Area studies typically examine the development of a particular population or region. While other, similar interdisciplinary studies, such as gender, disability, and ethnic, may have some part in course discussions, these are not considered area studies.

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a sovereign state and a member state of the European Union. It is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Spanish universities regulate access to their degrees, and they fix the academic fees. They can also offer unofficial postgraduate degrees. Madrid has the largest number of bars per capita of any European city and a very active nightlife.

A preparatory year is designed to get students ready for their first year at a university. This year can consist of taking a number of courses that will prove to be useful once your traditional education begins.  

Part time learning allows one to obtain part-time degrees even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at his or own pace, gradually accumulating credits which count towards final qualification.