Salamanca de Puta Madre!

Why did you decide to go to Salamanca, Spain?

I needed to run away from the Milanese routine and this was my very last opportunity as I'm currently at the third year of university. Plus, I wanted to improve my CV by learning a new language (Spanish, in my case), and I'm sure it will prove beneficial in my future.

To be honest I first got selected for Madrid, but after exchanging a few emails with the university, I learnt that my faculty was about to get shut down and I wouldn't be able to sit any exam and continue the course of my studies. I had almost given up, when a girl turned down her scholarship offer due to personal reasons and I was offered to take her place and come here to Salamanca. I accepted enthusiastically, without even knowing where the city was, what was the climate or university like and kept telling myself that it would be awesome.

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Then I started to look up some information on the internet about Salamanca and I must say, when I go back to Italy a piece of my heart will stay here!

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive as a financial support?

My scholarship was for 10 months, 300€ per month. 230€ came from the UE whereas the rest was given to me by the University Milano Bicocca.

How's the student environment in Salamanca?

University city of excellence, with an incredible Erasmus communities. Lots of possibilities to take part in language tandems and meet Spanish students as well. As far as I'm concerned, they were all very kind to me and helped me out a lot with class notes, material and stuff.

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

I certainly would... Salamanca forever!

What is the food like?

Given that Italians are pretty demanding in terms of food, the food here is fine (especially jamon, chorizo, tortilla, hornazo, carne) and you won't have any problems with finding fresh food to prepare Italian meals either, but what unfortunately is quite difficult, is to find is good-quality mozzarella and ricotta... Either way, it's nice living in a foreign country and getting used to the local food.

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How did you find your accommodation?

Through ads on the board at the university website (a very well structured session) sticky notes hanged on the phone boxes!

What's the price of the rent? How much does life in general cost?

I spend 210 euros per month, flat expenses included and I live in a wonderful attic with two Spanish girls and another girl who's half German and half American. We got an incredible view of the whole city. I've been pretty lucky.

Generally speaking, costs of living is Salamanca are quite low, given that with 5 euros you get yourself a vodka-lemon, with 3. 50 a pint and an average dinner at a Brazilian or Spanish restaurants costs 15 euros... And last but not least, a caña (small beer) with a pincho (small portion of food) cost 1. 90-2 euros... It's amazing!

How are you doing with language learning? Did you attend any additional language classes at the university?

I couldn't speak a word of Spanish. I attended a 3-week course at the university and practiced over time, then I haven't had any problems with the language ever again.

What's the most convenient way to get to Salamanca from your city?

Ryanair flight to Madrid or to Valladolid. And then bus to Salamanca.

What places would you recommend for going out at night in Salamanca?

Paniagua, Chupitería, Calle San Justo, the Savor, Country, O'Hara, Molly Malone, Revolutum Café, Bisú, Candela, Pipers, Peters.

And to eat out in Salamanca? Tell us about your favorite places.

Tourao, Bar Elfos, Don Cochinillo... All of them in Calle Van Dick.

Any cultural places worth seeing?

Zacut Library, the Cathedral, the Péndulo of Foucault...

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Any further suggestions for the future students coming to Salamanca?

There's no suggestion to be given, Salamanca is to be lived and experienced by themselves!