STUDENTS SEEK TO STUDY ABROAD IN SPAIN

Spain is a top destination for college students studying abroad, offering a variety of academic, cultural, and recreational opportunities for its students. According to a 2002 report by Open Doors, a publication of the Institute of International Education, Spain now ranks as one of the top three study abroad destinations.

Spain has become a popular study abroad destination spot for many reasons. One of the most common reasons students choose Spain is for the language skills that they acquire while studying there.

According to information from the Citadel (www.citadel.edu), "With 10% of the U.S. population speaking Spanish, no prospective career is immune to the benefits of knowing this language'.

Possessing bilingual skills is an invaluable characteristic for employees to have, especially graduating college students seeking a job. With the Spanish language so prevalent throughout the United States, employers have been actively pursuing the English and Spanish-speaking population for potential employees.

In addition to the linguistics in which students may become proficient, Spain also offers one of the best travel destinations in the world. According to the Travel Channel's World's Bests (http://travel.discovery.com/fansites/worldsbest/listing.html), Spain ranks in the top ten for several categories of the report, including location for four of the top nine Hottest Beaches in Europe. With 46 holidays per year and over 300 days of sunshine, Spain continuously beckons students to come.

Study abroad experts also select Spain as their destination of choice. When Brian Boubek, President and CEO of Cultural Experiences Abroad (www.GoWithCEA.com), a study abroad provider for U.S. and Canadian students, was asked to choose one city as the most beneficial study abroad location, he identified Seville, Spain because, "It has the feel of a small town with the benefits of a larger city. There is a great blend of Spaniards and Europeans as well as Americans, and it is easy to meet and interact with many of them. Seville is also a good place to learn Spanish, encounter a fun atmosphere and experience numerous cultural events. Great energy thrives throughout this city.'

Caroline Walsh, CEA's Director of Onsite Operations & Development agrees. She states that "Spain is not a destination… it's an experience.'
This experience, as Walsh refers to, includes spring festivals, workshops, bullfights, siestas and flavorful food dishes that help make Spain famous.

Regardless of whether a student is looking to enhance their Spanish language proficiency, bask in the aura of another culture or discover the truth to the Travel Channel's World Bests' claims, students who study abroad in Spain will attain a cultural experience unlike that of any other.

To learn more about Spain and studying abroad visit:
www.GoWithCEA.com

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