A gap year in Spain
Gap years in Spain
Goodbye sunburned tourists, tacky tourist magnets, and menus with pictures. Hello gorgeous climate, free bar snacks, glamorous adjectives, and jaw-dropping cycle trails. Enjoy a gap year in the Spanish sunshine, and discover what this beautiful country is really about.
Gap Year Opportunities
If you want to acquire the Spanish tongue, or your A-levels have given you a keen interest, why not consider taking an academic year in Spain? You can take courses in Madrid or Barcelona, improving your written and verbal skills – not just at a desk but in everyday conversation. Many gap year projects in Spain begin with an intensive language course, so you may find you come back with some new words whether you left with any or not!
Paid placements in Spain are commonly found in the tourist industry, which means you could be doing anything from childcare to pulling pints. In the last decade Spain has been swamped with expats. While this may detract from the beautiful holiday-spots, it’s created an abundance of opportunities for backpackers and gappers.
Getting Around
Did you know that you can take a train to Madrid? Yes – and the fare from London starts at £110 (including dinner, bed with private shower and free drinks). Although most tourists jump on a plane with their last-minute package deal, you can do it the environmental way – and you don’t need to queue for the loo either.
Once in Spain, you’ll need little direction from us about getting around – buses, trains and taxis are smart, efficient and easy to use. If you want to explore some of the rural regions, particularly heading north towards the Pyrenees, it’s a good idea to hire a car – not the cheapest option, but give yourself a week and make the most of it.
If you are taking time to explore the country, look up the regional Posadas or Casas Rurales – country inns that are easy on the budget. A Posada (not to be confused with the hotel chain of the same name) is like a British B&B, run by its owners and often adjoining or part of their home. Staying in one isn’t just affordable (from around £25/night), it’s also a good way to learn more about the region.
Health on your Spanish Gap Year
Spain, like other EU countries, participates in the EHIC scheme. Before you travel, apply for a card from the NHS – it’s supplied free of charge. If you need medical treatment while you’re living in Spain it will be provided free or at reduced cost. The EHIC card isn’t a replacement for travel insurance but – because it entitles you to free urgent treatment – it would be stupid not to get yours. It’s really quick to apply online: just have your NHS number handy. Living in Spain, you’ll be at risk of the same viral problems as the UK; you’ll need to have had MMR shots and, preferably, a meningitis vaccination too.
About Spain
It’s said to be the second most-visited country in the world (after France). No surprise, then, that Spain’s tourist industry employs 1.5 million people and generates 12% of the GDP. The Madrid train bombings of 2004 – a statement against the Spanish troops being sent to Iraq – adversely affected tourist numbers, but business quickly bounced back (and the troops were withdrawn shortly afterwards).
As you can see from Spanish architecture, various ruling parties have left their mark in the country. The former Roman Empire of Hispania was later conquered by Moors (Berber Muslims), with Jewish, German and French occupiers to contribute to the cultural mix. Spanish cuisine is a result of this melting-pot, making great use of American-introduced peppers, potatoes and tomatoes – as well as its own olive oil and pork (a food that became important for distinguishing Spanish Catholics from Jews and Muslims). You’ll undoubtedly eat well here – try the Spanish tapas and a mug of hot chocolate with a pile of deep-fried churros.
Where to go in Spain
So what don’t you know about Spain? Anyone can book a sun’n’sand Spanish holiday. It takes a bit more to find out what makes this country tick. Did you know, for instance, that the Spanish are a nation of cyclists? You’ll find great facilities and breathtaking trails out in the countryside, notably Andalucia and the mountainous north. If you fancy a challenge, try St James Way, a historical pilgrims’ route from Leon to Santiago de Compostela.
Northern Spain is well worth a long stop – neglected by tourists (apart from coaches arriving at the Sistine Chapel), this beautiful region is cooler in summer and a favourite holiday place of Spaniards. Asturias (from Santander westwards) is cider county, and dotted with ancient caves.
Barcelona. Any fool can warble on about Picasso and Gaudi – do something different and visit one of the city’s quirky museums. If it’s weird Barcelona has dedicated a museum to it – how else do you explain the museums of Erotica, Shoes, or Funeral Carriages? Don’t miss the Museu de la Xocalata, the Chocolate Museum, which will have you drooling – look out for the sculpture of Louis Armstrong.