Academic Differences

Academic Differences of Spain

There are many differences between the academic systems in Spain to that of here at Maryville College. In Spain students typically take about 30 ECTS per semester. This equates to about five or six classes per semester. Credits in Spain have a two to one ratio to credits here. Therefore, thirty there would be fifteen credits here. In this aspect the workload is pretty similar as credits and classes are about the same as one would take at Maryville College. However, the daily workload is typically very different in Spain than here. Most classes do not have much daily homework or assignments. Also, there typically aren't many quizzes or tests throughout the semester if at all. However, most classes have final exams at the end of the semester that are very important. This makes important to make sure that you’re keeping up with the content in the classes throughout the semester even when there aren’t assignments. Another difference is that the professors aren’t as close to the students as here at Maryville College. It is normal that if you want to speak with a professor about something that you set up a meeting. Lastly, the grading system is different in Spain than here. Grades are given on a 10-point scale:

• 9 or 10 is considered excellent (sobresaliente) 
• 7 or 8 is good (notable)
• 6 or 5 is average (aprobado),