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Spain is one of the most exciting and intriguing countries to learn and live in. Its cities are filled with rich cultural heritage, and its people are warm and friendly. If you've chosen to study in Spain, it is pertinent that you make yourself familiar with the pathways and requirements.
It is no hidden fact that most students tend to find cost-effective pathways to study abroad due to travel, school, and accommodation expenses. It is not uncommon for students to look for scholarship programs that cover these financial obligations.
One of the most cost-effective ways to study in Spain as a Nigerian is via the Erasmus+ scholarship program.
This programme is unique and differs from many other international scholarship opportunities. Usually, international scholarships offer free education for university admission seekers and fund them for a while or throughout the program.
In the case of Erasmus+, the programme caters to more than funding. It offers free cultural and exchange programs for beneficiaries at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
In this article, we intend to talk about the study in Spain requirements for Nigerians and the peculiarities of the Erasmus+ scheme.
Here's a comprehensive guide to studying in Spain.
Definition and Structure of Erasmus+
Erasmus is an acronym for the European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students which was established by the European Union to bridge the gap between youths of different countries and cultural backgrounds.
It also aims to foster the spirit of sportsmanship, cooperation, research, and educational development among youths of various origins.
The Erasmus+ scheme offers non-EU students the opportunity to participate in its study exchanges for students at Bachelor, Master or Doctoral level, with the condition that their country is eligible to participate in the required exchange.
Eligible countries of the Erasmus+ scheme are divided into 2 groups:
- Programme countries: These are countries that are eligible for all the actions and benefits of the Erasmus+ scheme. The programme countries include both EU countries (such as Spain, Germany, France, etc.) and non-EU countries (such as Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, etc.).
- Partner countries: These are countries that are eligible for the Erasmus+ scheme but can only take part in a limited part of the scheme and are subject to specific conditions. Partner countries of the Erasmus+ scheme include countries neighbouring the EU (such as Albania, Belarus, Algeria, etc.) and countries in other regions of the world including Nigeria.
As such, the platform allows successful Nigerian applicants to travel to Europe and partake in exchange programs between partner institutions at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The platform also ensures that successful students experience a diverse cultural background and benefit from new opportunities in the host country's labour market.
It is a widely known fact that travel increases knowledge and changes the perception of every seeker. Through travel to other countries abroad, you will experience new things and lifestyle that opens your mind to several possibilities.
You'll also see various projects, arts, and technological advancements outside your vicinity.
Apart from the goal of achieving international mobility among pupils, the platform also allows successful applicants to learn new languages, develop new skills, and seek job opportunities in the host country.
Due to its success over the years among undergraduate and postgraduate students, the scheme was renamed Erasmus+ from its former name, Erasmus, allowing teachers, workers, and other administrators to benefit from staff exchange abroad.
As we mentioned above, the scheme entails the movement of pupils and workers from one country to another as long as both countries are part of the arrangement. Currently, Spain, Germany, France ranks as the commonest destination of the scheme's beneficiaries.
Usually, the scheme is divided into intervals. The last one lasted for six years between 2014 and 2020. The new interval starts in 2021 and ends in 2027. The major aim of the new batch is geared towards student mobility and participation in the European Union activities.
Depending on the scheme type you apply for, you have the opportunity of learning new languages through their online platform and participation in various activities happening in the host country.
Advantages of the Erasmus+ Scheme
Nigerians stand to gain several benefits from enrolling in this scheme aside from free accommodation and travel expenses.
Read more on universities to study in Spain as a Nigerian.
Security of Participants
Top European and international bodies recognize the scheme, and as such, successful applicants should expect maximum safety and protection during their stay. The scheme also covers health expenses and insurance.
Learning a New Language
Apart from the academic and institutional advantages that the scheme offers, you will also have the opportunity to learn Spanish and German if you opt for Germany as your prospective destination. As a Nigerian, you will need to attain the minimum Spanish proficiency required to enrol in partner universities, as most of the courses will be taught in Spanish.
As you go higher, the language of instruction will be English but having a good grasp of the country's lingua franca is essential for a hitch-free stay. In some institutions, you'll be taught the lingua franca as part of introductory classes.
Exposure and Diversity
As we noted above, learning is a multidimensional endeavour that goes beyond the four walls of a classroom or school. You have more exposure and information about how people live and run things in other parts of the world when you travel. You also experience historical and lifestyle diversity among different races.
Lastly, you'll see events and monuments that you were taught or listened to in the news when you move outside your vicinity.
Enhancement of Your Portfolio
Apart from the academic and institutional benefits of the scheme, you can also learn new skills that are not available at home. The skills include crafting, sporting activities, and various art. Another benefit is that you will earn a degree from prestigious universities outside the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Besides, earning a bachelor or master degree outside Nigeria puts more glamour and validation to your portfolio in any academic and institutional setting.
Access to Materials and Research Opportunities
The scheme has a platform that offers open access to research materials and data for postgraduate and master degree students. There are also many educational materials on their website and in partner universities that you can't get within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
These materials will enable you to embark on special and novel projects in sciences and humanities. If you wish to do business in Spain or Germany, the host destination can also offer you a fresh target population for your services.
Internship and Job Opportunities
After getting your basic or master's degree in arts or sciences, the scheme also ensures that successful participants gain sustainable employment and internships in major cities like Barcelona and valencia. In essence, the scheme caters to post-school struggles and ensures that the graduates are employable anywhere in the world.
Stipend For Participants
Successful participants are given monthly stipends throughout their stay. The scheme is also fully funded to cover your accommodation in Barcelona, Valencia, or wherever you choose to live in Spain. You'll also be given travelling allowances, and there's no bond restriction if you wish to return home.
The funding comes from certain European bodies, and you'll be given an airfare ticket and a study in Spain visa for Nigerians. You can even set up a project or business from the monthly funding.
When you're done with your studies, the scheme also gives travel allowances for your return.
Here's is how to become a student at a Spanish University
Erasmus+ in Spain Requirements for Nigerian Applicants
Most news sources that talk about the study in Spain requirements for Nigerians usually leave out some crucial information. First and foremost, you must know that the scheme allows you to join a school abroad for one or two semesters.
The first requirement is that you must be a current student in a Nigerian higher institution that is a participant in the scheme. In addition, the course you are studying must be recognized in Spain.
Some schools in Nigeria that participate in Erasmus+ include:
- The University of Lagos
- The University of Ibadan
- Pan African University
- Lagos State University
- University of Calabar
- The University of Port Harcourt
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Crawford University
The higher institution that you wish to attend in Spain must also be a member of the scheme. Federal institutions in Valencia and Barcelona are typical examples. Of course, many schools allow study in Spain for international students, but not all of them are part of the scheme.
Another requirement for those interested in studying in Spain via the Erasmus+ option is that you must be willing to become a part of the mobility and exchange scheme between the host and home institution.
Lastly, you must be proficient in Spanish to a reasonable extent. You must also have a certificate or evidence of your proficiency in some instances.
Need a guide on how to prepare to study in Spain? Here's is a link on how to prepare to study in Spain.
Erasmus+ in Spain Application Procedure for Nigerians
Usually, the program runs for two years and caters to people studying various courses in the sciences, engineering, arts, and humanities. You can check for the available institutions and courses before you apply.
The application usually closes by March, and the new batch of successful applicants will benefit from the 2021-2027 scheme.
The first step is to visit your institution's centre for international studies to ascertain if the program is open. You should also confirm the available courses and the number of slots for each department.
You'll need a cover letter written in English explaining why you're a fit for the scheme and your intent or willingness to participate in their activities. You'll also need to fill an application form and get some recommendation letters from people of high standing. Lastly, your results should be available as a means of ascertaining your current standing as a student.
To sum it up, many news sources and websites talk about how to study in Spain for international students or how to get a study in Spain visa for Nigerians. However, you must marry the information above with your residual knowledge to have a good chance of learning outside Nigeria.
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