IES Abroad Salamanca

I loved my time in Salamanca. During the month I was there, I lived in the dorms at the Universidad de Salamanca and I attended classes at the university as well as at the IES center. I met people from all over the world with whom I still have contact today. The dorms are very safe and it was nice to have my own space, but because I shared a kitchen, I never felt alone. My kitchenmate is actually one of my closest friends to this day. The IES program does a wonderful job of planning activities and trips for the program participants. They help is explore the area while also offering opportunities to see places such as Portugal. The staff is so passionate about their jobs that it made the experience that much more enjoyable. The professors at the university are nothing but kind. Despite what level you are studying at, they are patient and truly want you to learn about their language and their culture.

Studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, through the IES Abroad program was an experience that went beyond just academics! It was a transformative experience that enriched both my personal and academic growth. Immersed in the vibrant culture of Salamanca, Spain, I found myself delving deeper into my major in Psychology, exploring it through a unique cultural lens that I hadn't encountered before. The academic aspect of the program was nothing short of exceptional. The classes provided insightful perspectives on psychology and encouraged me to understand it within the context of Spanish culture. This approach added a layer of depth to my learning that I hadn't anticipated, broadening my understanding of psychology in ways I hadn't imagined. Moreover, the Spanish language course and workshops offered by the program were excellent. Despite having taken Spanish courses previously, I found this experience to be far more enriching and informative. The immersive nature of the program not only improved my language skills but also deepened my appreciation for the Spanish language and culture. Beyond academics, the living arrangements were comfortable, providing a supportive environment. Additionally, having access to excellent healthcare options was reassuring, ensuring that any medical concerns were promptly addressed. One of the highlights of my experience was the consistent support and organization provided by the program staff. Their dedication ensured that every aspect of the experience, from academics to cultural immersion, ran smoothly, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on making the most of my time in Salamanca. The cultural immersion activities, ranging from cooking classes to excursions and music workshops, perfectly complemented the academic curriculum. These experiences deepened my understanding of Spanish culture and allowed me to forge meaningful connections with fellow students and locals alike. In hindsight, my semester in Salamanca was truly the time of my life. It was a holistic experience that broadened my academic horizons and enriched my cultural understanding and personal development in ways that will stay with me forever.

I have been speaking Spanish for a long time and really wanted to take my skills to the next level. Not only did this program help me improve my Spanish abilities by both classes and immersive experiences, but it also provided me and the other students with awesome opportunities every week through pre-planned activities and trips. The academic aspect was challenging, but not too challenging and I still had plenty of time to travel, try new things, and hang out with the several new friends I made. The staff were also super helpful answering any questions any of us had. I loved this program!

Salamanca, Spain is a town like no other. Known as the City of Gold, it is truly a treasure. The academic opportunities, rich culture, and history are unparalleled. It is the perfect place for anyone hoping to further their Spanish skills, with its endless opportunities for total immersion. The classes are challenging in just the right way, with professors that are there to help you achieve your goals. The town has so much beauty and history to offer, making it a well-rounded educational experience, as well as the perfect place for personal growth.

I can't imagine a better place to learn and grow than the beautiful city of Salamanca, Spain. It's the perfect size for a community feel with the autonomy to go on many an adventure in the city. My host family was incredible and very sweet - I felt right at home in their house and enjoyed the opportunity to practice Spanish in and out of the classroom. The courses at IES were rigorous and I feel thankful for a tiered-level program that allowed me to work with students of similar ability. I also enjoyed the variety of classes offered. Attending courses at the partner institution, USAL, was incredibly helpful in gaining credit for my home university and advancing my spoken and written Spanish communication. I loved my time in Spain and I can't imagine a better place to have been!

My experience of studying abroad was amazing! My most memorable experiences were the following; the relationship I built with several professors, traveling and the experience. I was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of 7. I remember going through massive cultural shock when I first came to the U.S. Not only was I in a new country where I did not speak the same language as the rest but I also missed my friends and teachers. Studying abroad in a Spanish speaking country really hit home. Having the opportunity to attend classes in Spanish and growing a relationship with the professors was such an amazing experience. It felt like I was back in Mexico learning and speaking in Spanish. Traveling around Europe has always been one of my dreams and IES Abroad Salamanca made that possible by providing us with the right information about where to travel and the time. Overall the experience was amazing if I was able to do it again I would.

I had a great experience studying abroad with IES. It was amazing to experience a new culture, and I had a great support system while doing it. The IES Salamanca staff is helpful and well-organized, and gave us the chance to go on some cool field trips within Spain, included in the cost of the program. I stayed in the residence hall, where I enjoyed living in a single in close proximity to other students, but I know that those who stayed with host families also had great experiences. Salamanca is walkable, beautiful, and rich with history without being very Americanized like some other cities. For me, it was the perfect city to study abroad in.

I know that I definitely made the right choice by choosing Salamanca. This was the perfect city to learn Spanish in. Even though there were only four of us in the program, as this was the first time the program was being held, I feel like I still gained a lot from the experience. The small class sizes provided me with the opportunity to truly learn Spanish and to actively participate in class. I was also given the chance to learn about psychology and sociology from a different perspective. I had three classes with IES and two classes at the university (Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca-UPSA). However, I only had one class in Spanish and I lived in the residence halls. As a result, I did my best to participate in activities that would help me speak Spanish more often. I went to some Intercambio nights and I also had multiple intercambios. I also tried my best to meet up with the orientation leaders, volunteers and grad assistant whenever I had the chance. By doing all this, I got to know the language and culture better.

Being able to walk around everywhere in the city was also a highlight for me as my college is in LA. The staff at the center were also very helpful and the activities that they provided were very fun. This university city was truly the best place to meet students from different cities and the best place to really learn Spanish and more about the culture. I made so many amazing memories and I hope to return to Salamanca one day.