[Passionate Spaniards]
Spanish speakers are friendly and warm; you will find that while practicing the language, you will be welcomed and assisted by people. In typical Spanish towns, there are numerous shops, cafes, concert halls, and bars. In the summer evenings, these beautiful streets come alive, with people gathering at music stages and outdoor cafes until late at night. You will also be infected by this atmosphere and fall in love with the rich Latin charm.
[Rich Spanish Culture]
To many foreigners, Spain is a country that embodies romance and passion, a paradise filled with artistic vibes. Spain boasts beautiful and enchanting natural scenery, exquisite urban architecture, and a rich and vibrant historical culture, ranking alongside France and the United States as one of the world's top three tourist kingdoms. Spain is known as the country of "sunshine and beaches," with its long golden coastline renowned worldwide. The lush mountains in the north, the plateaus in the center, and the beautiful coasts and islands in the south, all contribute to Spain's exotic charm and colorful lifestyle, which will surely make you deeply fond of this land.
[A Country Rich in Culture]
Spain is the birthplace of world-class artists, including Cervantes, Goya, Picasso, Domingo, Miró, and Dalí, among countless others. Architecture and painting hold a prominent place in Spain's modern art, with the "genius architect" Antoni Gaudí's "Sagrada Familia" first earning Spain a place in the world of modern art. As a multi-ethnic country, Spain's cultural differences vary across regions; the Catalonia region has its own culture and language, while the famous Flamenco dance and bullfighting are more common in the southern region of Andalusia.
[Traveling in the European Family]
After the introduction of the Euro, trade, commerce, and communication within the European Union have become closer, allowing you to freely travel to Schengen countries during your holidays. Throughout Europe, there is an "International Student Card" specifically for students and young people, which can be used as an ID and is recognized globally. Cardholders also enjoy various discounts, such as on books, transportation, performances, and especially at major museums, where different levels of discounts are available.
[Unique Daily Schedule]
Spain is 7 hours behind Beijing during standard time and 6 hours behind during daylight saving time. Spaniards have a unique daily schedule, especially for lunch and dinner; lunch typically occurs between 2 PM and 4 PM, while dinner is usually served around 9 or 10 PM. The basic business hours for shops are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with large department stores and supermarkets generally remaining open during lunch and closing later in the evening. Almost all shops and banks are closed on Sundays.
[Proud Culinary Industry]
The prices of ordinary food in Spain are comparable to or slightly higher than those in Shanghai. In some supermarkets, prices for items like milk, beverages, rice, and daily necessities are even cheaper than in China. If you miss Chinese cuisine, you can find Chinese restaurants everywhere in Madrid and Barcelona, and the meal costs are not very high. There are many places to eat and drink in Spain, with most restaurants and buffets moving tables and chairs onto the sidewalks, setting up large canvas awnings. The Spanish culinary industry has rapidly developed due to the Spaniards' emphasis on dining customs and the influx of numerous overseas tourists.
[Developed and Convenient Communication Network]
Spain implements a single charge for mobile phones, with call and mobile fees varying by time period, with the cheapest rates from 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Using an IP card, the call cost to China is approximately 0.5 RMB per minute. Internet communication is also very developed. Cheap IP phone cards can be purchased in supermarkets run by Chinese.
[Pleasant Climate Bathed in Sunshine]
Spain has distinct seasons, with most areas influenced by the Mediterranean, belonging to a temperate climate. The spring and autumn seasons are relatively long, with ample sunshine and pleasant weather. In the northern region, Barcelona has mild winters and cool summers, making it very pleasant; central Madrid has a drier climate than Barcelona, with larger temperature differences; while in the south, temperatures rise significantly.