All posts by Tara Meyer

To study in Salamanca is to love Salamanca

Roman Bridge “Salamanca que enhechiza a voluntad de volver a ella a lodos los que de la apacibilidad de su vivienda han gustado” -Cervantes.

This is a quote from (simply put here in Spain) “The Quiote”. Although this is very old Spanish my rough translation goes like this; Salamanca channels a will to return to her, for those that enjoyed her mildness.

13588758_1306940126001460_274187274_o (1)I would hardly say that Salamanca is mild in our typical sense, it’s more a sense of the affability of its occupants. It’s difficult for me to find the words to describe how beautiful and exciting this city is. All I can say is that if you want to know how incredible this city is you must see it for yourself. Salamanca is truly enchanting.

This is my second time studying here with SPC. Upon my return to Salamanca I felt as If I was home. Although I want to continue praising the city even when at a loss for words, I suppose I should speak about the experience.

This program has been incredible. Our tours and excursions are always great from our dinner in Las Cuevas near Zamora to the local historical education tours conducted by our amazing teachers at Estudio Sampere.

13549062_1306941476001325_1659040605_oTaking a course with Estudio Sampere here in Salamanca is always a great idea! I am also volunteering with Oxfam Intermon. A comercio justo (Fair trade) store that is part of Oxfam which operates as a social justice and humanitarian aid NGO. That has also been a great experience.

Last night, my new German friend and I met a Salamantino (native Salamancan) after a fútbol match. He heard us speaking English and wanted to practice his English with us. He had been living in London for a few years, but to him life is better in Salamanca. He was very friendly, like every Salamancan I’ve ever met. We talked for a while and he spent a lot of the time convincing me to move here. “If you really love it, just do it” he said. The gaiety, the warmth of the people is so impressionable.  This, combined with the beauty and culture of Salamanca definitely make me want to return.

 

Salamanca is for Lovers (of culture)

Today is the last day in Estudio Sampere. We are taking our final exam and I am incredibly sad that this is the last day here! The instructors are fantastic and the whole experience has been great – everything from the excursions to the fellow students. Salamanca is a wonderful city with so much to do and see.

Going to see the “murallas” in Avila and walking mediveal walls was incredible. It is my first time in Europe and experiencing the architecture and hearing the stories about things I´ve studied in Western Humanities brings my studies to life. It is hard to communicate how amazing this trip has been. Every aspect of this trip has been incredible. Experiencing the grandiose nature of the architecture, the culture, the gastronomy. My immersion in this city serves for more than learning a language.

Estudio Sampere is a great place to study. Every day is a new adventure. There is so much to do and see in Salamanca and with such a small price tag, a tight budget can get you far. I have fallen in love with Salamanca.