How Could Spain Change?

Photo by Jeff Edoe

The big question and target of this post is geared toward Spain's economy and what it could mean for the Spanish populace as well as Spanish students travelling to this amazing country. With high unemployment, crashing real estate market, and a surge in cost of living since the Euro switch, it is interesting to consider the implications that these aspects have on the country as a whole. 

One factor that is brought up in the news is the possibility of an aging of the populace. Without a job to be had for graduating college students, Spanish youth are forced to seek employment elsewhere. This is a simple solution with the European unification and ease of travel to other countries in the "neighborhood", however these other countries have their own employment problems or simply fill their needs with the local populace. This leaves the only option to travel to Asia or other far flung areas away from home to make a living. Spain certainly has a historic culture and it may simply get more ancient rather than innovative. 

With a stagnant real estate market and ghost towns created from unfulfilled housing investment schemes since the downturn, pricing for vacation homes and rentals are at great lows. This is a great thing for travelers who need affordable housing while they explore this wonderful country. I am sure it is not so great for that investor that now pays on a debt that doesn't quite equal the income created from said rentals. Many of this speculation came from foreigners so it may not effect the people as a whole, but the overall decrease in property values certainly effects the morale and pocket books of the economy as a whole. 

With tightened regional budgets since the downturn, socialized services such as healthcare are taking a hit. The cut in budgets for hospitals and other health related facilities can certainly effect the general well being of the local citizens. While students may not suffer from this aspect due to travelers insurance or low relative costs when compared to their home countries, we can see this hampering the psychology of well being. Obviously, no one wants to get sick or become injured in an accident, however if you do, you want to know that you will be taken care of, especially if you are a tax paying citizen that expects these entitlements. 

One of the most important aspects for travelers and nationals as well is the art and cultural scene of Spain. We have all come to expect low cost entrance fees for Museums, Historic sites, and Performing Arts while in Spain. This could all change as cultural and tourism agencies are possibly hindered from chopped budgets or other agencies feeding of their funds. Lets hope such a thing does not happen, but it is one thing to consider when politicians look for ways to make ends meet. 

In the end Spain is an enchanting country that everyone should see. The multiple cultures, languages, and breadth culture is enough to see in multiple life times. Learning Spanish in Spain is very unique as you can see the differences with the typical Latin American Spanish spoken in through the US in many forms. It is also where Spanish all began as Castellano, so you are experiencing a dialect that is thousands of years old and has developed over time to one of the most beautiful languages in the world. Viva España!