Spain

Get a passion for Spain on your gap year

The passionate culture housed in the country of Spain can be read about in books, watched with wide eyes in many films, but few get to spend a large amount of time experiencing this culture for themselves. Glittering beaches border Spain’s flaming nation as flamenco dancers swirl with a vivid blur of colour and bullfighters don majestic red as they parade side by side to a bull in the bullrings. Spain offers the chance to experience its culture through your eyes, ears, taste and smell as you gather around enormous pans of steaming paella and discuss your adventures over a drink of Sangria.

Hidden behind this arguably clichéd understanding of Spain’s zealous culture lies a picturesque landscape that is perfect for those wishing to spend time with nature surrounding them. An emerald green horizon shows mountains that join faultlessly with the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. The charmingly rugged mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada is home to numerous ski resorts; a great activity to participate in, whether you are a beginner or can ski at an advanced level. And, further, through the dense culture that sits heavily upon the country, the Celtic music of Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia reminds us of a place closer to home and the hazy lands of Britain.

The history of Spain is dotted throughout the countryside as the castles belonging to medieval towns stand proud and emerge from the lush grass. The country is a treasure chest of artistic relics and architectural wonders that create an inimitable, distinctive cultural palette. Visits to Spain’s cities provide perfect day trips during your gap year stay in the country as you explore the magnificent buildings in city of Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid to name but a few. Roman relics can be found within the country, whilst Muslim palaces sit next to baroque cathedrals with stories echoing within their walls. For those wishing to experience the more recent of architectural buildings, the Modernista constructions are prevalent within society and waiting to be explored.

Enjoy the freedom to explore both city and countryside at your own pace as the friendly atmosphere allows for a confidence to be instilled within. Public transport is reasonably priced and regular, thus creating the possibility to explore a much further radius of the country. The country itself is linked to other European countries by rail, air and road, making Spain a perfect destination for gap year students; especially those who have yet to travel alone or who wish to be closer to home but still experience a great gap year!

When you arrive in Spain, it will become apparent as to the hedonistic vibe that dances around the vibrant, sparkling and bubbling cities. A gap year is a time to enjoy yourself and experience things that you ordinarily would not get to experience. Throw yourself into the culture so openly displayed in Spain and experience a gap year that would be the envy of those around you!