for thousands of years. One of the earliest groups known to call the region home were the Basques, who continue to live in present day Spain. Other groups entered Spain from North Africa. Romans, German Visigoths and African Muslims soon followed them. As of the fifteenth century, when Christians conquered Spain, it became a predominantly Catholic kingdom. Shortly thereafter, Spain began exploring other parts of the world (particularly the "New World" of North and South America), and soon became the most powerful country in Europe. By the nineteenth century, however, Spain had lost some of its imperial power through European wars as well as the revolts in the American colonies. During the 1960s to 1970s Spain began a period of economic growth,
in part due to increased industrialization and tourism, and in part
to a more democratic government. The 1978 constitution re-framed the
country as a parliamentary monarchy. Spain joined the European Union
in 1986. Elections in the 1990s brought in coalition governments, and,
despite a rocky economic start to the decade, increasing prosperity
and growth in textiles and clothing, food goods, metals, chemicals,
ship and automobile building and tourism.
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People & Culture |
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Spain has a long and varied artistic heritage. It has been home to
such well-known artists as El Greco, Diego Velazquez, Pablo Picasso
and Salvador Dali. Architectural highlights include prehistoric cave
dwellings, ancient ruins, castles, palaces, cathedrals and modern sculpture.
Spain, while having had a long literary tradition, also is known for
the films of Pedro Almodovar. The virtuosos of Spanish guitar are well
known in the world of classical music, while flamenco dancing continues
to be a popular activity for participants and spectators alike. People
in Spain are also passionate fans of football (soccer), as well as the
traditional sport of bullfighting. Festivals and holidays are important
in Spanish life, and have their own distinctive flavor depending on
local customs and time of the year.
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Geography & Climate |
| Spain, which is roughly the twice the size of Oregon, is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. While Portugal lies to the west, Spain is separated to the northeast from France by the Pyrenees Mountains. Although much of the country is elevated plain, Spain is also a country of deserts, wetlands and mountains, as well as beautiful coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The southern tip of the country is separated from Morocco in North Africa by the narrow Straits of Gibraltar, which serve as a gateway to the entire Mediterranean. Though some locations can be quite hot during the summer, Spain generally has a temperate climate. During the summer, Spain's capital of Madrid experiences these high temperatures (average temperature 85 degrees Fahrenheit), so native Spaniards and tourists head for the moderate weather of the coasts. Winter tends to be cold in the interior of the country, and cool and cloudy along the coast (average temperatures are about 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Also during this time, the rain (and snow) tends to fall mostly in the north.
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Health & Safety |
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In Spain there are not any general health risks beyond those found in the U.S. Health insurance coverage is not required for visitors by the Spanish government. However, we strongly recommend that you have health insurance to cover you outside the U.S. This can be your regular policy or a supplemental traveler¹s insurance policy. The Center for International Studies offers a comprehensive plan for approximately $50.00 dollars per month. |
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Madrid |
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17
New South Street # 102, Northampton, MA 01060
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The
Madrid Campus is located in the district home to most of the city's
universities, libraries and research institutes. Because the campus
is centrally located and convenient to subway and bus transportation,
students can take full advantage of the amenities offered by this major
European capital, including field trips to museums and theaters. Madrid,
as the center for Spanish culture, provides a wealth of opportunities
for cultural activities including concerts, opera, theater, cinema and
sporting events. In addition, because Madrid is situated near the geographic
center of Spain, travelers have easy access to all regions in this fascinating
and historically rich country. 