Spain was not my first choice. However, I did my research about study options abroad and I came to the conclusion that getting enrolled into a Vocational Diploma in Spain was the easiest gateway to Europe.
I just completed my first year of a Vocational course of Automation. The vocational course is hands-on, practical with real-world applications and a lot of job opportunities in the field.
Let´s move to the practical staff when you move to Spain:
My tip for you to find accommodation: www.idealista.com. The Idealista app made it all as breezy as a Spanish beach. Picture this: scrolling through beautiful house photos, chatting directly with the owners, and getting all your queries answered before you even step foot in the place. It’s like Tinder, but for houses – swipe right for your dream home!
My tip for you to move around Spain without having a car:
www.blablacar.es. The BLABLACAR app is an absolute game-changer. It’s a ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers heading your way. Not only is it cheap, but it’s also a fantastic way to meet locals and fellow travelers. Imagine cruising through the Spanish countryside, chatting about hidden gems in Granada or the best churros in Madrid with your fellow passengers. Or, if you’re feeling introverted, just enjoy a peaceful ride – the choice is yours! Speaking of travel, I’ve been zipping around cities like Madrid, Granada, Sevilla, and Córdoba, all thanks to BLABLACAR and the incredibly efficient train system. With a bit of planning, you can travel from Cádiz to Seville to Madrid for around 20 euros. And guess what? Even a trip from Madrid to Barcelona can be done on a budget. Who knew exploring Spain could be so wallet-friendly?
But what really made my experience extraordinary were the people I met along the way. From sharing laughs with classmates over tapas to learning dance moves from locals during fiestas, every moment has been a beautiful blend of cultures and experiences. Each city has its own charm, and each person I met added a unique flavor to my journey.
In conclusion, studying a vocational program in Spain was an excellent match for me and it might work for you too. Why?
-Every classroom has a maximum of 25 students. Quality of education and mentorship with teachers is guaranteed.
-The approach of the program is entirely practical. Forget about the painful memorizing.
-You don’t pay any tuition fees. Program is funded by the Spanish government.
-The program is recognized by the Ministry of Education of Spain and the entire European Union.
-You don´t need to pass any entry exam or certify your level of Spanish language. You just need to complete a course of Spanish prior arrival.
-There is no age limit and gap years are not considered.
How can you get admission into a Vocational Program in Spain?
1. You need to obtain the academic equivalency of your academic qualification. (This a a requirement from the Spanish government to all international students). You can´t just apply directly. Without the academic equivalency approved, you are not eligible for admission.
2. There are certain merits that will add you points in the selection criteria for school admission.
3. If you don´t live in Spain already, you need a legal representative in Spain, as many schools require you NIE, the ID card for foreigners in Spain just to submit the application.
I did all the process through Vocational Spain. It would have been impossible to do the entire process by myself, as you need to submit original documents and you need somebody in Spain to do that on your behalf. There are so many documents, paperwork and deadlines that you need to navigate.
Vocational Spain has been doing this per years. They guided me like a kid of 4 years old. I just needed to follow the steps they ask me to do, and everything worked out smoothly.
Vocational Spain has been a constant pillar of support. Whether it’s admission process for the tuition free vocational program or helping with the logistics of settling in Spain. And oh, a big shoutout to Maria, the real MVP of the program! She’s been checking in regularly, ensuring I’ve found my footing in this vibrant country.
My personal tip to you:
You might think that a Vocational Diploma is not that prestigious as a University Degree or Masters. I was thinking like that before. Now, my view changed.
I realized that Vocational diplomas in Europe are highly considered because everyone knows that the content is practical and linked to the job market.
Many people did not understand why I was going to study a Vocational diploma in Spain, and today they ask me for recommendations about how to obtain admission into a vocational course with no tuition fees in Spain.
My advice to you is, don’t follow what others say blindly, do your own research, ask questions, compare and learn from people who are doing well. You will shine.
Emmanuel Chiemezie Onyejebu.
