Four of the top universities for studying Spanish are Malaga, Barcelona, Madrid and Salamanca and, while all offer a selection of course length, narrowing down the best choice may come down to things such as location, dialect, facilities and socialising.

Malaga, in the south, is one of the cheapest locations.  While the locals in this region of Andalusia crop their words, the lack of that last consonant may at first seem strange but, once you get used to it, it proves to be a very likeable communication.

Offering short-term, long-term and also summer courses, this university is situated only two minutes from the beach. The foreign student of Spanish can fit easily into university life via its student room, garden and terrace and, as good weather is as good as guaranteed all year round, the garden and terrace prove to be regular meeting points. Unlike some other universities, Malaga boasts a language laboratory, which could prove to be a huge plus for eager students.

Barcelona is in the region of Catalonia in the east, where their native brand of language is Catalán.  While this is very different to Castilian, the national language of Spain, it does give the student access to understanding another language and maybe some cultural differences, as well.

This university caters for lots of students but offers few free activities, concentrating mainly on cultural awareness and this could be a direct result of there being many more students mingling naturally and creating their own friendships and interests.  They have an on-site cafeteria, which is a bonus and also offer students a PC room, library and garden.  Barcelona does not guarantee good weather all year round and so the cafeteria is an excellent alternative for free time get-togethers.

Salamanca, at about nine o’clock in Spain, and near its border with Portugal, guarantees the Castilian voice but may be an expensive choice in comparison to other universities.  Unlike the other universities who offer six levels of Spanish accomplishment, Salamanca offers only four levels but, having said that, these courses are very high quality and offer a range of lengths to the eager student.

Madrid, in the centre of Spain, guarantees access to Castilian communication on the streets. The university offers different course lengths but can prove to be a little expensive when comparing prices to other universities.  Students have access to all facilities and these include a cafeteria, PC room, library, great sport facilities, green areas and terraces.  Like Barcelona, good weather is not guaranteed all year round and so students may socialise in the cafeteria, or maybe on the terrace, if weather permits. As the capital of the country, it will have much to offer, allowing the student of Spanish to enjoy other cultures and its many international restaurants.

While the courses on offer will be of prime importance, enjoying the weather, culture and the student facilities will no doubt influence choice.  After all, studying is richly enhanced if it is a good all-round experience and so outside the classroom counts just as much as inside.  While universities do offer a few free time activities, these may sometimes by cancelled, so using an organisation like Go Study Spain for your initiation into culture, gastronomy, mixing with the locals and visiting places of interest, all of which will enhance your overall understanding, will guarantee that you have totally involved yourself in that Spanish experience.