The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Palma de Mallorca
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Basking in Spain’s island life would be a fine way to study abroad. Don’t you think?
Not only can CIEE make it happen, but in Spain’s captivating Palma de Mallorca, no less.
Tempting? You know it is! Check out our guide to studying abroad in this charming, cosmopolitan island city.
3 Reasons Why Palma de Mallorca is a Good Place to Study Abroad
Choose to study abroad in Palma and you are in for an unforgettable, if not enchanting, experience. Here are three of many reasons why we love study abroad programs in Palma de Mallorca.
Reason #1: Palma is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Palma is the stunning capital city of Spain’s Balearic Islands and is well known for its varied and jaw-dropping landscape. Think sandy beaches, turquoise waters, large cliffs, and mesmerizing caves. Imagine having all that at your doorstep. What a privilege!
Reason #2: It’s one of Spain’s top tourist destinations. So, there’s a lot to love. And a lot to learn.
Because of its beauty and subtropical climate, Palma is a tourist hot spot. In fact, tourism makes up the vast majority of the island’s economy as it hosts more than 12 million visitors each year. What better place to study business, tourism, and Spanish culture?
Plus, you can learn how this beloved island is working to maintain its hospitable nature while keeping sustainable practices top of mind – a key concept for any student with an eye on the future.
Reason #3: It’s an architectural treasure trove.
Palma is full of architectural and historic treasures you’ll have the opportunity to explore, such as the impressive Gothic Cathedral, Bellver Castle, and the Art Nouveau facades of Old Town.
Between the alluring nature and its historical architecture, who has time to study in Palma? A problem worth solving!
How to Study Abroad in Palma de Mallorca
Now, about actually figuring out how to study abroad in Palma. We’ve got you covered. Just follow these four steps:
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Determine your availability. Do this first. Can you study abroad for a full semester? Or is four weeks over the summer more practical for your schedule? Either way, we can accommodate you in Palma.
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Make sure you’re eligible. You need a minimum GPA of 2.5 for our Palma de Mallorca programs. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites, so check your program’s requirements carefully.
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Budget for it. Our four-week programs cost $4,450. Our eight-week program is $8,010. Our semester program cost increases from there. These program fees cover your participation, educational costs, housing, insurance, and more. Estimated out-of-pocket costs not included are meals, airfare, local transportation, and personal expenses.
To put study abroad within reach for as many students as possible, we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and grants each year, based on financial need and merit. Your college’s study abroad advisor may also know of other avenues of financial support. Be sure to check with them.
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Book it! Now is when the fun really begins!
Tips for Study Abroad in Palma de Mallorca
Regardless of which CIEE Palma program you choose, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind to make the most of your Palma de Mallorca study abroad experience.
Know some Spanish.
Many of our students are proficient in the language, but not all. If you are in the latter group, don’t worry. But we do recommend learning some basic Spanish before you arrive. This will help make your Spanish experience more fun and authentic from the very start.
Use your Spanish.
If your Spanish is newly acquired, use it. If your Spanish is rusty, use it. Don’t be afraid, just do your best. You’ll be surprised by how much your Spanish skills improve by the end of your stay.
Take the tours.
This may be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Castell de Bellver or elegant Moorish Almudaina Palace. Don’t miss out!
Keep a journal.
Handwritten. Vlog. Blog. However, if you want to capture your daily experiences, do it. It’s the best way to keep track of the memories you won’t want to forget.
Bring comfortable shoes.
Palma is known for sustainable tourism and there is a lot to explore. So, pack a pair or two of really comfortable walking shoes and get to it!
Think long-term.
If you’re heading toward a career in business or tourism, then pay attention to the details of Palma’s bustling and renowned tourist industry. You will no doubt learn a trick or two that may help you down the road. Not to mention the global network you’ll be building.
Meet the locals.
Our programs are designed to be immersive and do a great job of getting you into the local community. You’ll want to take advantage of that! Get to know your surroundings with the help of Guardian Angels, the Spanish university students who are delighted to introduce their city to you. And, by all means, go to the festivals, tapas nights, and beaches to interact with locals.
Embrace the unexpected.
If you wanted to stick to life at home, then you’d stay there. Instead, you’re choosing to study abroad to experience the way other cultures do life. Let yourself live like a local and embrace the new!
Palma de Mallorca Study Abroad Packing List
Palma’s climate is a fabulous one with hot, bright summers and mild, sunny winters. Pack accordingly. Layers are always a good idea, and in the summertime, dress coolly.
Do note that Palma is quite cosmopolitan, so you may want to err on the side of conservative attire if you want to blend in when going to higher-quality restaurants and events.
Otherwise, here are the essentials you absolutely won’t want to forget.
Essential documents:
- Passport + a photocopy (just in case)
- Visa + a photocopy
- A second form of valid ID (e.g., driver’s license or government-issued ID)
- Plane tickets
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of CIEE enrollment
- Cash (Spain uses the Euro) and a credit card accepted in Spain
Essential items:
- Comfortable walking shoes, ideally closed-toe and waterproof
- Camera to capture the beauty of Spain
- One nice outfit for special occasions
- Prescription medications, enough for the stay if possible
- Preferred over-the-counter medications
- Prescription eyewear
- A reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and use when on the go in Spain
- Adapters to charge your current tech in Spain’s electrical outlets
- Sunglasses + sunblock
Palma is Calling!
We hope this guide to studying abroad in Palma entices you to explore one of Spain’s top islands a little further. Ready to take the next step? Get going!
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