U3A in Spain

U3A – University of the Third Age

Live to Learn and Learn to Live with U3A

The u3a movement was founded in France in 1973, making its way to the UK in 1982. It encourages groups of people no longer in full-time work to come together and continue their enjoyment of learning subjects of interest to them.

From the start, the guiding principles were to promote non-formal learning through self-help interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities as chosen by their members. There is no minimum age to join u3a, but a focus on people who are no longer in full-time employment or raising a family. The founders envisaged a collaborative approach with peers learning from each other.

The U3A is a worldwide, non-profit making movement with the aim of promoting learning for enjoyment and personal fulfillment amongst mature people. No qualifications are required or awarded. Informal study groups are led by members who have volunteered to share their particular interests or expertise with other members. It is run by members for members and the Group Leaders are volunteers who share their interests and expertise with others.

The local branches typically organise structured courses from October to December (Autumn term) and January to May (Spring term) in a wide variety of subjects. Some limited and different activities are run from June to September (Summer term) and any information on events during this time will be on the group’s Facebook page. For more information on specific dates for this years courses, visit their website.

There are a great number of u3a organisations operating across Spain. They offer a range of social activities for anyone who had finished full time work. See if there’s a u3a near you.

Andalucía Community
Axarquia
http://www.u3aaxarquia.com/
Fuengirola
https://u3acostadelsol.wixsite.com/fuengirola
Marbella

Catalonia
Costa Brava
https://www.u3acostabrava.org/

Valencia Community
Calpe
https://www.u3acalpe.org/
Denia
https://www.u3adenia.com/
Javea
https://u3ajavea.com/
Marina Baixa
https://www.facebook.com/groups/478644960644447
Moraira / Tuelada

Oliva
https://www.u3aoliva.org

The u3a is for people who want to keep active in mind and body, enjoy socialising, and are no longer in full time employment. We have hundreds of members in Oliva and the surrounding areas.
We offer a wide range of groups, from crafts to sport, and from reading to ambling. And you can even learn or brush up on your Spanish. u3a in Oliva was founded in 2007, and offers a wide range of groups to members.

Torrevieja
https://www.torreviejau3a.org/

Vall del Pop
https://www.u3avalldelpop.com/