Education
Alfonso IX, the king of Leon (Alfonso IX de Leon) established the first university in Spain in 1218. It was established in Salamanka and became the world-famous educational institution. «Salamanka is the first in teaching sciences» — this is a motto of the university that emphasizes its uniqueness and pride for its being the "firstborn" of education in Spain. In 30 years after its foundation this university was referred to as one of four best educational institutions in the world. It is known that Cervantes and conquistador Ernan Cortes studied there.
In the Gold century of Spain – XVI – XVII – there were 20 universities in the country. They were opened not only in large cities but also in Spanish provinces. These are widely known university of Barcelona (established in 1450), university of Granada (established in 1526) and younger but also prestigious universities of Seville, Valencia and Madrid.
Nowadays education in Spain combines centuries-old classic traditions with up-to-date curriculum adapted to the requirements of modern Europe. There is a trend to integration of Spanish education system into all-European education system.
Education system in Catalonia
Modern education system consists of the following stages:
- children's education (includes two cycles of training for children up to 6 years);
- primary education (includes three cycles of training for children from 6 to 12 years);
- secondary compulsory education (includes two cycles of training for teenagers from 12 to 16 years);
- university education (high-level professional training).
There are state, private and church schools in Spain. It is obligatory for every educational institution to have conformity certificate that controls quality of education.
For residents of Spain training from 6 to 16 years is compulsory and free (in state schools). It is supported by constitutional guarantees for secondary education. Training is held in Catalan language. School program also provides learning of Spanish, English and French languages. Special training is available in schools of applied arts and music schools.
Student’s life
There are 48 universities in Spain and 41 of them are state universities. To enter university you must pass entry exams and provide diploma on secondary education. Exams to pass are English test, two compulsory disciplines and two optional disciplines (humanities or technical sciences depending on specialization of the university).
Educational institutions in Spain are traditionally considered to be good at teaching geography, Latin, history, philosophy, physics. Good higher education is available in sphere of arts.
Prestigious universities of Barcelona:
- University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona). It was established in 1450. It is one of the first universities in Catalonia. Medical science, civil law, arts, philosophy are professed there. About 10 thousand certified specialists graduate every year. Training is held in Catalan language.
- Polytechnic university of Catalonia (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya). This institution was established on basis of some educational institutions in 1971. It conforms with all requirements of modern European education
- Autonomous university of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). It was established in 1968. It is one of the most prestigious universities of Spain and it ranks second to the university of Complutencia. 3 400 lecturers and academics teach here and 12 of them are Nobelists.