Erasmus Experience in Salamanca, Spain by Justine

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Why did you choose to go to Salamanca, Spain?

My university (University of Auckland in New Zealand) offered the opportunity to do a month long course at the University of Salamanca as part of my major in Spanish. We had an option of Spain or Chile and, as Spanish culture and history have always interested me, Salamanca seemed the perfect choice.

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

I didn't do the programme through Erasmus as we don't offer it in New Zealand but there was a language scholarship available to us to the value of $2000 NZD.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Salamanca?

In the course I took, the pace was fairly easy going and I felt much less stressed here than in Auckland. The lecturers are very approachable, friendly and helpful. There are many opportunities to explore the city with a small group, to travel to other parts of Spain and even Portugal, and to take classes in Spanish dance and cuisine. The university makes a great effort.

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

Definitely. In my short time at the University my Spanish improved significantly. The locals are very friendly and patient and the city itself is incredibly beautiful - it's like living in a massive monument. If culture, history and art interest you, Salamanca is perfect.

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What is the food like?

There are many options for eating out. In the Plaza Mayor there is a lovely and very affordable pizza place with the most delicious pizzas. My favourite place to eat was La Tabernita on Calle Arapiles. It's family owned and they were amazing hosts. I'm vegetarian and my Spanish was limited but they always had fantastic options for me and really made an effort.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Salamanca?

I arranged for accommodation at one of the halls of residence called Colegio de Cuenca. It was not very expensive and it included weekly cleaning, a private room and bathroom with a shared kitchen. We also had access to a communal living area and a laundry.

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How much does it cost to live in Salamanca?

Living in Salamanca is not very expensive. Food, groceries and transport are all very affordable.

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

The University does offer fantastic intensive language courses that is a major help. It does take some time to get used to the language but I found it was much easier to pick up when I had to speak it all the time. The locals are very patient.

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

I came from New Zealand so regardless of how you travel, it's going to be pricey. I flew through Singapore to Barcelona. There is a plane that goes from Barcelona to Salamanca which is probably the easiest route. The other alternative was to fly into Madrid and take the bus to Salamanca.

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

There are a number of great places for a night out. Some of my favourites were Chupiteria, Gatsby and Camelot. They're all very conveniently located on the same street. Drinks are cheap and the music is great.

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

La Tabernita definitely (Calle Arapiles)and Papizza (Calle Concejo). There's also a great restaurant and bar in the Plaza Mayor but I'm not sure what it was called.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The old and new cathedrals, the University (the façade at the Plaza de Escuelas Menores is amazing) and the General Archives of the Spanish Civil War.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Salamanca in the future?

The location is fantastic so make the most of the travel opportunities. Don't let the language barrier put you off, you'd be surprised how much you can learn when you're thrown in the deep end.

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