All aspects of my Spanish experience with WLE far surpassed what I expected. I appreciated all of the preparatory work that the WLE Program Advisor (Sandra in the Germany office) and I did before I left for Spain. The information packet that I received from the Germany WLE office prior to my program gave me all the preliminary information necessary for packing, traveling and setting my expectations for class.

I was well cared for starting with my arrival in Madrid. It was such a relief to be picked up at the airport and driven over two hours to my flat in Salamanca. I was met at the flat by the local onsite staff representative and because of this great welcome, I was comfortably settled into my flat and ready for class the next day.

The facilities of the school were very nice – quite new and well-maintained. The common area was adequately equipped with vending machines, internet stations, and bulletins on activities. Classrooms were always clean and adequately furnished.

I sensed a wonderful positive energy in the entire school, from the instructors as well as the administrators. I was particularly happy with the academic program. We used a text book targeted for each level of language competency together with a student exercise book. These books were the backbone of our classes and were supplemented with other handouts.

Our school days were well-structured. We spent two hours in a grammar session, two hours in a conversation session that amplified the grammar lesson of that morning, and one hour (optional) in culture. I was very impressed with the quality of instruction. Each instructor (one for grammar, three for conversation and several for culture) I encountered was very competent and knowledgeable in teaching Spanish language. What I liked most was the ability of each instructor to make the class fun but at the same time very productive. Across the board, their attitudes were upbeat and excellent. I particularly benefited and enjoyed one of the instructors who had a great sense of humor. My grammar instructor was very keen to motivate students, and thus my classmates and I progressed two levels of language proficiency (from A1 to B1) in my 8 weeks of school.

The onsite administration including the accommodation chief, academic chief and director were very approachable and extremely competent. I experienced immediate results in resolving problems and immediate service when I needed information or materials.

I left Salamanca with a smile on my face and a desire to return. What a terrific experience!

Known as Spain’s “Golden City,” and also named a UNESCO World Heritage City, Salamanca is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for learning Spanish due to its location in the Castile y Leon region of the country, where residents speak the “purest” form of Spanish. With 180,000 inhabitants, Salamanca is large enough to be able to offer the delights of a city, while maintaining an atmosphere of a small town. Students studying in Salamanca are often surprised that they do not have to arrange meetings because they are bound to see friends and acquaintances alike in the Plaza Mayor. This square, one of the most beautiful in Spain and Europe, is the central meeting point for most inhabitants of Salamanca and is a hotspot for tapas in the late afternoon.

A typical, relaxed afternoon in Salamanca	The New and Old Cathedrals	A major intersection in Salamanca, the streets Rua Mayor and Rua Serranos

The central location of the Academy allows students to take classes in the heart of the city, just minutes from the Plaza Mayor, the New and Old Cathedrals, the ancient University of Salamanca (second oldest in the world), the Casa de las Conchas, the Roman Bridge, St. Stephen’s Monastery, and many other places of interest. Because of the size of the city itself, the accommodations are quite close to the main areas and the school as well. Students find that Salamanca is quite easily traversed by walking, and one may walk from one side of the main city to the other in about thirty minutes. Normally, however, the accommodations are located within 5 to 25 minutes walking distance from the school.

Plaza Mayor, lit in the evenings	Façade of the University	St. Stephen’s Monastery (Convento de San Esteban)

Each week for the start of a new program, the school offers a walking tour of Salamanca to help orient students to their surroundings and to show off all the great architectural and historical sites the city has to offer. Students meet at the school in the afternoon and join their guide who begins the tour. To further immerse students in the Spanish language, the tour is conducted solely in Spanish. In this way, students listen to the language while using their surroundings as visual aids, allowing even beginners in the language to comprehend.

Moving from the school down the Gran Via (Salamanca’s largest street), students come to the Convento de San Esteban, or St. Stephen’s Monastery. This magnificent church, designed by Juan de Alava, was begun in 1524 and is one of Salamanca’s excellent examples of architecture. Off to the right side of the convent is a cloister dating to the mid-16th century, reminiscent of an Italian loggia. One interesting thing to note is that most churches or spires of buildings in Salamanca have resident cranes who make their large nests on the tops of these buildings.

Façade of St. Stephen’s Monastery and Cloister	View of the Cathedral from the San Esteban Cloister	Portal of San Esteban

Moving down the street toward the river on Avenida Reyes de Espana, we come to a wonderful view of the ancient Roman Bridge (el Puente Romano) spanned across the Tormes River. The fifteen arches of the bridge closest to the city, constructed during the time of Trajan (A.D. 98-117), are original. The remainder of the bridge was swept away during a flood in 1626. Regardless, the bridge is an amazing site from the Puente de Enrique Esteban. Crossing the bridge, which only allows foot traffic now, gives you a commanding view of the Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva.

Erin (American) on the Roman Bridge with the Cathedral in the background	View of the Roman Bridge from the Bridge of Enrique Esteban

We then walk to the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), decorated by over 300 carved scallop shells. A very interesting and unique building. Finally, we make our way up Rua Mayor to the Plaza Mayor, a perfect place to end our tour. In this beautiful, arcaded square, students plan to meet later under the clock for some ice cream at the Heladeria. Being the central part of Salamanca, students run into friends here at any time of day, making the Plaza Mayor the perfect meeting place.

Casa de las Conchas

Name: Erin Bell Nationality: American Country of Residence: USA Age: 21 Profession: Student Educational Background: Education major Languages Spoken: English, Spanish Hobbies and Interests: Scrapbooking, spending time with friends and family, traveling

Was this your first time in Spain?
Yes

Why did you decide to study Spanish at the Academy of Spanish Language in Salamanca?
I had been wanting to study in Spain for a while and Salamanca seemed like the least touristy of all the locations that are offered. Also, all of the pictures I had seen of the city were beautiful. However the pictures could not even truly show the beauty of this special city.

How did you find your program at the Academy?
The students were very friendly. I met many people from all over the world. The classes were challenging and worth the effort I put into them. The grammar and conversation classes were helpful and fun.

Describe a major difference between your stay in Salamanca and your home country.
The atmosphere in Salamanca seemed more laid back. There were tons of activities to go to and see and do. Salamanca has such a rich culture that everywhere I went I was finding something new to do. The only thing that was new for me was that everything closed at 2pm and did not open again until 5pm for the siesta.

What do you think is the BEST thing about studying in Salamanca?
The gorgeous scenery, the night life and culture.

What was the most interesting thing you discovered about Salamanca?
The city is amazingly rich with history. The history of the architecture is the most interesting. Also, there are hundreds of restaurants, clubs, and shopping centers in the city. When in the Plaza Mayor, you are bound to meet someone you know. Salamanca has 180,000 people, but the city feels small when you are there.

Any really cool shops, museums, cinemas, restaurants, pubs, or nightclubs that you went to?
The Irish Rover (nightclub), Camelot (nightclub), Carrefour, the Heladerias in the Plaza Mayor (the best ice cream in the world) The Almentacion (phone cards, candy, pop), the Musica Arte (Plaza Mayor - great food and drinks), Champion grocery store, and Schwarma Queen (awesome food).

What was your most memorable experience in Salamanca and/or other parts of Spain?
The best part was meeting all of the people there, and having experiences that I could not have found at home. The time I spent there was something that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Which activity that the Academy organized did you particularly like?
I went on an excursion to Segovia and it was nice. I also participated in the tapas nights.

What was your favorite excursion?
I loved the castle in Segovia. I wish I could have spent more time there.

What do you think was the most valuable lesson you took with you upon leaving the program, and how do you feel your experience in Salamanca changed you?
I realized that traveling will always be a part of me. Other countries fascinate me. I love to discover other cultures and going to Salamanca helped me to realize that I can feel at home there almost as much as I can feel at home in my own country.

Do you think you will return to Salamanca/Spain?
I really hope to return someday. I loved Salamanca, and Spain is such a part of me now.