Salamanca: The Best Place to Study Spanish! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was well balanced. The grading system was different but it was easy to figure out and the teachers did a good job of explaining it. The classroom setting wasn't too different except for the fact that your fellow students are from all over the world and the class is all in Spanish. The teaching methods and class presentation was not that different. I had no problem adjusting to the educational system.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site directors were amazing! They were willing to help you with anything and were nonjudgemental. I felt I could go to them for anything. There were 2 on-site directors and around 25 students. The program size was very manageable and they knew everyone on a first name basis and truly cared about you. There were other programs in the same city, one with over 100 students, and I am glad that I chose API because of the size and the support they offered. The directors were full of useful information and were even willing to help you with your homework!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family was an amazing experience. They provided everything I needed, except toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.). They washed my clothes whenever I needed them to be, provided all meals, and truly accepted me into the family. They said I am able to come back and visit whenever I want and that I can even stay there. I had my own room and had internet. The apartment was located in a safe neighborhood just blocks away from the university and within walking distance from everything in town. The family was not strict about when I came and went, just as long as I was home for meals or let them know in advance if I was going to miss a meal.

The food was amazing! It was all fresh and home cooked! They took into consideration my likes and dislikes and were always asking me what i wanted to eat. There was always more food on my plate than I could eat, but that was just because my host family wanted to make sure I was eating enough. On my birthday they made everything that I asked for and even had a special dessert for me! I would recommend going out to eat once in awhile despite the fact that the home cooking is so good. Going out for tapas is a great way to experience the Spanish culture and to try new foods.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

API provided amazing cultural activities and field trips! I went to Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Segovia, Toledo, and was able to take a tour and go wine tasting at a local bodega, and they even took us out for free tapas during the "ferias" or town celebrations. The hotels were some of the best and were always in a great location. Even while we were in Salamanca they took us to museums, movies, and always kept us updated on what was going on in the town.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt safe in Salamanaca. The only real problem was pickpockets because the city was full of international students and tourists. Just be aware of where your belongings are and always keep them close to you. I was lucky because I never got injured or sick during my time abroad. I only had a minor cold and my host family provided me with cough drops and medicine when i needed it. The people who worked in the pharmacies were helpful. I went in to buy contact solution. There were no real safety issues or health concerns in Salamanca.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I signed up for an intercambio, or a native Spanish speaker looking for a native English speaker, so i could not only practice my Spanish but help someone else with their English. There was usually someone who understood or spoke a little bit of English, this was very true in the large cities I visited. Living with a host family, I had to use Spanish everyday. Even if you do not think your language level is good enough, just try speaking or practicing. Trust me, your speaking and comprehension levels will go way up!

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• On-site directors
• Excursions/activities
• Host family

• Office hours on Fridays
• post-study abroad check up
• More information on possible day trips