Lately, there have been a lot of posts on forums discussing educational planning for children, especially about whether to choose an international school. As it happens, my daughter graduated from a British school in Madrid last year and is now a first-year student at UCL. I wanted to share some firsthand experience on the topic everyone is most curious about—What are the real pathways after graduating from an international school in Spain?
My daughter followed the A-Level system, and most of her classmates did either IB or A-Level. Graduates’ destinations generally fall into three main categories: applying to local Spanish universities, applying to universities in the UK/US, or applying to universities in other European countries. Each path has its pros and cons, and the choice largely depends on the child’s future career plans and the family’s intentions.
A Comparison of University Pathways
1. Staying in Spain for University
Many people assume that attending an international school means you have to go abroad for university, but that’s not the case. By converting IB or A-Level results into the Spanish grading system via UNEDasiss, students can apply to both public and private universities in Spain. The advantages are that tuition fees are much cheaper compared to the UK and US, and the child is already familiar with the environment, leading to less stress. However, it’s important to note that entry requirements for popular majors at top public universities are extremely competitive, and the converted score might not always give you an advantage. For example, the competition to study medicine is incredibly fierce.
2. Pursuing Higher Education in the UK and US
This is the most popular choice, especially for graduates from British and American schools. A-Levels are a natural fit for applying to UK universities, and the IB is a global passport, accepted almost everywhere. The benefit of this path is access to world-class educational resources and prestigious universities, which can lead to a higher career ceiling. The downside is also obvious: it’s expensive
! The annual cost of tuition and living expenses is substantial. Furthermore, the application process is complex, requiring not just good grades but also personal statements and extracurricular activities, demanding a high level of all-around ability from the student.
3. Embracing Continental Europe
Beyond the UK and the US, many universities in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and France also offer programs taught in English and hold the IB diploma in high regard. For instance, one of my daughter’s classmates went to the University of Amsterdam to study business. European universities offer great value for money, with high-quality education at a lower cost than in the UK, and a diverse living environment. The non-English environment might require an adjustment period—a challenge also relevant for university admission in Spain
—but learning another language is a huge asset for the future.
Here’s a simple table summarizing the key considerations for each path, which I hope will help families who are currently weighing their options.
| Destination Region | Key Advantages | Main Challenges |
|---|
| Spain (Local) | Low cost, familiar environment, relatively straightforward application process | Fierce competition for popular majors, converted scores may not be advantageous |
| UK/US | Top-tier educational resources, high global recognition, broad career prospects | Extremely expensive, complex and hyper-competitive application process |
| Other European Countries | High value for money, excellent education quality, diverse cultural experience | Potential language barriers, some national job markets have barriers for foreigners |
Graduating from an international school in Spain opens up a wide array of choices. The key is to plan early and find the most suitable path based on your child’s interests, abilities, and your family’s financial situation. I hope this information is helpful, and I welcome other parents and students to share their thoughts and experiences!
