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“Nothing develops intelligence like travel.” - Emile Zola
According to the European Commission, Spain was the most popular destination for Erasmus students. It’s true that’s Spain is a popular country for a number of reasons. If you’re interested in studying there, just follow our guide. In this article, we'll be explaining what Erasmus is, how to sign up for it, how long you can stay, the financial assistance available, and what to expect!
What Does Erasmus Mean?
Erasmus is an exchange programme between the 27 member states of the European Union and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Croatia, and Turkey. 
How Do You Sign Up to an Erasmus Programme in Spain?
First of all, you should head to the international office at your university to find out more about applying. Usually, the deadlines are around March. Some establishments hold an Erasmus meeting towards the start of the academic for those wanting to learn more about studying abroad. You’ll need a few documents in order to go on Erasmus:
- A cover letter in English and sometimes in Spanish
- An application for an Erasmus scholarship
- A letter of recommendation from teachers
- A transcript of your results
Normally, you’ll need to make three choices in order of preference. The programme can be quite selective depending on what and where you want to study. There’s a quota for how many students can be welcomes by the university. Similarly, your university may have a limit to the number of Erasmus students they can send. If you want to study in Spain, the most popular country for Erasmus students, you’re going to have to work hard. You just won’t enjoy the benefits that an Erasmus student would get. Of course, you’ll often need to pass your current year at university in order to attend.
How Long Does it Take to Apply?
Applying for Erasmus can take some time. It’s better to start preparing as soon as you can. This will also give you the time to improve your Spanish. As we said, the deadlines for applications are often in March.
Do You Need to Speak Spanish to Study in Spain?
Those who speak Spanish well are more likely to get in than those who don’t so don’t skip any classes. 
How to Write a Cover Letter for Erasmus
Your cover letter for Erasmus isn’t much different from any other cover letter. You’ll need to put together a few arguments and reasons why you’re a good candidate and it shouldn’t really go over a page. You’ll need an introduction explaining who you are, what you’ve studied, why you should be chosen, and a conclusion. You should stress your willingness to improve your Spanish, immerse yourself in a new environment, and learn new skills.
How Long Can You Spend on Erasmus?
An Erasmus scholarship allows you to spend between 3 and 12 months studying abroad. You can spend a semester abroad but you’ll learn a lot more staying there for the whole academic year. Keep in mind that an academic year is only really 9 months if you don’t stay over the summer. If you head off for a semester, you’ll only spend 4 months there. This is quite a short amount of time to try and immerse yourself in the local culture, even if you try really hard.
What Assistance is There for Erasmus Students?
The Erasmus programme allows British and European students to head to European universities for less. You can apply for an Erasmus grant which is only for those on the programme. You should ask for your grant through your university. The amount depends on the countries involved. There are also other types of financing available that you can ask for more information from your university. There are plenty of different types available for all types of different students so make sure you find out if any apply to you. 
What Is Erasmus in Spain Like?
Classes in Spain aren’t like they are in the UK. You won’t necessarily be a giant lecture hall messing about on your computer while your tutor reads from a PowerPoint. Classes in Spain are less formal than those in the UK. The classroom will rarely be in complete silence and you’ll be able to call your teachers by their first name. Students are happy to talk and aren’t afraid of being wrong. There’s a lot of debate and discussion. There are a lot of spoken exams rather than long dissertations. There’s a lot more flexibility in terms of deadlines and word limits, too. “One of the teachers was surprised at how many students apologised for submitting work late. They told them that they wouldn’t lose marks for work submitted days or even weeks late” explains one Erasmus student at the University of Valencia. It’s not uncommon for students to head out late and drag themselves into class at half past eight in the morning. It’s also when a siesta can be useful. If you’re heading to Spain to study, you’ll learn a new way to talk to people, express your opinions, and actively participate in the learning process. Spanish culture is rich and diverse. Prepare to be surprised. Improve yourself with a Spanish lessons here on Superprof. 
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