Erasmus Experience in Salamanca, Spain by Thomas

Why did you choose to go to Salamanca, Spain?

Although I do not need Spanish for my studies, I really wanted to refresh my Spanish skills and Salamanca is the perfect location for learning Castellano, the "pure Spanish" Furthermore the smaller size of the city with its beautiful core and the number of Erasmus Students appealed to me.

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

I arrived at the beginning of February and will most likely stay till the middle of June. I receive €280 every month as scholarship till June.

Accommodation costs are much lower compared to Austria, the average of my friends pays between €180-240 for a shared flat with other students in the center, only minutes away from the main square.

What is the student lifestyle like in Salamanca?

It is pretty easy to get to know people in Salamanca, especially in the Students Community. Due to its size you almost meet a familiar face out on the streets every day. Furthermore, it is very easy to go out in Salamanca. Technically, the Bars and Clubs are full of Spanish and international Students every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

Definitely. No matter if you want to enjoy a little bit less stressful semester or if you are just here to master your Spanish skills, Salamanca is a precious place worth living in for every student.

What is the food like?

Food is of pretty good quality and acceptable prices. Especially if you are into Tappas, you have a wide variety of awesome restaurants to choose from.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Salamanca?

Absolutely not. The population of Salamanca is slightly shrinking, therefore there is always a room available. I found all the rooms I was interested in on Facebook, like almost all the others students too.

How much does it cost to live in Salamanca?

The prices for accommodation are pretty low. I for example pay €150 every month, although I might just have been a little lucky. The average of the other students pays between €180-240 a month right in the city center.

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

As I already had Spanish lessons at school it was a little bit easier for me to get to grips with Spanish again, although I had not practices for 4 years. However did not took long to maintain a conversation without stopping too often.

There is a huge variety of Spanish courses available. I tested out 3 of them. There is an intensive course in the university for 3 week 2h from Mo-Fr, for €150 and many other private academies right in the city center. If you are looking for a longer periodic course however, I would rather suggest the "Escuela Oficial de Idiomas de Salamanca", which offers daily courses of 2h for all levels from Monday to Thursday/Friday the whole semester for just €160.

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

Take the plane to Madrid and then by bus (Avanzabus) or by train to Salamanca

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

Pan y Agua if you want to talk, Kandhavia if you want to dance, and Chupiteria if you want to drink.

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

If you are looking for a authentically Tapas Restaurant, go to Mesón Cervantes at the Plaza Mayor. (Although many people know and it is therefore often crowded).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

A very special place is a so called Micro Theater, which is located in the southwest of the city center. It offers short theatre plays in a very informal and authentic atmosphere. Most plays are 15-20 min. and cost €3.

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

Especially the first weeks are perfect to get to know the other Erasmus students. I hardly recommend to go out to events organized by the ESN or other organizations at the beginning of the semester. They really work hard to organize international events/meetings for exchange students. Especially during the first months there is something on for exchange students almost every day! There is also a variety of weekly language exchange events with lots of interesting people to get to know!