Well we have just finished our first week in Salamanca, Spain and I have nothing but good things to say about this program! Before coming to Salamanca I had some fears about living three weeks in a different country. I feared that I would be placed with a family who wouldn’t like me, or possibly that I may not understand a single word they are saying… However, this was not the case.

When I first arrived in Salamanca, Spain I was greeted by my new mom for the next three weeks Mariela. She greeted my roommates and me with open arms and welcomed us to Salamanca. Although she didn’t speak any English and my roommates and I didn’t speak any Spanish, we were able to find a common ground, an interest in learning each other’s language, which allowed us all to have the patents and understanding to work with each other until we were able to communicate effectively with one another. Throughout this first week she has been nothing but nice and supportive to all of us, and I couldn’t ask for a better host mother.

As for Salamanca itself! This city is a fairly large and beautiful. There are hundreds of shops and plenty of things to do throughout the day. I constantly find myself meeting new people and finding new stores throughout the city.

The culture here is also absolutely amazing, because the night life doesn’t actually start here until around 10pm which is quite unique in respects to the United States.

One of my favorite aspects of Salamanca is the people and their love for fútbol, which is also known as soccer in the United States, it is just truly amazing how a single sport can unite so many different people. Just recently I watched my first fútbol game in The Plaza Mayor, or the heart of the city, there were hundreds of people at restaurant in the plaza watching the game on flat screens placed strategically around the plaza. It was just truly amazing to hear so many people cheer when España made a goal.

With soccer aside another great thing about Salamanca is its food. The food here is truly amazing! All I can say is if you like eggs, ham, or bread this is the place for you!

Finally, the architecture of the city is truly amazing! I don’t think I have seen so many beautiful buildings in my life. The buildings range anywhere from large Gothic style buildings to buildings plated with gold on the inside. All I can say is this city is truly amazing and an important part of history.

In conclusion, I can easily say this has been one of the best decisions of my life to come here to Salamanca to study abroad. Although it has only been a week this place has forever changed the way I will look at life, and has encouraged me to continue my quest for Spanish fluency!