Education in Spain: Expats & Students Guide

How is education in Spain?

If you are moving from the US, UK, or Northern Europe, the first thing you will notice when asking how is education in Spain is the atmosphere. It is loud, vibrant, and deeply social.

Social atmosphere

In Spain, teachers are often addressed by their first names (Juan or Maria) rather than formal titles. This reduces the hierarchical barrier and creates a "family-like" environment.

How is education in Spain for a child? It is an extension of the Mediterranean lifestyle: long lunches, plenty of outdoor play, and a heavy emphasis on group work and oral presentation.

Pedagogical approach (LOMLOE 2026)

In 2026, the education system in Spain has fully transitioned to "competency-based" evaluation. This means:

1. Practical Application: Instead of memorizing the dates of the Spanish Empire, a student might be asked to create a digital map or a podcast explaining its impact.
2. Continuous Assessment: Grades are rarely based on a single "big exam." Instead, a student's progress is monitored through daily projects, participation, and small modular tests.
3. Digital Integration: Virtually every classroom in Spain now utilizes digital whiteboards and individual tablets, a result of the "Digital Education 2022-2027" investment plan.

Daily schedule

Most public schools follow one of two schedules:

• Jornada Continua: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Common in secondary schools and some primary).
• Jornada Partida: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, then a 2-hour break for lunch, and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM (Common in private and charter schools).

Compulsory education in Spain: legal framework

In Spain, compulsory education is a strictly enforced mandate. The state guarantees a free school place for every child residing on Spanish soil, regardless of their nationality or the legal status of their parents.

Mandatory years

• Ages of compulsory education: Education is strictly mandatory for children between ages of six and sixteen.
• The Structure: This mandatory education in Spain is divided into two major stages: Educación Primaria (6 years) and ESO (4 years).
• The Legal Reality: Because education is compulsory, local authorities (via the Inspección Educativa) are vigilant. If a child is not enrolled or is chronically truant, the parents can face legal repercussions under "educational neglect" statutes.

For expats, it is vital to note that education is compulsory for residents. If you are living in Spain on a digital nomad visa or a non-lucrative visa and your children are within the ages of compulsory education, you must enroll them in an approved educational center. Spanish authorities do not distinguish between "visiting" and "living" once you have established a residence (typically defined by having a ‘Padrón’ registration).

What are the types of schools in Spain?

Choosing the right schools in Spain is the most significant decision an expat family makes. The "Big Four" categories offer vastly different experiences and price points.

1. Public schools (Colegios Públicos)

Commonly referred to as ‘Públicos,’ these are 100% state-funded and secular.

• The Vibe: Total immersion. In regions like Madrid, they are often ‘Bilingües,’ meaning 30% of subjects (usually Science and Arts) are in English.
• Requirements: Local residency registration (Padrón).
• Cost: No tuition fees. Families pay for textbooks (approx. €300/year) and the lunchroom (Comedor).

2. Charter schools (Colegios Concertados)

Unique to the Spanish landscape, ‘Concertados’ are private schools that receive government subsidies to keep tuition fees low. They account for 25% of all education in Spain.

• The Experience: Often Catholic-run, though they must accept students of all faiths. They generally have more rigid discipline and uniforms.
• Fees: Monthly "voluntary" contributions are the norm, usually €100 to €450.

3. International schools

These international schools follow foreign systems (British, American, French, or IB).

• Experience: An "English bubble." They are the best for high-school-aged expats who cannot jump into a Spanish-only curriculum mid-stream.
• Tuition fees for international schools: These are the most expensive, ranging from €8,000 to €25,000 per year.

4. Vocational training (Formación Profesional)

While usually accessed after age 16, vocational training is a pillar of the system. In 2026, the "FP Dual" model, where students split time between school and paid internships, is the gold standard for technical education.

How much are the tuition fees in Spain?

The cost of education is a major factor for expats. Spain offers a tiered system that ranges from free to premium.

Affordable tuition in the public system

While affordable tuition is a hallmark of the public sector, expats should budget for "hidden costs." Most regions require parents to purchase textbooks annually (approx. €250-€400 per child).

Additionally, the school lunchroom (Comedor) is a paid service, costing roughly €120–€160 per month.

How is the enrollment process in Spain?

The enrollment process is where most expats face the dreaded "Spanish Bureaucracy." You cannot simply walk into a school and sign up; you must follow a strictly timed, points-based system called Baremación.

Step 1: Padrón (City Registration)

Before you do anything, you must be ‘empadronado’. This is the certificate of residency issued by your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). It proves you live in the school's "catchment area." In 2026, your home address is the single biggest factor in how to enroll in a top-rated public school.

Step 2: Admission criteria (Points system)

When you enroll your kids, you choose up to six schools in order of preference. If a school has more applicants than spots, they apply points:

• Proximity (Zona de Influencia): 10 points (The most vital factor).
• Siblings: 8–15 points (If a sibling is already in the school).
• Large Family (Familia Numerosa): 1–2 points.
• Parents' Workplace: 5 points (If your office is in the school's zone).

Step 3: Required documentation

To successfully enroll your kids, gather these months in advance:

• Birth Certificate: Must have the Apostille of the Hague and a Sworn Translation.
• Vaccination Records: Must be translated.
• **NIE/TIE:** Of parents and child.
• Padrón Certificate: Issued within the last 3 months.

Statistics and global comparison

What are the statistics on education in Spain?

Data from the 2024-2025 cycle provides a clear picture of the education in Spain statistics:

• Spain the share of students in public education is 68.1%, while Spain the proportion in charter/private is 31.9%.
• PISA Performance: In the performance pisa 2022 cycle, Spain scored 473 in Math and 474 in Reading, aligning almost perfectly with the OECD average.
• Higher Education: Over 50% of 25-34 year olds in Spain have a tertiary degree, significantly higher than the OECD average of 47%.

How does the education system compare to other countries?

When compared to other countries, Spain’s system is often praised for its safety and inclusivity but criticized for its rigidity.

• Education system Spain vs US: Unlike the US, where school quality is tied to local property taxes, Spain's public schools are more standardized. You are as likely to find a great teacher in a working-class neighborhood as in a wealthy suburb.
• Lowest among OECD: Historically, Spain had high "Early School Leaver" rates. However, by 2026, this has dropped to 12.5%, showing massive improvement.
• Global Standing: Among countries with available data, Spain ranks in the top tier for "Student Sense of Belonging," reflecting the success of the ‘convivencia’ model.

What are the challenges in the Spanish education system?

No deep dive is complete without addressing the challenges in education.

• Inequality in education: There is a persistent gap between the wealthy northern regions (Basque Country/Navarra) and the south (Andalusia/Murcia), with the north consistently outperforming the south in PISA scores.
• Barriers in education: The ‘Homologación’ (recognition of foreign degrees) is the #1 issue in Spanish education for expats. It can take 9 to 18 months for the Ministry to recognize a foreign high school diploma.
• Education system challenges: High rates of "Grade Repetition." Roughly 30% of Spanish students have repeated at least one grade by age 15, which critics argue is an outdated and demotivating practice.

Spanish educational system

Early years: Educación infantil (Ages 0–6)

While non-compulsory, over 95% of children in Spain attend the 3–6 age cycle because it is free in public centers.

• 0–3 Years (Guardería): Often private. Expats use these to build social networks.
• 3–6 Years (Pre-escolar): Integrated into primary schools. This is where children learn to read and write. In 2026, the focus here is on "Learning through Play" and early socialization.
• Expat Tip: If you have toddlers, enroll them in a local ‘Guardería’ immediately. It is the single fastest way for you (the parent) to meet local friends and understand the neighborhood dynamics.

Foundation: Educación primaria (Ages 6–12)

This is the start of mandatory education in Spain. It is six years long, divided into three cycles.

Curriculum and daily life

Under the LOMLOE, students take:

• Languages: Spanish, English, and the regional language.
• Knowledge of the Environment: A mix of Science, History, and Geography.
• Maths and Arts.
• The "Comedor": School lunch is a vital part of the day. It’s a 3-course Mediterranean meal. Reddit and Facebook expat groups consistently say the ‘Comedor’ is where their kids truly "became Spanish."

How is compulsory education in Spain? (Ages 6–16)

The heart of the system is the ten-year mandatory block. In 2026, the law ensures that all children between ages of six and sixteen receive a holistic education.

1. Educación primaria (6–12 Years)

Primary education is divided into three cycles of two years each.

• Focus: Literacy, numeracy, and "Values."
• The Expat Experience: At this age, children are highly "plastic." Immersion in a public school usually results in functional Spanish fluency within 6–8 months.
• Support: Most schools offer "Refuerzo" (support) classes for students who are behind in the language.

2. ESO - Secondary education (12–16 Years)

The four years of secondary school are more academically rigorous.

• Subjects: Languages, Maths, Science, History, and a mandatory second foreign language (usually French or German).
• The "Graduado": At age 16, students earn their secondary school diploma. This is a critical milestone; without it, they cannot progress to the higher cycles or university.

Compulsory secondary education: ESO (Ages 12–16)

In Spain, compulsory education concludes with the stage known as ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria). For an expat teenager, this is often the most challenging period to integrate, as social groups are already formed and the academic Spanish required for subjects like History or Biology becomes significantly more complex.

Structure and curriculum

ESO is four years long. Under the LOMLOE reform of 2026, the focus has shifted from "memorizing for the exam" to "learning for life." The curriculum is designed around Basic Competencies, including digital literacy, plurilingualism, and social responsibility.

• Core Subjects: Every student in ESO takes Spanish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Geography and History, Physical Education, and a Foreign Language (usually English).
• The Regional Factor: In regions with a co-official language (Catalonia, Galicia, Basque Country, or Valencia), the regional language is also a core subject and often the primary language of instruction.
• Optional Subjects: In the 3rd and 4th years, students begin to choose electives such as Technology, Music, Latin, or a Second Foreign Language (French and German are popular).

Support for non-Spanish speakers

If you are moving to Spain with a teenager who speaks zero Spanish, the public system provides specific "bridge" programs.

• Aulas de Enlace (Madrid) / ATAL (Andalusia): These are "Temporary Linguistic Adaptation Classrooms." How is education in Spain for a newcomer? Instead of being "thrown to the wolves," your child will spend 10–15 hours a week in a small group (usually 5–8 students) focusing purely on Spanish. The rest of the day, they join their peers for "non-linguistic" subjects like Art, PE, and Music.
• Expats Tip: Don't rely solely on the school. Expats emphasize that hiring a private "Refuerzo" tutor for the first year is the difference between a child passing or being held back a grade.

High school fork: Bachillerato vs. Vocational Training (FP)

At age 16, mandatory education in Spain ends. Students who receive their ‘Graduado en ESO’ must choose their future "cycle." This is not just a change of grade; it is a fundamental choice between academic theory and professional practice.

1. Bachillerato (Academic Path)

The Bachillerato is a two-year pre-university cycle (Ages 16–18). It is rigorous, demanding, and essentially acts as a two-year preparation for the university entrance exams.

• The Modalities of 2026: Students must choose an "itinerary" that aligns with their future degree. Under the LOMLOE, there are now four modalities:
  1. Science and Technology: Focused on Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Essential for Medicine or Engineering.
  2. Humanities and Social Sciences: Focused on Latin, Greek, Economics, and Contemporary History. For Law or Business.
  3. Arts: Now split into "Plastic Arts, Image, and Design" or "Music and Performing Arts."
  4. General Bachillerato: A new, flexible option for students who want a broader education or aren't yet sure of their path.
• Evaluation: Your grade in Bachillerato accounts for 60% of your university entrance score. This is why the atmosphere in these classrooms is markedly more serious than in ESO.

2. Vocational Training: Formación Profesional (FP)

Vocational training is the "rising star" of the Spanish education system. It is no longer seen as a "second-class" option but as a high-tech, high-employability pathway.

• Grado Medio (Intermediate): Access after ESO. You learn a trade (e.g., Microcomputing, Nursing Assistant, Gastronomy).
• Grado Superior (Higher): Access after Bachillerato or Grado Medio. This degree is equivalent to a "Short-Cycle Higher Education" and allows direct access to university.
• The Dual FP Model: In 2026, the Dual FP is the standard. Students spend up to 50% of their two-year program working inside a company, often receiving a small monthly stipend. sectors like Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, and Logistics have nearly 100% employment rates for FP graduates.

University entrance in Spain: The PAU and the PCE

For any expat student aiming for a public university, the "Entrance Exam" is the ultimate hurdle. In 2026, the exam is officially known as the PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad), formerly called EBAU or Selectividad.

1. 14-point scale

University admission in Spain is based on a score out of 14.

• 60%: Your average grade from the two years of Bachillerato.
• 40%: Your score on the "General Phase" of the PAU.
• Specific Phase: You can take up to two extra exams to gain 4 additional points (for a total of 14). This is vital for competitive degrees like Medicine, where the Nota de Corte (cutoff grade) often exceeds 13.

2. Immigrant path: UNEDasiss and the PCE

If you moved to Spain after finishing high school elsewhere, you do not take the standard PAU. Instead, you go through UNEDasiss.

• Homologación: You must legalized your foreign diploma through the Ministry. Be warned: the backlog in 2026 is still roughly 12 months. Start this before you even leave your home country.
• PCE (Specific Competency Tests): Instead of the 8+ exams a Spanish student takes, an international student typically takes 4 to 6 PCE exams. You can choose subjects you are stronger in (e.g., English or Maths) to boost your entrance score.
• Expats Tip: Check the ‘Nota de Corte’ of your desired degree. If you are aiming for a degree with a low cutoff (e.g., 5 or 6 out of 14), you might not even need to take the PCE exams; the Homologación alone might be enough.

University and post-grad life in Spain

How is education in Spain at the higher level? It is a mix of ancient tradition and modern research, with tuition fees at public universities remaining some of the most competitive in Europe.

Types of degrees

• Grado (Bachelor's): Usually 4 years (240 ECTS). Common degrees like Business or Psychology follow this. Medicine (6 years) and Architecture (5 years) are the exceptions.
• Máster (Master's): 1–2 years. There are "Official Masters" (recognized in the EU) and ‘Propios’ (designed by the university for the private sector).
• Doctorado (PhD): Usually 3 years full-time.

University costs for expats

• **EU Residents:** Affordable tuition ranges from €800 to €2,500 per year in public universities.
• Non-EU Residents: This is the "Immigrant Trap." Regions like Madrid and Catalonia can charge non-EU students the "fourth enrollment" price, which can reach €6,000 to €12,000 per year. Always check the regional rules!
• Private Universities: Fees range from €10,000 to €25,000 per year. Schools like IE University in Madrid or ESADE in Barcelona are globally renowned but carry a high cost of education.

Summary of University costs (Public vs. Private)

• Tuition Fees at Public Universities: €800 – €2,500 (EU) / €3,000 – €12,000 (Non-EU).
• Affordable Tuition Regions: Andalusia, Extremadura, Galicia.
• Highest Cost Regions: Madrid, Catalonia.

Student housing: Colegios Mayores

Unlike the "dorms" in the US or UK, Spain has Colegios Mayores. These are more than just housing; they are social institutions that provide meals, laundry, and a built-in social life. For an expat student, staying in a ‘Colegio Mayor’ for the first year is the fastest way to break into Spanish social circles.

Expat adaptation tips

Adapting as a 5-year-old is easy; adapting as a 15-year-old is a different story. Based on insights from expats online, here is the real-world advice for parents.

"Thick-skinned" culture

Spanish teenagers are known for being "direct." What may seem like "mean" comments in North America or the UK, such as commenting on someone's weight or clothing, is often seen as "normal" banter in Spain.

• Expat Tip: Teach your child to have a "thick skin." Spanish culture is very social and "loud," and being a "quiet outsider" can sometimes be misinterpreted as being stuck-up. Encouraging them to be vocal and join in the banter is key.

Integration through sport

The fastest way to make friends in the Spanish education system is not through the classroom, but through ‘Extraescolares’ (extracurriculars).

• "Football Factor": If your child plays football (soccer) or basketball, sign them up for a local club (Polideportivo) immediately. Sports provide a "universal language" that bridges the linguistic gap faster than any textbook.

6-Month "wall"

Nearly every expat parent on Facebook reports a "6-month wall." Around the 6th month, the initial excitement of moving fades, and the reality of the language barrier and being "different" hits hard.

• Advice: Acknowledge the frustration. Remind them that by the 12th month, most students enrolled as immigrants report "feeling Spanish." The jump in language proficiency usually happens suddenly between the 6th and 9th month.

Bullying and the school's role

A common concern in forums is how Spanish schools handle bullying. Historically, Spanish schools were criticized for being reactive rather than proactive.

• Advice: When choosing schools in Spain, specifically ask about their ‘Protocolo de Acoso’ (Bullying Protocol). Modern schools under the LOMLOE have much stricter, zero-tolerance policies. If the school brushes off your concerns as "kids being kids," it's a major red flag.

Statistics and challenges in 2026

Student performance: PISA 2022 and 2026 Outlook

In the performance pisa 2022 cycle, Spain showed remarkable resilience. While many OECD nations saw a sharp decline in math and science after the pandemic, Spain's scores remained stable, albeit exactly at the OECD average.

• Spain the share of high-performing students is still lower than in countries like Estonia or Japan, which remains one of the primary education system challenges.

Inequality in education

One of the most significant challenges in education in Spain is the regional gap. There is a "North-South divide."

• Statistics: Students in Castile and León (North) consistently outperform students in Andalusia (South) by the equivalent of nearly a full year of schooling. As an expat, this means the quality of the education system in spain can vary depending on your zip code.

NEET Problem

Spain the proportion of "NEETs" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) remains one of the highest in the EU at around 17%. This is one of the issues in spanish education that the government is tackling by making Vocational Training (FP) more attractive and accessible.

Checklist for secondary and university enrollment

To ensure your teenager’s success, follow this technical checklist for the 2026/2027 academic year:

1. Start Homologación Early: Do not wait until you are in Spain. Apply for the recognition of the ESO certificate at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
2. Verify the Modalidad: If your child wants to study Medicine, ensure they are in the Science and Technology Bachillerato itinerary. Choosing the wrong itinerary can make university entrance impossible.
3. Hire a Spanish ‘Refuerzo’: Even if your child is "good at languages," the academic Spanish needed for History or Philosophy is on another level.
4. Register for the PCE: If your child is an international student, the UNEDasiss registration window usually opens in February/March for the May exams.
5. Check Non-EU Fees: If you are a non-EU citizen, email the university's ‘Admisión’ department directly to ask about the ’precios por crédito’ for foreigners.

Enrollment in Spanish educational system: step-by-step

To enroll your kids or yourself successfully, you must view the process as a project with specific milestones. The enrollment process remains regional, but these technical steps apply across most of Spain.

Pre-school and primary (Ages 3–12)

• Step A: The Padrón (Immediate). As soon as you sign a lease, visit the ‘Ayuntamiento’. You cannot enter the public system without this.
• Step B: The ‘Baremación’ Window (March/April). This is the only time you can choose your school. If you arrive in June, you will be assigned a school by the ‘Comisión de Escolarización’ based purely on where there is a free chair.
• Step C: Health Documentation. Visit a local ‘Centro de Salud’. You must have your child’s vaccination record transferred to the official Spanish format (Libro de Salud Infantil).
• Step D: The Interview. Even in public schools, a meeting with the ‘Director or Secretario’ is common to discuss the child’s language level.

Secondary (ESO) and high school (Bachillerato)

• Step A: ‘Homologación’ (Crucial). If your child is 13+, you must officially "legalize" their previous years of study.
  • Requirements*:* Original transcripts of the last 3 years, Apostille, and Sworn Translation.
  • Fees*:* There is a small administrative tax (Tasa 052 or similar) of approx. €50.
• Step B: Selecting the Itinerary. At age 16, you must choose a ‘Modalidad’ (Science, Arts, etc.). You cannot change this easily once the year starts.
• Step C: Digital Competency. In 2026, most secondary schools require a specific laptop or tablet. Check the school's ‘Lista de Libros’ in July to see which device is compatible with their digital platform (e.g., Educamos, Google Classroom).

University (Undergraduate and post-grad)

• Step A: UNEDasiss Accreditation. For international students, this is the "Gateway." You submit your high school credentials online to get a "Digital Accreditation" of your grade.
• Step B: The PCE Exams (May). Register in February. You must choose subjects that "weight" (0.2) toward your specific degree. For example, if you want to study Business, take Economics; if you take Biology, it will only weight 0.1 or 0.0.
• Step C: Pre-inscripción (June). This is the actual application to the university. You list up to 12 degrees in order of preference.
• Step D: Matriculación (July). Once admitted, you have roughly 5 days to pay the first installment of your tuition fees.

Homeschooling in Spain

A major point of confusion for expats is homeschooling. In 2026, the legal status remains "alegal" (not explicitly illegal, but not recognized).

• Legal Trap: The Spanish Constitution allows for the "freedom of education," but the Organic Law of Education (LOMLOE) mandates school attendance from 6 to 16. If a child is not in school, the ‘Fiscalía de Menores’ (Minors' Prosecutor) can open a case for "Educational Neglect."
• How People Do It: Most expat families who homeschool use an Umbrella School (typically based in the US or UK). The child is technically enrolled in a foreign school, which provides a legal "shield."
• Exit Strategy: If a homeschooled child wants to enter a Spanish university, they must take the "Competency Exams" for adults at age 18 or have their foreign diploma (from the umbrella school) homologated.
• Expat Experience (from Forums): "The key to homeschooling in Spain is 'low profile.' Don't tell the local primary school you are quitting. Just move and use an online academy. If social services knock, show them the enrollment in the international online school."

English spoken schools and support systems

For many, the jump into 100% Spanish is too steep. Spain offers a robust network of international schools and support systems.

• British, American, and IB Schools: Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Marbella have the highest concentration. In 2026, the tuition fees for international schools have seen a 5% increase due to energy and staffing costs, now averaging €1,200/month.
• Bilingual Public Support: Many public schools are part of the ‘Red de Centros Bilingües’. However, understanding the spanish education system means knowing that "Bilingual" often means 30% of subjects are in English.
• Linguistic Adaptation (ATAL): In regions like Andalusia, children receive 1-on-1 or small group Spanish support within the school day. Expat parents on Facebook recommend specifically asking for an ‘Adaptación Curricular Individualizada’ (ACI) if your child is struggling.

Barriers and inequalities

The education system challenges in 2026 are deeply rooted in the country's geography and bureaucracy.

Inequality in education

There is a massive "North-South" divide. A student in Castile and León (North) typically scores 30-40 points higher on PISA tests than a student in Andalusia or Ceuta (South). This is the equivalent of a full year of schooling. Expats moving for education should prioritize the northern half of the country or Madrid.

Barriers in education: the homologación

For an immigrant, the biggest barrier in education is the Ministry itself. The "Homologación" process is currently backlogged. If you arrive in Spain without your papers already apostilled, you might find your 16-year-old being forced to sit in a class with 14-year-olds while the paperwork clears.

Issues in Spanish education: "Titulitis"

Spain suffers from ‘Titulitis,’ an obsession with formal degrees. This often leads to high-stress environments in Bachillerato, where students are terrified that a 0.1 difference in their grade will lock them out of their chosen career.

Expat "survival" tips

Gathered from forums and online groups, here is the unvarnished advice from those who have done it:

• "Comedor" (Lunchroom) Secret: "Don't pick your kids up for lunch. In Spain, the lunch break is 2 hours long. If they come home, they miss the prime social hour. The ‘Comedor’ is where they learn the slang and make real friends."
• WhatsApp Chaos: "Every class has a parents' WhatsApp group. It will be 50 messages a day about lost sweaters and homework. Mute it, but don't leave it. It's the only way you'll know when there's a surprise 'Día de No Lectivo' (school holiday)."
• Language Plateau: "My kids were fluent in 6 months, but their grammar was a mess for 2 years. Don't correct them constantly: let them build confidence first."
• Biculturalism: Spanish kids are very physical. There is a lot of hugging, pushing, and high energy. If your child comes from a "personal space" culture (like Germany or the US), they might find it overwhelming at first. Explain that in Spain, "personal space" is much smaller.

Checklist for a 2026 move

1. Legalize Your Documents: Get the Apostille on all birth certificates and school records before leaving your home country.
2. Sworn Translations: Find a ‘Traductor Jurado’ in Spain. International translations are often rejected by local bureaucrats.
3. The Padrón: Within your first week, go to the Town Hall. You cannot access a school spot without it.
4. Health Records: Visit a Spanish ‘Centro de Salud’ to get your foreign vaccination records transferred to the Spanish ‘Carné de Vacunación.’