Every corner of Salamanca held a new story waiting to be told, and professor Levin really did an incredible job of telling those stories. As I strolled through what is known to be the “Golden City,” because of the sandstone the buildings were built from, left me awe-struck by the intricate architectural details that had centuries of tales. The timelessness made me feel like I had stepped into a living, breathing history book. It was as if each cobblestone street and plaza had absorbed the dreams, triumphs, and passions of generations gone by. I have never felt so invigorated and fully alive; attuned to the magic that resides in the simplest of moments.

Embarking on a journey to study abroad in Spain was a decision that has impacted my life and prospective forever. The opportunity to immerse myself in this culture was life-changing. Not only was I blessed with an amazing house “mom,” but I also shared a room with another incredible woman that helped me navigate some of the more difficult experiences I had. Most of us do not realize how important it is to have people surrounding you to encourage you on this unfamiliar journey. My “companera de cuarto” quickly became a pillar of strength and a source of support when I needed it the most. Her patience and guidance through the challenges of adapting to a new academic system and overcoming language barriers provided me with a safety net I could always rely on. The genuine kindness and shared laughter turned our room into a place where we could share our triumphs and setbacks, offer each other motivation, and create lasting memories. Through our experiences together, I learned that the bonds we forge with people from different backgrounds can be the key to unlocking personal growth and a sense of belonging, even thousands of miles away from home.

While the experience was undeniably amazing, it was not without its share of difficulties. Navigating the administrative processes, adjusting to a different educational system, and managing homesickness presented formidable challenges. The initial days were daunting as I dealt with homesickness and the unfamiliarity of my surroundings. However, it was through overcoming these obstacles that I experienced the most significant personal growth.

The academic challenges of my host school also pushed me to expand my intellectual horizons. Adapting to a new curriculum and engaging in cross-cultural discussions with classmates from around the world broadened my perspectives and honed my critical thinking abilities. The independence required to manage my studies and daily life in an unfamiliar environment helped my self-confidence and resourcefulness. The struggles I faced during my time in Spain also made me more empathetic and understanding toward others navigating unfamiliar territories. The support I received from local friends, international peers, and school staff highlighted the importance of a supportive community when facing adversity. This lesson in compassion and intercultural cooperation will forever influence my interactions and relationships throughout life.

The cultural immersion, language acquisition, and personal growth I experienced were invaluable. While the challenges tested my resilience, they ultimately forged me into a stronger and more adaptable individual. The memories of exploring picturesque landscapes, forging friendships with people from all corners of the globe, and learning to thrive in a foreign environment will forever remain etched in my heart. My study abroad experience in Spain has not only enriched my academic journey but has also shaped me into a more open-minded, culturally sensitive, and globally aware individual ready to face life’s challenges with newfound confidence and enthusiasm.- Brittany, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023

My experience of studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain was one of excitement, wonder and perseverance. I have traveled the world, but never experienced truly living a way of life and experiencing the culture like the Study Abroad Program in Salamanca, Spain afforded me with total immersion.
The professors and staff at Estudio Sampere went out of their way to help us immerse in the culture and language of Salamanca. The professors there were very kind and encouraging throughout the three weeks we had with them. They made every attempt to teach us in a way we could immerse ourselves in the language and the city of Salamanca. Also, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Professor Levin and Professor Albrecht. They were always readily available to help us with tutoring each morning before school, attending all activities after school and even stopping in at Estudio Sampere during our breaks to make sure everyone was doing well. Their constant attention and reassurance to us when it was difficult helped put us at ease and you always had their encouragement and support, which was immeasurable.
Outside of school and activities, Professor Levin was amazing at setting up every local event on the calendar and cultural activity she found going on in the city for us to experience Salamanca to an even fuller extent; even if that meant meeting for fireworks at 10:30 pm in the rain, she was there!
I absolutely loved the city of Salamanca and hope to go back someday. It was a beautiful city filled with history, cathedrals, and incredible architecture on every corner. The Plaza Mayor was one of my favorite places to go before or after school as you could almost always find something going on there whether it be an orchestra performance, circus show or fireworks. It was the heart and life of the city!
The highlight of our trip was going to San Sebastian and Biarritz in Basque country along the coast of Northern Spain and the border of France. The views were breathtaking and delicious crepes and pintxos were devoured.
I strongly believe everyone should experience a Study Abroad program and feel that it has changed me in my personal life as well as my professional life. This was an experience that not only taught me so much about the people, history, language, and culture of Spain, but also pushed me outside of my comfort zone which will benefit me in my future endeavors, and for that I am forever grateful.–Study Abroad Student , SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023

From 12^th century cathedrals to trendy shops and endless restaurants, there was something new to discover around each corner in Salamanca. The town itself was relaxed yet full of life. The Plaza Mayor (or main square) hosted many evening events such as a classical concert and a breathtaking light show. It was also the perfect daytime spot to study at a café with the new friends I had met in class.

            Living with a host family was my favorite experience in Spain and funny enough, that had been the part I was most worried about. My host was welcoming, accommodating, and funny. Although she spoke no English and I spoke very little Spanish upon my arrival, I was able to apply what I learned in class to communicate with her. By the second week of my trip, we had our first full conversation in Spanish. I felt so comfortable there that on our way back to Salamanca from our weekend excursion in San Sebastian and France, I told my friend that I felt like I was going home.

            I attended class every weekday afternoon and it was very fast-paced. Although all of the information was a little overwhelming at first, I was able to apply what I learned each day in real life situations like ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, and talking to my host family. I believe this immersive experience helped me learn much more Spanish than I would have learned in a class in Florida because of this.– Janette, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and I had so much fun. I was so thankful for being granted a scholarship that way I could go. There was so much that I learned and I saw. My goal for going to Spain was to expand my Spanish speaking ability. I went from not being able to understand anything when I arrived, to being able to understand most of what everyone was talking about. That is something I never could have learned from a classroom in America. I also learned a lot about the history and culture of Spain. It was so different than America. It was a culture shock and very eye opening to see what another country was like. For my trip I paid for the additional excursions which I highly recommend, it really was worth the extra money. My favorite was probably Peña de Francia. Which is a mountain outside of Salamanca, and we got to see mountain goats. I loved that we weren’t just confined to the lookout and we actually got to hike outside. The mountain goats were very cool to observe, we actually got to see some of them fight one another. Another cool excursion was going to the Basque Country, I enjoyed getting to walk around and tour the city. There was another mountain there that we got to climb. It was interesting because even though they are a part of Spain they still consider themselves a separate country. They also speak a completely separate language, the characters on the signs were different and it was difficult to tell what the sign was saying. I person was not a fan of France, I didn’t think there was all that much to see, the beaches were very cool and they had very interesting rock formations on the beach. The city wasn’t very interesting, it just looked like a normal city. It was nice being able to converse with lots of different people in Spain. I was able to learn a lot from everyone, I picked up a lot and learned so much just by listening to what people were saying.– Nicolas, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023

I recommend the Summer Spain Immersion Program as it is one of the best ways to ingrain the Spanish you already know and learn and improve upon your Spanish skills. Students that take this program will stay in a medieval city called Salamanca for three weeks. It is a beautiful l city that is perfect if you are like me and love medieval and Gothic architecture. Salamanca is in Northwest Spain. The teachers at Estudio Sampere are very enthusiastic about teaching, and they would go to great lengths to ensure that we understand the lesson. During the weekday mornings, the Saint Petersburg College professors accompanying the group to Spain held tutor sessions in a local coffee shop near the Plaza Mayor, the main city square. Many of Salamanca’s activities, such as Plays, music festivals, Holiday Performances, and other celebrations, were in the Plaza Mayor. Many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are located in and around the Plaza Mayor, so many people spend much of their time there meeting new people and trying local foods and drinks. The people in Salamanca are very friendly, and it was very easy to find people to talk to in Spanish, especially the people that you will meet at the cafés.
The living situation can be interesting. Some of my friends lived with a family. However, it was a bit for me and my roommate. We lived in a room in an apartment with four to five other people. The host family did not live with us but instead came throughout the day to cook lunch and dinner and clean. During lunch and dinner, twenty to thirty exchange students from around the world who resided in the nearby apartments would trickle in for the meal.
One of the activities with the best view was the night walk over the old Roman bridge known as “Puente Mayor del Tormes,” which goes over the Tormes River. From across the bridge, you can see the Cathedral lit up against the night sky, with a clear reflection in the Tormes River. Additionally, there is a small cat sanctuary on the walk.– Patrick, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023

The Spanish immerse program was really amazing. It was quite hectic to find the terminal where the rest of the group was, but none the less professor Roxane found me and I got on the bus to Salamanca. On arrival we were all greeted with smiles, beautiful buildings and tasty food. It is a great place to be a student, walk around and get to know Spain on a deeper level. I enjoyed the very first group activity in the center of Salamanca. Listening to music and the orchestra is quite relaxing. I would definitely be happy to attend that group avtuvityvonce more
Another group activity that I enjoyed was when we are the Spanish empanadas one was made from fun and the other was made from veggies. Obviously the veggie empanadas was my favorite because of the richness of the veggies and contrast of the bread. Spanish empanadas were one of the highlight of the trip. In addition to this, I enjoyed the trip to the museum l, we walked for long hours and saw so much of the city. It was quite magical if you ask me, I would kike to do that again. I really did enjoy the Salamanca experience, I learned so much Spanish and enjoyed the teachers as well. Grammar for 1 hour and conversational for another hours a great way to teach students.
I will try to keep this post short because I did enjoy the trip that much. The food, the people, the atmosphere was just really really incredible. 10/10 would recommend. The professors, supervisors, teachers and staff were all just incredible and helpful. I hope I can attend Salamanca Spanish immersion program in 2024. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. To wrap up my final thoughts, Salamanca is one of the most beautiful places on earth with nice people, good food and amazing architecture. I would recommend this Spanish language immersion program to all spc students because of the amazing professors, welcoming vibe from the residents of that city and the tasty food that will keep you energized throughout the days.– Shirley, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023

It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend the Summer Spanish Immersion Program in Salamanca Spain. For starters, how many people can say that they lived in a medieval city for three weeks while learning Spanish and experiencing and sharing the everyday life of a Salamancan family? What a rare opportunity!
The city is absolutely beautiful, as are its inhabitants. I still can’t get over how demonstrably friendly not only the home stay families were, but also the other residents of Salamanca I encountered who were total strangers to us. The Salamancan people, and the Spanish people in general that I encountered were kind-hearted, happy to chat and were genuinely interested in why we were there.
We worked diligently in our classes, but the professors were so endearing and happy to share all aspects of our daily experiences as well as their culture, that I found myself so motivated to study each night and looked forward to each new day of lessons.

I truly believe, like most worthwhile things, you can get out of this adventure what you put into it. That being said, there were so many “freebies” that were the many remarkable things that we encountered but that were not planned in our itinerary. There were concerts, fireworks, light shows and performances to mention a few things.
We saw a beautiful Plaza Mayor daily on our way to and from class, with something always going on there. It was truly the center of Salamancan life. We were surrounded by historical evidence of life dating back to Roman times. Imagine walking across a bridge that was once the scene of Roman battles for conquest of the city!
Salamanca was such a blend of contemporary modern life in an ancient city almost everywhere you looked. I discovered that, in general, the Salamancan people are happy, vibrant, very hard working and generous. They also love their lifestyle, and sharing their culture, history, life balance, and of course their amazing food. It was truly an honor to learn so much from them and about them.
My advice, if you are on the fence trying to decide whether or not to pursue this endeavor…Go for it!!– Liane , SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023