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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Mobility and internationalisation

Spain

13.Mobility and internationalisation

Last update: 23 June 2022

The current educational legislation shows the commitment of the Spanish education system towards the European and international dimensions of education and takes up the challenge of opening it to the world. This international dimension is present in the competences and subjects of the curricula for the different types of non-university education.

Educational action abroad provides access to non-university provision within the Spanish education system to Spanish citizens living abroad and to other foreigners. It also allows for the promotion and dissemination of Spanish education and culture, as well as the language. The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MEFP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation and the Cervantes Institute, promote educational action abroad through a series of mechanisms:

As far as higher education is concerned, and in accordance with the ‘Education and Training 2020’ European framework, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training promotes several actions aimed at the internationalisation of Spanish universities. It is important to stress the establishment of the Spanish Qualifications Framework and the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education.

A further priority area for the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training is student and teacher mobility. There are numerous public initiatives to promote internationalisation, quality and excellence in education, providing teachers and students with the opportunity to study, work and/or teach abroad. These actions complement those developed by the European Union (EU) through the new Erasmus+ Programme.

Regarding international cooperation in education, the Spanish membership in the EU, as well as the strong cultural and historical bonds with Latin America, guarantee a deep involvement of Spain in European and Ibero-American programmes. In addition, as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spain also takes part in educational initiatives and projects promoted by both international bodies.