Scholarships for Spain
Get Ready to Pack Your Suitcase
Thanks to the combination of historic and contemporary factors at work in Spain, it is no wonder that this country continues to be a popular study abroad destination. Madrid by itself is one of the most cosmopolitan European cities while maintaining its historic and cultural roots. Students wishing to study in Spain will find the country a generous blend of modern and ancient, and programs of study range from short summer sessions to year-long academic smorgasbords allowing one to truly immerse themselves in the country and culture.
Major cities include Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Art and architecture students will not want to miss the opportunity to be in the heart of Barcelona where Gaudi has punctuated the city with his unique architectural pieces that present a startling blend of Gothic form and extreme modern innovation. And business and international studies students may have the opportunity to experience the livable and lively Madrid, recognized as one of the largest European commercial hubs.
While a terse knowledge of Spanish may help, you do not necessarily need to know the language to study in Spain. There are some programs that are taught in English, and in others you may opt to learn Spanish as you go. Besides studies, students typically make nearby France a stop-off as well as including the countryside of Spain part of their itinerary.
Private Funding
The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) supports the educational and professional field of archaeology. The AIA assists graduate and post-graduate archeology students pursuing specialized studies and fieldwork. The Harriet and Leon Pomerance Fellowships are awarded to graduate level or higher applicants whose study is focused on the Bronze Age especially in the Aegean region, which includes Spain. The Fellowships award $4,000 to the right applicants and international travel projects are preferred for this award.
Study Abroad Organizations
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) offers a program in Salamanca, Spain open to students studying in an array of disciplines. The program may be tailored for summer, semester or a year of study. Students may qualify for the following scholarships:
- AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships offer the most widely disbursed funds. Applicants are reviewed on the basis of academic record and in light of a competitive essay. Awards of $1,000 or $2,000 are available to a few dozen qualified candidates.
- Diversity Scholarships are awarded to students typically underrepresented in a study abroad program. Awards cover the costs for the program including travel expenses. There are also a number of “runner-up” awards valued at $2,000 in the Diversity program.
International Studies Abroad (ISA) sponsors the Dr. Carlos Castañeda Memorial Scholarships. These attractive funds are provided based on a combination of academic merit and financial need to students in an ISA program in a Spanish-speaking country, including Spain. Applicants do not need to be studying the language and may be going for a summer, semester or year program. Between $1,000 and $2,500 may be earned for the programs. ISA has a full bunker of programs in almost a dozen cities in Spain and the organization maintains close affiliations with hundreds of American colleges and universities.
The Center for Cross Cultural Study offers a highly designed program in Seville, Spain, which requires applicants to have advanced Spanish language skills to participate. In fact, to be considered candidates must submit an essay both in English and then translated to Spanish. Once chosen, recipients earn up to $2,500 for their efforts and academic standing.
College Scholarships
Sweet Briar College is a small, liberal arts women’s college situated right in the heart of Blue Ridge Mountain territory in Virginia. The college is instrumental in training tomorrow’s women for careers in all fields. For years the college has been sending students abroad for engaging semesters and whole years of study. The Junior Year in Spain program has been popular for decades and students may qualify for the following scholarships:
- Junior Year in Spain Scholarships are awarded selectively and especially to students whose economic situation may disallow them access to a study abroad program. Applicants must have very high academic scores to be considered and funding varies based on student’s situation.
- Helen Smith Davenport Endowed Scholarship Fund is used to assist outstanding students with their financial responsibilities attached to a study abroad program. This particular fund is designed for those students interested in a year program abroad, including the Junior Year in Spain program.
- Adelaide Boze Glascock Scholarship also offers financial assistance where it is needed for students to study abroad. This is competitive and funding is limited.
The University of Iowa offers students a bunch of funding opportunities associated with various study abroad programs including Spain:
- International Health Research Scholarships are awarded through the Center for Rural and Environmental Health. Students whose interests lie in health science on an international level may qualify for awards up to $2,500. Applicants are reviewed based on academic record and intended program of study.
- UI Presidential Scholarships for Study Abroad go to top-notch students who wish to spend a year studying abroad. Awards go out to nearly two-dozen students and are worth $1,000.
- Stanley Undergraduate Scholarships for International Research and Fieldwork is uniquely designed for those students whose studies involve research projects requiring international study. Applicants must have the recommendation of faculty and have finely honed project proposals. Awards up to $2,500.
