For basic information and a statistical overview of United Nations member countries and links to local newspapers, visit:http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/index.asp

To review the on-line version of the World Factbook with information about this country as compiled by the CIA, please visit: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html


The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Spain. Although camp staff from Spain may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Camp America wishes to share this general information with our Camp Directors.

Health

1. Most common inoculations
   All the common inoculations are given.
2. Innoculation for TB (Tuberculosis)
   All young women are tested for TB.
3. Free health service
   Yes, Spain has free health service.
4. Cost and regularity of visits to the dentist
   Usually visits are made twice a year for check ups - these visits are free - but treatment has to be paid for and is expensive.
5. "Eating disorders"
   These problems exist in Spain.

Education

1. Percentage of 17 year olds enrolled in secondary schools: 82 (compared with 79 in the US).
2. Number of bachelor’s degree recipients per 100 people of typical graduation age in 2003: 32.0 (compared with 33.4 in the US).
3. Alternatives chosen if not attending university
   To continue with further study in more technical fields or to find employment.
4. Start and finish of the academic year
   Universities start beginning of October and end mid to end of June

English Language Skills

1. Is English a compulsory subject in the schools in your country?
   Yes
2. Description of the study of English in schools e.g. from what age English is taught, how many years is English compulsory, courses focused on written or oral skills
   English is taught from 8 years of age. Teachers focus on both written and oral skills.

Childcare

1. Common attitudes to and types of discipline for children
   Each family is different - most of them try talking to the children, some think that shouting is useful and in some cases some think that a smack on the bottom helps.
2. Physical discipline of children
   It used to be more common, but parents are now discovering it is better to talk to the children and communicate with them.

Religion

1. Most common religions
   Roman Catholic
2. Practice of religion by young people
   It is not usual for young people to practice their religion regularly.
3. Would a young person choose to practice a religion that is different than her family's religion?
   This would not be usual, but they are happy to share important events with the host family.
4. Common religious practices e.g. special practices or dietary restrictions
   It is quite common to go to mass on Sunday.

Telephone

1. Telephones in the home
   All homes have telephones.
2. Would most parents/family speak English well enough to take a message from an American Camp Director?
   Not very often.
3. Computer or e-mail access.
   Many families have computers at home or they have access at university or Cyber Cafes.

Diet

1. Attitudes to eating meat
   Most young people eat meat.
2. Vegetarianism
   It is not very common in Spain.
3. Other common dietary traditions
   None

Miscellaneous

1. Freedom of their family to socialize and date
   Yes, but how much freedom depends on their age.
2. Curfews at home
   Not normally for young people over the age of 18.
3. Sharing household chores
   Most young people are used to helping in the home.
4. Diversity of population
   The population is becoming more and more diverse.
   If so, would this be represented in the young people you would recruit?
   No
5. Three main characteristics of the people
   Mature, friendly, open and adventurous.
6. Attitudes to nudity both in and out of the home e.g. sunbathing in the nude?
   Nude sunbathing is uncommon, topless sunbathing is very common.
   It is very common to find people 'topless' on the beaches.

Au Pair in America®, 2007