The current educational legislation shows the commitment of the Spanish education system towards the European and international dimensions of education and takes up the challenge of opening it to the world. This international dimension is present in the competences and subjects of the curricula for the different types of non-university education.
Educational action abroad provides access to non-university provision within the Spanish education system to Spanish citizens living abroad and to other foreigners. It also allows for the promotion and dissemination of Spanish education and culture, as well as the language. The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MEFP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation and the Cervantes Institute, promote educational action abroad through a series of mechanisms:
- Education Councils, Attaché Offices and Consultants' Offices;
- Resource Centres;
- Spanish Language and Culture Groups (ALCE - Agrupaciones de Lengua y Cultura Españolas);
- Language Assistants
- Agreement Centres;
- Spanish-owned institutions;
- Mixed Ownership institutions;
- European Schools;
- International Spanish Academies (ISA);
- Visiting Teachers;
- Bilingual Sections;
- Spanish Sections.
As far as higher education is concerned, the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training for the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030) highlights in its strategic priority number 2 the need to establish mobility as a reality for all. Mobility for learners, teachers, trainers and staff is defined as a key element for EU cooperation.
Student and teacher mobility is also a priority area for the MEFP. Through multiple public calls, it encourages the promotion, internationalisation, quality and excellence of education by providing students and teaching staff with the opportunity to study, work and/or teach abroad. These actions are complemented by those developed by the European Union through the new Erasmus + Programme 2021-2027.
Regarding international cooperation in education, the Spanish membership in the EU, as well as the strong cultural and historical bonds with Latin America, guarantee a deep involvement of Spain in European and Ibero-American programmes. In addition, as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spain also takes part in educational initiatives and projects promoted by both international bodies.