About Spain
Spain is one of Europe’s main tourist destinations. It is said
that on each day of the year, somewhere in Spain there will be a
festival. Spaniards seem to know how to enjoy themselves, and their
relaxed lifestyle and warm, social openness make it an ideal place to
live. It is also a place where one can see incredible collections of
historical and cultural artifacts, particularly from the era when Spain
was the dominant force in sea trade and its colonial empire was second
to All Levels. Spain has a monarch who is head of state and a prime
minister who is head of their government. There is a Senate with
208 members and a Congress of Deputies that has 300-400 members. Besides
tourism, Spain is a big agricultural exporter and major wine producer.
Spain has been home to some of the most influential painters including
El Greco, Goya, Dali, and Picasso, and the Museum of Paintings and
Sculptures in Madrid has one of the world’s greatest art collections.
In recent years, Spain continues to push the artistic envelope with such
luminaries as film director Pedro Almodovar, and author Almadena Grandes.
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Spanish
Educational System Spanish students complete 10-11 years of elementary and secondary
education before entering the university. After 3 years of study at the
university level, students receive a diploma. Assessment of
classes is usually done by examination, tutorials, and class
participation. Grading is done on a 10 point scale with 0-4
failing, 5-6 passing, 7-8 average, 9-above average, and 10-excellent.
Spanish universities use the ECTS credit system with 1 ECTS credit=10
hours of lectures. The academic year normally has 600 hours of
lectures or 60 ECTS credits and the calendar usually runs from late
September to late January, and early February to June.
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