Chapter 79

Spain

Spanish participation in European programmes

During the Spanish presidency in the EC, the European language programme LINGUA was agreed on in 1989. Spain is now actively participating in this programme.

Besides, Spain is co-operating within PETRA II, a European programme for training and preparation of young people for the working world. From 1992 to 1994, more than 5000 Spanish pupils and young employees have made their profit from PETRA II.

Moreover, Spain participates in the European programme for co-operation in further education. In addition to this, there are some international programmes facilitating the exchange of young people in vocational training together with the UK and France.

Recognition of vocational certifications and possibilities of information

For those professions which require a certain certificate to be exercised, the EC has passed directives on a general system of mutual recognition.

The decisions on the recognition of foreign certificates in Spain are made by the ministries. Decisions concerning the recognition of diplomas are made by the Spanish ministry of education (Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia) after the consultation of the academic council of the universities. Together with the labour exchange, this institution is responsible for those professions which are regulated differently in other countries. For this purpose, both offices have established guidelines on the equivalence for these professions.

In addition to this, there is a centre of information within the ministry of education. This centre has the task to inform Spanish people who intend to take up further studies or work in another country of the EU as well as citizens from another member state who want to do the same in Spain.

The centre answers all written inquiries from other NARICs as well as questions from people or universities who/which want to be informed on single aspects of the academic recognition of diplomas or on the conditions of exercising a special profession.

The centre is headed by the administration for national co-operation and is part of the programme Relations to the European Union.

Addresses in the Ministry of Education:
Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia
Subdirección General de Cooperación Internacional
Paseo del Prado, 28-5a planta
E-28014 Madrid
Phone: (34) 1 4200889
Fax: (34) 1 4203325

or

Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia
Secretaría General Técnica
Subdirección General de Títulos, Convalidaciones y Homologaciones
Unidad de Directivas de la CEE
Paseo del Prado, 28
E - 28014 Madrid
Phone: (34) 1 5221100
Fax: (34) 1 52013775

General information about studies in Spain is provided by the National University of Distance Education:

Universidad Nacional de Educacíon a Distancia (UNED)
Ciudad Universitaria s/n
E - 28071 Madrid