Erasmus Experience in Salamanca, Spain by Greet

Why did you choose to go to Salamanca, Spain?

I was studying Spanish in Belgium and wanted to travel to Spain. I had no idea what kind of city Salamanca was, but read everywhere that it was a multicultural city with a typical student atmosphere. And I didn't want to go to Madrid or Sevilla, or other cliché cities. So I chose Salamanca.

Source

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I spent six months in Salamanca. I think I received some money from the Erasmus-project but can't remember how much it was. Anyway, it wasn't enough, I had to contribute a lot from myself.

What is the student lifestyle like in Salamanca?

It's fantastic. As I already mentioned, Salamanca is the city in Spain for students that want to learn or perfect the Spanish language. I also loved the culture, the typical Spanish families that walk over the Plaza Mayor on Sundays, the amazing food (jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and all the tapas), the beautiful architecture (they don't call it for nothing the 'golden city' when the sun is shining), and also the amazing parties.

I can't really describe the feeling I had there, but it's just a wonderful, small city for everyone that loves the Spanish language and culture.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Salamanca to other students?

Of course!

What is the food like?

It's so good. I was addicted to all the tapas (jamón, queso, chorizo, albóndigas, tortilla, chipirones, aceitunas, etc. ) and the meat there is so tasteful.

So be prepared to gain weight if you go there!

Also for people that don't like the Spanish cuisine, there are enough restaurants: Italian, Chinese, Oriental, French, etc.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Salamanca?

During the summer holiday in Belgium I already searched on the Internet for accommodation. There's a website connected to the one of the Universidad de Salamanca, on which they put some places.

Two weeks before the lessons were going to start, I travelled with my parents to Salamanca and we visited all the places I'd seen on the website. I had contacted the housekeepers before by e-mail to make an appointment. I think that I knew where to stay after 2 days.

Source

How much does it cost to live in Salamanca?

I paid like 500 euros a month, inclusive food, drinks, water, electricity and laundry.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available in the University?

Yes, there are a lot of schools for people who want to learn Spanish. Because I was studying Spanish in Belgium, I didn't need it. But a few weeks before the courses begin, you can take a language course, adapted to your level.

In some bars, you can also talk with people in Spanish to perfect the language, the whole day long.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Salamanca from your city?

I used to take a fly with Ryanair from Belgium (Charleroi) to Valladolid, and then took the bus to Salamanca. But I don't know whether the connection still exists. You can also take any plane from Brussels to Madrid, and then take the bus to Salamanca.

The bus station in Salamanca is located quite close to the centre.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Salamanca?

All the students go to the Irish Pub in the centre. There are good parties to meet people and of all themes. Good to start the evening with.

If you want to party until morning, I recommend Candavia. I also liked Camelot. La Chupitería is also nice.

Source

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Salamanca?

If you want to go for tapas, you have to go to calle Van Dyck and try something in every bar. Around the Plaza Mayor you can find a lot of nice restaurants. For example calle Meléndez is nice.

If you like sweets, coffee, tea... go to Delicatessen. Also the breakfast is good there!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

La catedral, several churches, río Tormes, Casa de las Conchas, etc. Just walk around the city and discover it all!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Salamanca?

Enjoy every minute of it, but don't forget to study.

You will remember your Erasmus experience in Salamanca anyway for the rest of life.