Lately, I’ve seen friends back home posting their military training photos on social media, all looking several shades darker, haha. It reminds me of how prospective students planning to study here often nervously ask me: ’Hey, do we have to do military training at universities in Spain? I’m scared!' So today, I’m starting this forum thread to clear things up for everyone.
Let me get straight to the point to put your minds at ease: NOT AT ALL
! Spanish universities currently have no form of mandatory military training. So, you can relax. There’s no need to worry about a two-week, sun-drenched ‘training package’ before the semester even begins, as is common in some countries. In Spain, your university life starts with classes on day one, allowing you to enjoy a free and academic atmosphere.
So, why don’t Spanish universities have military training? The answer lies in the country’s history of military service. Spain used to have compulsory military service, locally known as ‘la mili’. However, mandatory conscription was officially abolished back in 2001, as Spain transitioned to a fully professional military. This means that since then, no ordinary citizen is required to serve in the military or undergo any military training unless they voluntarily enlist as a professional soldier.
While there’s no military training, the orientation season at Spanish universities can get pretty ‘wild’ sometimes. But don’t get the wrong idea—these are just fun ice-breaker games and pranks organized by senior students to help freshmen quickly integrate. They come in all shapes and sizes and are purely for entertainment and socializing. They have absolutely nothing to do with militarized, disciplined training; the nature is completely different. Just think of it as one big welcome party.
University Kick-off: China vs. Spain
| Comparison Item | Universities in China | Spanish University |
|---|
| Mandatory Military Training | Usually Yes | None |
| Start-of-Term Activities | Military training, opening ceremony | Orientation week, registration, campus tours |
| Main Purpose | Building resilience, learning national defense | Social ice-breaking, integration, academic orientation |
| Physical Exertion | Very High Immense | Varies, mostly for fun |
So, when it comes to military training for Spanish universities
, to sum it all up, you can completely forget about any worries you had. Instead of spending energy preparing a uniform and sunscreen, you could use that time to learn a few more DELE vocabulary words or plan a trip to a nearby town. Wouldn’t that be a better use of your time? Wishing everyone a smooth and wonderful study abroad experience in Spain!
