Spain
Spain is the largest country in the Iberian peninsula, and has over 42 million people living within its borders. It has a long and varied history, and offers the visitor remains of a past stretching back over 3,000 years, including Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Moorish and Christian influence. Modern day Spain is a curious mix of the traditional and the modern. Whilst there still exist small villages of white washed houses and flamenco music regularly makes it into the music charts, the well-known ‘costas’ attract thousands of tourists and international attention each year, and the cities of Madrid and Barcelona are amongst the most exciting and fashionable in Europe. Spain is also a country of contrasts, and much more than the traditional image of ‘sun, sand and sangria’. Skiing is popular in the snow-capped Pyrenees, whilst the ‘Green Spain’ of the north is a verdant region with stormy and rocky coasts. Added to this is the cultural diversity of the country, with each region offering its own diverse atmosphere, from food, languages, history and architecture.
Cáceres
Located in a little-visited corner of Spain, Cáceres is a charming city with a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. Although popular with tourists in Spain, the city tends to remain off the tourist trail for foreigners. Because of this, it retains a traditional atmosphere and is the perfect place to explore ‘real Spain’. Cáceres is also famous for its storks, which make nests on top of the old chimney tops, and provide not only an attraction for the tourists, but also a love-hate relationship with the locals. Whilst you are here, it is a good idea to try the local food, which includes fine cheeses and wine, and local specialties, which are made with the local acorns.
University of Extremadura, Cáceres (E BADAJOZ01) is just one campus that makes up the University of Extremadura, which also has campuses in Plasencia, Mérida and Badajoz. It is located on the outskirts of the city and offers degrees in the social sciences and humanities.
Barcelona
As one of Spain’s premier cities and self-proclaimed fashion capital, Barcelona stands out as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Whether it’s tapas in the city centre bars, or hanging with the fashionistas in the newest clubs, Barcelona offers it all. It is also well known as a major cultural centre, and boasts the architectural influence of Gaudi, as well as some major art collections and world-famous events. As capital of Catalonia, the Catalan presence is everywhere, giving the city a tangible edge.
Barcelona University (E BARCELO01) was founded in 1450, and was the first university in Catalonia. It is spread across four campuses across the city, and has over 65,000 students.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (E BARCELO02) is a public institution founded in 1968, and has 11 faculties. Its 40,000 students are located on a campus about 20 km’s from the city in the area of Bellaterra.
Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (E BARCELO03) was founded in 1971, initially with a main focus on engineering, but it has now branched out to cover some sciences and architecture. It has around 30,000 students, which are spread around six campuses in Barcelona and the surrounding area.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a major city in the northern region of the Basque country, and a small and friendly place with an individual character. Located on the coast in a surprisingly green valley, the old city offers both a historical charm and a modern face in the shape of the shiny Guggenheim museum. The city is not only the biggest in the region and a major centre of the Basque culture, but is also famous for its night life, centred around its casco viejo and late- night bars.
Deusto University (E BILBAO02) was founded in 1842 as the first university in the Basque country. It has two main campuses in Bilbao and the nearby cities of San Sebastian and Vitoria. It was originally a Jesuit-run institution, and today covers most areas of study.
Granada
As capital of the old Moorish presence in southern Spain, Granada is a large and vibrant city that still carries its Islamic heritage with the imposing Alhambra palace. It is home to flamenco dancing and the stereotypical white houses, and in that sense conjures up all the typical imagery of Spain. Added to this is its most famous son, the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca. But it is also one of the main cities of the region, and its large student population makes up a much of its young population.
Granada University (E GRANADA01) was founded in 1531 by the emperor Charles V, and has over 50,000 students. These are spread over 17 faculties, throughout the city.
Las Palmas
Located in the sunny isles of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is the regional capital and the largest town around, with a population of around 600,000. It is slightly less touristy than the other areas surrounding it, and is the main residence for many of the locals. It boasts an attractive old town and cathedral, as well as the best shopping opportunities in the area. Its main pull, however, are the sandy beaches that surround it, and these mean that the tourists flock here for its infamous all-round summer.
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (E LASPAL01) was founded in 1989 after the joining of various previous institutes spread throughout the other islands. It has four campuses, mainly located on Gran Canaria itself, and close to the city centre.
León
León is the regional capital, and the city is one of the largest in the area. It is located on the pilgrimage route of the camino de Santiago de Compostela, and features one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in Europe, as well as other treasures dating all the way back to its Roman past. It has a well preserved medieval centre, and is also a famous centre for trout fishing, which attracts people throughout the year. It is a cosmopolitan city, and well connected to Madrid.
León University (E LEON01) was founded in 1843, and has around 13,000 students. The majority of the 13 faculties are based in León, with some others spread around the region.
Lleida
Also known as Lérida in Castilian, this ancient city (its origins are pre- Roman) is the modern capital of the region of the same name, and the most important commercial area of Catalonia outside Barcelona. It is known as an outward looking city, which is close to the Pyrenees and so well located for outdoor sports, and is well-known for its traditional displays of the Sardanes dance which involves huge towers of people standing on one another’s shoulders.
Lleida University (E LLEIDA01) was founded in 1300, and lies around 155 km west of Barcelona.
Madrid
As capital of Spain, Madrid lies roughly at the centre of the country. It is a fairly young city, being founded in the 15th century, and is constantly vying with Barcelona for the title of being the country’s most glamorous. It has a cosmopolitan outlook, and contains some of the country’s most famous cultural and artistic exhibitions. It is also the administrative capital and houses all the government buildings. It is very much a 24-hour city, and can offer everything from shopping, culture, sight-seeing and staying out all night!
Pontificia Comillas Univeristy (E MADRID02) was founded in 1890 as a training college for priests in the town of Comillas in Santender on the northern coast. It was moved to Madrid in the 1970’s, and now has over 12,000 students studying law, theology and the social sciences.
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (E MADRID05) founded in 1971 from an amalgamation of older centres, it is today one of the best centres in Spain for the study of architecture and engineering. It is located in campuses throughout the city.
Málaga
Málaga is perhaps best known as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, and is famous for its sunny days and sandy beaches. It is also one of the major cities of Andalusia, and although often invaded by the hoards of tourists, still retains a very Spanish atmosphere. The city has roots in the Roman period, but really took off during the Moorish occupation. The old 10th century fortress, La Alcazaba, can still be visited today. During the 19th century, Málaga became a fashionable resort for wealthy Spaniards, and then shot to fame following the birth of its most famous son, Pablo Picasso. Today, the city still retains a cosmopolitan and fashionable air, and offers some of the best nightlife and cultural activities in the region.
The University of Málaga (E MALAGA01) has its origins in the 1960’s, and was the first university in the city. Today, the university offers teaching in all areas, and is located on the city outskirts.
Murcia
Murcia is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Spain. It was founded in the 9th century AD by a Moorish leader, and since then has become an important centre on the south-east of Spain. Although located in an area of sun and sandy beaches, Murcia lies slightly inland. It is famous for its architectural history, especially for its Baroque architecture and its city walls. Remnants of the walls and some of the old towers are still visible today. The university is also important here, and Murcia is very much a student town. This means that the city is filled with vibrant bars and restaurants, and has a lively atmosphere.
The University of Murcia (E MURCIA01) has foundations going back to the 13th century. Today it has just under 30,000 students and offers subjects in all areas.
Oviedo
Oviedo is the political and administrative capital of the region, and is located in the mountainous and coastal area of Asturias, which is well-known for its outdoor activities and beauty. These include the picos de europa, a well-known hikers paradise. The city was founded by King Alfonso II in 810 AD, and was one of the only places in Spain not to be subjugated to Moorish rule. Although based around a medieval old town, the city today is modern and industrial, and has a large student population. It also has good connections to the other two cities of the region, Gijon and Aviles.
Oviedo University (E OVIEDO01) was founded in 1608 by the one-time Inquisitor General, Fernando de Valdes. It has 12 faculties, mostly in Oviedo but also found in the nearby cities of Gijon and Mieres, and over 40,000 students.
Pamplona
Pamplona is located in the province of Navarre in north-east Spain, bordering France and the Pyrenees. Dating from Roman times, Pamplona is today home to the world- famous bull-run and the festival of San Fermin, immortalised by Ernest Hemmingway in his novel The Sun Also Rises. Apart from this, it is also a pleasant town within itself, and has an attractive medieval old quarter. It is also one of the largest towns in the region, and acts as a gateway for the much visited Navarre area. As a major city within the Basque country, it is an ideal place to try out the local culture.
Navarra Univeristy (E PAMPLON01) was founded in 1952, and has traditionally maintained strong links with the religious movement Opus Dei, whose founder (Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer) was a key member in the university’s establishment. Today it has almost 17,000 students, and 10 faculties.
Salamanca
Located on the south-west border of Castile and Leon, Salamanca prides itself on its ‘small village’ feel (although it has a population of 180,000 people) and on being the home of the ‘purest’ Castilian. It is possibly one of the most famous university towns in Europe, and the large student population has made the city known for its nightlife. This is coupled with its historic architecture and old town, and a lively cultural scene (the city was nominated European City of Culture in 2002). It is easily accessible from Madrid, and close to other less visited regions in Spain.
Salamanca University (E SALAMAN02) was founded in 1218, and is the oldest university in Spain, and one of the oldest in Europe. Its famous alumni include Hernan Cortes, one of the first conquistadores, and Miguel de Unamuno. Columbus also tried (and failed) to get funding here for his first trip to the Americas. Today it has over 38,000 students.
Santander
Sandwiched between mountains and the sea, Santander is the regional capital of Cantabria. It has an attractive coastal location, sitting on a 2km stretch of sandy beach and an adjacent harbour, making it arguably one of the prettiest cities in Spain. Whilst it was once a favourite haunt of the Spanish royal family, today it is still one of the major ports of the country, creating a bustling and cosmopolitan city. It is also a major tourist centre, and has great local facilities.
University of Cantabria (E SANTAND01) was founded in 1929 as a public institution. It is a small university, with just over 12,500 students, and has a strong tradition in scientific research.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the final leg of the pilgrimage journey known as the Camino de Santiago, and is now a UNESCO world-heritage site. It is the major city of the region, and has a pull all of its own. Today it is a modern and cosmopolitan city. It has a famous university and large student population, which guarantees a lively social scene. The city is also famous for its cuisine, notably its fish and octopus.
University of Santiago de Compostela (E SANTIAG01) has its origins in a grammar school for poor children founded in 1495. Today it has over 45,000 students and five faculties. The university is spread over two campuses, in Santiago itself and nearby Lugo.
Valenicia
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and has a reputation for being one of the liveliest. It is a city with a long historical tradition, and has been home to Romans, Visigoths and Moors. It is also home to perhaps Spain’s most famous export, paella. It is connected with the Spanish hero El Cid and can boast some of the most famous fiestas in the country, Las Fallas. Apart from this, the city also has some of the best beaches in the region, and its location makes it the ideal point for exploring everything the area has to offer.
University of Valencia (E VALENCI01) was founded in 1499 as a centre for medicine, theology and law. Today it is one of the biggest universities in Spain and has over 50,000 students. It has 14 faculties which are based on three campuses in and around the city.
Vic
This small Catalan city is nestled halfway between Barcelona and the Pyrenees and has a population of around 30,000. It dates back to the pre-Roman period and today is the administrative capital of the region. The university is an important influence in the town, and students make up over 10% of its population. The city lies in the middle of spectacular scenery, which makes the area popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding. There aren’t many places where you can go skiing in the mornings and head to the beach for the afternoon!
University of Vic (E VIC01) is a private university founded in 1979. It lies roughly one hour north of Barcelona and is focused on languages and the social sciences. There are currently over 4,000 students.
Zaragoza
Zaragoza is a 2,000 year old bustling regional capital, and with over 600,000 inhabitants, is one of the largest cities in Spain. The city is famous for its trade-fairs and is also a well-known university city, with a student tradition going back over 500 years. Although little explored by tourists, the city has a lot to offer and contains many sights, including a well preserved historical quarter and Moorish architecture.
University of Zaragoza (E ZARAGOZ01) was officially founded in 1542, but has roots going back to the ecclesiastical schools of the 14th century. It is spread over three campuses around the city.