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Spanish Universities?

Hi everyone,
So basically a bit about me: Colombian-American attending an international school in the Netherlands, first year of IB. Interested in politics, economics, international relations. I've been looking at Unis and I don't want to go back to the States, the UK is too expensive, and other countries I've looked at either have too much of a language barrier, or don't offer the type of course that I desire. I'm looking into Spanish universities such as Pompeu Fabra or Autónoma de Madrid, and I'm wondering if anyone here could give me any insight into how Spanish Unis work? Also, I am not 100% fluent in Spanish as I never lived in Colombia (or any spanish-speaking country), however I am confident I could become fluent within a few months as I hear the language at home. Would it still be recommended that I apply despite the fact I am not fluent?
Any advice helps :smile:

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Reply 1

Autónoma de Barcelona, they do offer lectures in English. You can also blend in with other Spanish-speaking students, whether inside the university or outside. They do have a commerce studies department (Business studies, economics, etc.). Well, about the fluency, you can have lessons or hire a tutor to become more confident about the language whenever you're on your free time or through friends you make. I do have a Spanish background in my family, so I get where you're coming from. :biggrin: I've thought about the same thing but for my university choice, I want the easier route which is an English one. I'm obsessed with the language in general, I can understand a bit.
Good luck!

Reply 2

I'm Spanish and if you are interested in economics and political science it might be worth to take a look at Carlos III University, Pompeu Fabra also has great reputation. There are also some private good ones that have international relations degrees but they dont have economics degrees since they are more focused in Management like ICADE or ESADE. Good luck.

Reply 3

Original post by maria.x
Autónoma de Barcelona, they do offer lectures in English. You can also blend in with other Spanish-speaking students, whether inside the university or outside. They do have a commerce studies department (Business studies, economics, etc.). Well, about the fluency, you can have lessons or hire a tutor to become more confident about the language whenever you're on your free time or through friends you make. I do have a Spanish background in my family, so I get where you're coming from. :biggrin: I've thought about the same thing but for my university choice, I want the easier route which is an English one. I'm obsessed with the language in general, I can understand a bit.
Good luck!

Hi univstuds! I hope you are active, I am looking forward applying to pompeu fabra university to study economics, I need some advices with my application procedures, I'll be glad if you have some little time for me.

Reply 4

Original post by Aladdin5
Hi univstuds! I hope you are active, I am looking forward applying to pompeu fabra university to study economics, I need some advices with my application procedures, I'll be glad if you have some little time for me.

I think you quoted the wrong person. :smile:

Reply 5

Original post by maria.x
I think you quoted the wrong person. :smile:


Hahaha it seems like you are right, well can you help me?

Reply 6

Original post by univstuds
I'm Spanish and if you are interested in economics and political science it might be worth to take a look at Carlos III University, Pompeu Fabra also has great reputation. There are also some private good ones that have international relations degrees but they dont have economics degrees since they are more focused in Management like ICADE or ESADE. Good luck.

I need your help

Reply 7

Original post by Aladdin5
Hahaha it seems like you are right, well can you help me?


https://www.upf.edu/matricula/en/documentation/documentation.html

Check this, if you have further questions I'll be glad to help.

Reply 8

Original post by Aladdin5
I need your help


Feel free to ask whatever you want

Reply 9

Original post by maria.x
https://www.upf.edu/matricula/en/documentation/documentation.html

Check this, if you have further questions I'll be glad to help.

I am stuck with that credential thing, I am from Egypt and I am sitting for my A-levels in Egypt, am I required to sit for PAU exam? and how are ucas points converted into the spanish marks (1-10)? I knew that there are subject exams that I could sit for in order to supplement my marks, I will finish 4 A-levels predicted grades are A*A*AA and I found an equivalency table on a spanish university website which says my equivalent mark will be 8.8 and i need 9.2 for economics course. I think this is unfair, they are underrating the A-levels.

Reply 10

Original post by Aladdin5
I am stuck with that credential thing, I am from Egypt and I am sitting for my A-levels in Egypt, am I required to sit for PAU exam? and how are ucas points converted into the spanish marks (1-10)? I knew that there are subject exams that I could sit for in order to supplement my marks, I will finish 4 A-levels predicted grades are A*A*AA and I found an equivalency table on a spanish university website which says my equivalent mark will be 8.8 and i need 9.2 for economics course. I think this is unfair, they are underrating the A-levels.


The only solution will be contacting them, I think there is no way they will not accept you with those predicted grades, there's probably some misunderstanding. Try e-mailing or calling their office.

Reply 11

Original post by maria.x
The only solution will be contacting them, I think there is no way they will not accept you with those predicted grades, there's probably some misunderstanding. Try e-mailing or calling their office.

I saw a table of equivalency online on a website of a spanish university so I converted my predicted grades to see how much I'll get in spanish marks, and the conversion showed that my spanish marks are insufficient for the course.
I already emailed UNED and they responded by 'we don't speak English'.
Anyways I'll be contacting the spanish embassy in cairo to find a solution.
Could you please recommend me spanish universities that have good reputation in economics and finance?
(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 12

Original post by Aladdin5
I saw a table of equivalency online on a website of a spanish university so I converted my predicted grades to see how much I'll get in spanish marks, and the conversion showed that my spanish marks are insufficient for the course.
I already emailed UNED and they responded by 'we don't speak English'.
Anyways I'll be contacting the spanish embassy in cairo to find a solution.
Could you please recommend me spanish universities that have good reputation in economics and finance?

If you want me to translate your email just ask, I'm South American so won't be helpful about Spanish unis policies, but I can help you with the language :smile:

Reply 13

Original post by ValeriaMGD
If you want me to translate your email just ask, I'm South American so won't be helpful about Spanish unis policies, but I can help you with the language :smile:


AAAAHHH Thank you for your kindness, give me couple of minutes to organize my questions.

Reply 14

Original post by Aladdin5
I saw a table of equivalency online on a website of a spanish university so I converted my predicted grades to see how much I'll get in spanish marks, and the conversion showed that my spanish marks are insufficient for the course.
I already emailed UNED and they responded by 'we don't speak English'.
Anyways I'll be contacting the spanish embassy in cairo to find a solution.
Could you please recommend me spanish universities that have good reputation in economics and finance?

That 9.2 that youve got to achieve is over 14 A levels are equivalent to Bachillerato not PAU. So dont worry about your grades they are just fine. Ask the admissions office of Pompeu Fabra about PAU i think that there is a special pau for foreigners (easier than the normal one. You might have to take that exam. Hope i helped you.

Reply 15

Original post by Aladdin5
I saw a table of equivalency online on a website of a spanish university so I converted my predicted grades to see how much I'll get in spanish marks, and the conversion showed that my spanish marks are insufficient for the course.
I already emailed UNED and they responded by 'we don't speak English'.
Anyways I'll be contacting the spanish embassy in cairo to find a solution.
Could you please recommend me spanish universities that have good reputation in economics and finance?


Barcelona GSE, University of Barcelona, Carlos III University, University of Navarra.

Reply 16

Original post by univstuds
That 9.2 that youve got to achieve is over 14 A levels are equivalent to Bachillerato not PAU. So dont worry about your grades they are just fine. Ask the admissions office of Pompeu Fabra about PAU i think that there is a special pau for foreigners (easier than the normal one. You might have to take that exam. Hope i helped you.

I will contact them, thanks for the information and I'll ask about that special PAU exam, Thanks again! :smile:

Reply 17

Original post by maria.x
Barcelona GSE, University of Barcelona, Carlos III University, University of Navarra.


I'll browse their courses, thanks for your help maria !!!! :smile:

Reply 18

Original post by Aladdin5
I'll browse their courses, thanks for your help maria !!!! :smile:


It's been a pleasure, and best of luck with everything! :biggrin:

Reply 19

Original post by Aladdin5
I am stuck with that credential thing, I am from Egypt and I am sitting for my A-levels in Egypt, am I required to sit for PAU exam? and how are ucas points converted into the spanish marks (1-10)? I knew that there are subject exams that I could sit for in order to supplement my marks, I will finish 4 A-levels predicted grades are A*A*AA and I found an equivalency table on a spanish university website which says my equivalent mark will be 8.8 and i need 9.2 for economics course. I think this is unfair, they are underrating the A-levels.


Hey! How did you get your {provisional} credencial? Im having trouble applying for mine as obviously we don't get our A Level results until August next year but I'd like to apply for uni in June as they do it in Spain. Any help would be much appreciated, thanks!!