Salamanca is an attractive city in western-central Spain with approximately 160,000 inhabitants. It is located within the autonomous region of Castile-Leon and is primarily known as being a university town with a large student population. Having been founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of Leon, the university is the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in the world with a stunning building. Historical architecture is a key feature of the city, displaying elements of its glorious past, and there are many historical sights to visit in the city including the Cathedral and the Plaza Mayor. Salamanca is a city with a rich history, breathtaking architecture, art and culture, but the nightlife is probably the city's most well-known feature. The Spanish spoken here is the closest to traditional Spanish, as there are no regional dialects. Consquently the city is one of the best places in Spain for anyone who wants to learn Spanish. Each year thousands of students flock to this city, bringing a great deal of liveliness and excitement to its narrow streets with numerous cosy bars and restaurants. A fantastic city with traditional splender, it's impossible not to have fun here!
Spanish lessons in the very heart of the city
Our partner school Mester is located in a historic building close to the central square, the Plaza Mayor. The school has recently been upgraded and is now a modern and up-to-date teachig facility. The school has 26 classrooms with audio-visual equipment, a library with a wide range of Spanish reading material, a language laboratory, a computer room (with internet access) and numerous study rooms. Students all undertake a written or oral Spanish test prior to the course to determine the correct level and all receive a certificate of achievement at the end.
Social programme
Apart from the language courses students can take part in a wide variety of activities each day, such as films, sports competitions, dance lessons, guitar lessons, 'tapas trips', lectures on a wide range of topics relating to Spanish culture and history, guided tours and much more. Furthermore, excursions are organized every weekend to enable the students to explore the surrounding areas of Salamanca. Besides the programme of activities, students also have the opportunity to take part in intercambios. At the secretary's office, students can obtain the telephone number of a Spanish student who wants to practice his or her English, French or German. Who knows just how many Spanish students you could get to know this way! The accommodation is in the form of a host family, a shared apartment and student residence. Staying with a host family is a great way to improve your spanish and become immersed in the culture, whilst living with students is a really good way of meeting people and practice what has been learned at school. All three choices are equally popular with students.
If you require further information or would like to find out more about StudyTravel, please follow this link or contact us via the following telephone numbers:
Call FREE from the UK: 0808-2348578
Call FREE from the USA: 1-866-864-4489
Impression
Together with my sister, I went to Salamanca for a 2-week language course. We had a most memorable holiday! We went out so often, we made a lot of friends and of course learned Spanish. I still keep in contact with Anna, a Danish girl as well as with an American guy, Pat, both of whom stayed in the same host family as us.
Susan Spencer, United Kingdom.
