Prof. Javier Silvestre

Prof. Javier Silvestre (Ph.D., University of Zaragoza) is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Economics and Economic History at the University of Zaragoza. He has written extensively on the economics of workplace safety and migration and has been a visiting scholar at the London School of Economics, University College Dublin, Princeton University, and the University of British Columbia.




What are the differences between how economics is taught in Spain or Europe more broadly and the United States? 

This is difficult to answer. In fact, there are many differences between European countries. Perhaps a difference between the US and, say, Spain is that the first academic years tend to have more theoretical content here. Students are already choosing economics as a unique field of study from the start. These courses might make the first years more difficult. But the situation reverses regarding the last academic years, by far. The last academic years are much harder in the US.

Is it customary in Spain for students to learn anything about economics before they enter university? If so, at what age?

Typically, one of the two economics courses included in "bachillerato" (upper secondary school, from 16 to 18 years) is compulsory, and the other one is voluntary.