The Golden City of Salamanca is a Gold Star! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was absolutely amazing. All of my courses were held in Spanish, and there were plenty of electives to choose from. The courses weren't difficult, and all the teachers are very experienced in teaching Spanish as a second language. They make courses fun and interactive, and they urge you to use your Spanish speaking skills. The school actually gives you a good amount of days your allowed to be absent, so traveling is pretty easy on the weekends.

On-site administration of your program

The API site supervisors were very helpful. Each session I tested into a lower level Spanish class than what I had hoped, and they were able to help me switch into more challenging classes. They even escorted me to the doctor when I was sick. They did a great job finding me a host family because I absolutely loved mine.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family, and the couple I lived with were fantastic. I lucked out. My particular family was very open and accepting, and they always double checked if I needed anything. It was also nice having another API student living in the same family as me, so we could bond and be a little more comfortable living in someone else's house for the first time.

The food was also great in Spain too. My host father was the chef, and he prepared great meals. They also served a ton of food. They always pushed us to eat more, despite being stuffed.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the culture because I lived with a host family, volunteered at an English School, where I met a couple of great Spanish friends, and I babysat a Spanish family. My new Spanish friends took me and some other Americans to dinners and parties, so it was nice being around people my age from a different culture. I was very proactive and tried to integrate with the culture. If you put the effort in, Salamanca will definitely give you the cultural immersion you are looking for.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a sinus infection while I was abroad, and it was very easy for me to meet with my API advisor and then go to the doctor. I didn't have to wait long at all because I believe the health insurance API provides is very good. The advisor helped me obtain the medicine I needed. I don't remember if there were specific vaccinations I needed for the program, but it's probably the same thing required by public schools.

I felt Salamanca was very safe. I could walk home late and not feel scared. I was always cautious, but the city is pretty small that there isn't anybody on the streets who would seemed a little sketchy. I also never felt like I would be pick pocketed in Salamanca. Maybe you have to weary about pick pockets when there are street performers during fairs and festivals, so be careful when those times are around. Overall, I felt very safe in Salamanca.

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

I felt Salamanca was relatively cheap for being a European city. I'm not too sure about groceries because I lived with my host family, and they did the shopping. From going out to eat, it is cheaper than the U.S.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The classes forced us to use Spanish, but outside the classroom, the program had no control. It's up to the student to keep speaking the language. There are also services to help you set up Spanish conversations, but it really depends on the student. Living with a host family also forces you to use the language too.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• Spanish Immersion
• Very resourceful Site Advisors
• Host Family and Spanish Friends

• More organized excursions
• More volunteer opportunities

The Academic or Linguist