Extras: WHY FOREIGNERS STUDY IN BOARDING SCHOOLS IN SPAIN

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by Mary Herd on August 25, 2024

in Extras

The appeal of top private boarding schools in Spain for international children and teenagers is undeniable. The modern and advanced facilities of prestigious Spanish boarding schools create the necessary conditions for comfortable living and effective learning. These schools feature cozy residences, spacious modern classrooms equipped with computers and interactive technology, as well as laboratories, libraries, recreational areas, and sports facilities. Generally, elite boarding schools in Spain follow a coeducational format. Additionally, most Spanish schools require the wearing of a uniform, which fosters a sense of unity, cohesion, and teamwork among children and teenagers.

The high level of academic and language preparation at top Spanish boarding schools is particularly noteworthy. Instruction is offered in English, Spanish, German, French, and other foreign languages. The intensive nature of the education ensures that graduates are well-prepared academically and can gain admission to top universities in Spain. Moreover, there is a high likelihood of successful and promising employment in well-known international companies.

Cost of Education in Top Private Boarding Schools in Spain

The cost of leading secondary education at elite private  boarding schools in Spain  ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 euros per year. When compared to other EU countries and the UK, Spanish secondary education is relatively affordable. The cost of education in the lower grades of a leading Spanish boarding school ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 euros per year. For middle and upper grades, the price increases to between 25,000 and 40,000 euros.

Choosing to pursue prestigious secondary education in Spain not only offers high-quality learning but also allows international teenagers to experience a country with an excellent climate, good environmental conditions, and a rich history. Additionally, Spain is home to some of the world’s best-recognized tennis and football schools. Achieving high results in these sports is highly valued by top universities in the UK and the USA.

Admission Process to Top Spanish Boarding Schools –
Required Knowledge and Documentation

The academic year in leading Spanish boarding schools is divided into trimesters, starting in mid-September and ending in the second half of June. Typically, prestigious public schools in Spain accept new students from April to February. Elite private boarding schools in Spain may have their own academic schedules, depending on the nationality of the institution. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain information about the admission period for international students in advance. The prestige of a Spanish school often dictates when to submit the application, usually 1-2 years in advance. To successfully enroll in a top private boarding school in Spain, it is necessary to prepare a set of documents and possess certain language and academic knowledge. The main required documents include:

– A copy of the student’s passport

– School transcripts with grades for the last two academic years, as well as quarterly and trimester grades for the current academic year

– An international language certificate demonstrating a high level of proficiency in a foreign language

– Recommendation letters from mathematics and English teachers, and sometimes from the school principal

– A motivation letter (often required)

– Completion of school registration forms

– An interview, either via Skype or in person at the Spanish school.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, international teenagers are often required to pass internal school tests in English and mathematics to assess their academic and language proficiency at the time of enrollment in a prestigious private boarding school in Spain.

It is worth noting that our educational center is an official representative of most private secondary boarding schools in Spain. Our highly qualified specialists offer free assistance in selecting a preferred Spanish educational institution that meets your individual requirements and in organizing your study abroad trip.

Brief Overview of the Best Private Boarding Schools in Spain

International teenagers who aim to learn an additional foreign language highly value the top private secondary boarding schools in Spain due to their strong linguistic focus. Additionally, only experienced and professional teachers are employed for foreign language instruction.

Instruction is offered in both English, recognized as the global language of communication, and Spanish, which can be studied as a foreign language. Considering that several million people worldwide speak Spanish, having an excellent command of the Spanish language gives Russian teenagers a competitive edge in the international job market, creating excellent opportunities for a fast-paced and promising career in Spain and other Latin American countries.

It should be noted that the leading private boarding schools in Spain are well-equipped, with continuous improvements to their facilities and infrastructure. Most top private Spanish schools provide accommodation for international and Russian teenagers during their studies. Elite day schools in Spain accept children as young as three years old, but they require that the parent or guardian of the child resides in Spain.

In many cases, the best Spanish boarding schools offer specialized open spaces and patios for classes. International students particularly appreciate the opportunities to engage in outdoor sports, with excellent facilities for tennis and football. Young sports enthusiasts may be interested to know that Madrid is home to a prestigious private football school.

The national and cultural values of Spain also deserve special attention. Each Spanish region, such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and Torrevieja, has its unique characteristics, color, and history, giving children and teenagers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish life and national traditions.

Spain’s Leading Secondary Education System

Choosing to enroll in a leading private boarding school in Spain provides international teenagers with the opportunity to learn two foreign languages and undergo effective pre-university preparation to gain admission to top universities in the USA, UK, and Europe. Additionally, teenagers will have the chance to learn about Spain’s rich history while enjoying the bright sun and comfortable climate.

Spanish secondary education is mandatory for children from the age of 6 to 15. The educational process is divided into two stages:

  • **Primaria**, which corresponds to Russian primary school and is aimed at children aged 6 to 11
  • **Educación Secundaria Obligatoria**, which is for students aged 12 to 15. The last two years of secondary school, for students aged 15 to 18, are not mandatory and serve as preparation for admission to top international universities.

At the end of each academic year, students must pass exams, and if they fail two subjects, they are still promoted to the next grade. There is an opportunity to retake exams in the fall. Academic subjects are taught in English, Spanish, or a local dialect, depending on the type of school chosen.

Public Schools in Spain

There are two types of public schools in Spain: those fully funded by the state, where secondary education is free for students, and those with combined funding. In the case of combined funding, local authorities and the Catholic Church share the responsibility for financing, although the education remains secular. Teaching materials are delivered in either Spanish or a second local language, which is typical for Catalonia, the Basque Country, Valencia, and Galicia. In addition to Spanish, a second foreign language is introduced when students reach the age of eight. At 13, students may begin learning a third foreign language if they are interested.

Sending a child to study alone in a prestigious public school in Spain can be challenging. Public schools typically do not provide accommodation on campus, and admission is based on the student’s place of residence. Therefore, the family needs to have a local residence permit. For students aged 15 to 18, preparatory programs are available to help them pass the final exam and gain admission to top universities in Spain. Russian teenagers can live with a host family on a full-board basis. If there are available host families, a foreign student can be enrolled in any school in the Spanish region of interest. To be accepted into an educational program, the international teenager must have good academic performance and have studied Spanish for two years.

Semi-public schools in Spain base their admission decisions on the student’s place of residence because they receive subsidies. However, some places are allocated based on competitive selection, increasing the chances of successful admission for international students. Additionally, many prestigious semi-public schools have their own residences and offer full-board accommodation to international teenagers.

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