Before we discuss local versus international schooling, education system challenges, the Spanish curriculum, where to find the top international schools, and extracurricular activities, it’s very important to note that Spanish is not the only official language in Spain. Many regions and provinces in Spain have 2 official languages. Why is this important to know? There are certain factors that you need to consider which could completely change your perspective on what you thought was the best place for you and your family to live in Spain.
In the regions of Spain with 2 official languages, it’s likely that you will need to learn both languages. Not only to fully integrate into society, but also to improve your financial prospects. This is especially true in the regions of Basque and Cataluña.
Learning one language is already a substantial investment of your time and effort, do you have the time to learn two languages?
Schooling in the bilingual regions of Spain
If Spain is a new country, and you are still testing the waters, it could be difficult to know where you and your family might be in a few years. How do you feel about your children learning a regional language they may never use again? Is it possible that you could relocate for work in a few years, or decide to move somewhere else in Spain? It’s estimated that 50% of foreigners relocate twice in Spain, often to different regions. If your children learn a language in addition to Spanish, would it be more advantageous if they learn an international language?
The Spanish language is spoken by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world, however the regional languages of Spain are usually only spoken there.
Each year, Central and Northern Europeans make up a larger percentage of Spain’s economy, especially in the major cities and the coast of Spain. Would it be more beneficial if your child/children learned one of the major European languages?
The challenges of the bilingual regions of Spain
In regions like Cataluña (Catalonia), the Pais Vasco (Basque), and to a lesser degree Galicia, social integration will likely require you to learn the regional language.
Compared with the rest of Spain, Cataluña is known to be the least inclusive community in all of Spain, and the most difficult to make friends. You can find more information about this in expat forums and local groups. The Catalans have a strong identity as being not Spanish, in addition, the iconic cultural symbols of Spain that most people know and love is quite reduced in the region. For most foreigners in Cataluña their social group will largely consist of other foreigners.
While Basque Country is a little more inclusive (but not much), the Basque language is very challenging and used nowhere else. The Basque people, like the Catalans, have a strong social and political identity which they consider quite separate from Spain.
These regions all have their own distinct cultures which is also enticing, however, they may not represent the Spain that you know, and that you would like to enjoy.
On the plus side, the economies of Catalonia and Basque Country are two of the strongest in Spain. You will find more work and entrepreneurial opportunities here than in most other areas of Spain, except for Madrid and Valencia. In addition, the level of education in local schooling is at a much higher standard than most other regions of Spain.
Important considerations regarding schooling: In most local schools, all classes are taught in the regional language and not in Spanish. This is also true in the Provinces of Galicia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. If you have children that are at school age, you will most likely need to send them to an international school. For children who have not yet started school, they may have enough time to learn both Spanish and the regional language.
Schooling and Education in Valencia and Galicia
While Valencian and Galician are still official languages, they are not as widely spoken in social situations as you find with the other main regional languages. It’s rare that you will find yourself excluded from conversations, as can happen more frequently in Catalonia. The people are a lot more inclusive, and in government buildings everyone still speaks Spanish or English.
In Galicia, local schooling is taught in about 50% Galician and 50% Spanish, while in Valencia schooling is taught mostly in Valencian. That said, in these regions, Spanish is the language you will hear spoken the majority of the time. In fact, in Alicante province (Valencia Region) it’s very rare that you hear Valencian spoken, and this is especially true the further South you go.
Regions of Spain where Spanish is the official language.
These are the regions of Spain where Spanish (or Castellano) is the singular official language:
Asturias, Cantabria, La Rioja, Aragon, Castile and León, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Andalusia, the Canary Islands, Murcia, as well as Ceuta, Melilla, and half of Navarre.
Spain education system challenges
While the syllabus is standard throughout Spain, the quality of education varies considerably, and in general tends to strengthen from South to North and in major cities.
Professional training is essential to provide momentum for a workforce, however in Spain, this is below par. Thousands of vacancies are not covered each year because schooling in Spain does not provide enough of the right profiles. With the influx of European and International companies establishing a presence in Spain and a considerable surge in the number of foreigners relocating to the country, there’s an increased expectation for a quality workforce.
Spain is surging ahead in renewable energy, the automobile industry, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and food production (especially wines, fruit, vegetables, and olive production), healthcare and biotechnology, technology and innovation, construction and real estate, and creative industries like fashion, film, design and architecture. However, despite these advancements, there are major concerns about the preparedness of the Spanish education system to effectively meet the demands of their evolving economic landscape.
One of the primary concerns lies in Spain’s curriculum’s adaptability. They need to cater to the internationalization of industries and businesses, but not much in the syllabus has changed in decades.
Proficiency in multiple languages, especially English, Dutch, French, and German, is pivotal for competitiveness in the European and global job market, and the reality is that the majority of Spanish schools are not meeting this demand.
Digital Skills and STEM education in Spain
Spain could do a lot more to provide computer skills, digital literacy, design, creativity, and training for entrepreneurship within the educational curriculum. There is a demand for technological proficiency beyond basic computer literacy (for example, coding, data analysis, information technology, cybersecurity, and software applications). These skills are not only essential for future job prospects, but also for fostering innovation and competitiveness in the country. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and other towns in Catalonia and Basque Country are making advances, but sadly the rest of Spain is still a way behind.
The educational system should also provide some training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, incorporating coding and programming from early education stages. By doing this, they can bridge some of the digital divide in Spain, and reclaim some of the outsourcing of jobs. To be clear, not everyone needs to be an engineer, or scientist, however there is a distinct lack of these courses in the Spanish curriculum.
Spain falls short in fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological literacy within the educational framework. Encouraging creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and basic business skills is crucial to prepare students for the evolving job landscape.
Extracurricular activities in Spain
Given the nuances of the Spanish curriculum, you may find it beneficial to complement your children’s schooling with extracurricular activities, private tutoring, or alternative educational approaches.
These supplementary methods can provide additional support in areas where the standard curriculum might have limitations. Extra activities, ranging from sports and arts to language and business classes or STEM programs, can offer avenues for children to explore their interests beyond the conventional Spanish classroom setting.
These activities not only nurture a well-rounded skill set but also cultivate essential traits such as social interaction, teamwork, and personal development. Beyond that, they offer expanded opportunities for your children’s future.
International schooling in Spain
Some families may seek to explore alternative education. International schools usually offer different curricular approaches, instruction, and international certifications, providing a broader educational perspective and cater to diverse learning styles.
Some of the finest international schools in Spain can be found in and around Madrid and Barcelona (with curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, and British systems), Bilbao, Valencia, the Northern Costa Blanca (Benidorm, Altea, Javea), and Marbella.
In Conclusion
Spain’s education system is a complex blend of language requirements, and varied educational standards. Regional languages in certain areas can impact your integration, so it’s not only important to choose the right educational path for your children, but to also select an area where you as a parent/as parents can feel comfortable.
For some regions you may want to consider alternative or supplemental education, international schools and extracurricular activities so that you can enhance children’s educational experience and future opportunities.
