Salamanca, Spain - YOU NEED TO GO!! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed all my classes. There was never much homework and the teachers were very accommodating. The grading was pretty easy - it seemed like it would have been hard to fail any classes.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty leader was great. She spoke great English but would frequently speak in Spanish to help us practice. She was very helpful and knowledgable. The ISA office in Salamanca has a lot of resources - computers for internet access, dictionaries, maps, and other faculty to help with student needs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our host family's house was about a 20-25 minute walk from classes and the Plaza - the center of the night life. It was close to a local bus stop although I never used the bus. It was rather far from the train station and bus station (to go to other cities). I felt safe walking around during the day by myself, however, I wouldn't walk around at night unless it was with a large group of people. I usually took a cab home. My host family (only one woman) treated us like "guests" - she was accommodating and kind but there were definitely boundaries she didn't want us to cross. She was friendly and talkative and a great cook!

Each day our host mother made us a light breakfast (muffins and fruit), a big 2 course lunch after our classes let out for the day around 2 pm, and a light dinner (around 8:30 pm). I didn't really go out to eat in Salamanca, although we always did find time to get to Cafe Altamira in the Plaza - a great ice cream place!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great field trips. We started in Madrid, then went to Toldeo, and then to Salamanca to start classes. We also traveled to Santander for a weekend and Avila and Segovia. The trips were great. We saw so many amazing things - cathedrals, landmarks, artwork, etc. The only down side was that sometimes the trips were very long. Walking around outside in the middle of the summer all day can be a little tiring!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues. I would advise students to always arrange for a way to get home safely before going out at night. As a female, I did not feel comfortable walking home at night, even with my roommate. I always took a cab home.

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

My host mother did not speak any English. I only spoke to her in Spanish. All of the students in my group from ISA spoke English and most of the students in my classes spoke English. All of my interactions with people around town were in Spanish, although I think some people spoke basic English.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Americans