A self-described “homebody” finds a beautiful home away from home during study abroad in Salamanca, Spain.
– Caitlin Katz, SPC Student, Spain Program, June 2019
I will be the first to admit that I am a homebody. The idea of traveling to a foreign country, while enticing, scares me more than anything. Yet here I am, writing this blog from the kitchen table of a charming little home located on the streets of Salamanca, Spain.
I have been taking classes with Senora Levin (a Spanish professor at SPC Tarpon Springs, and the leader of this trip) for four semesters and every semester she talks about how beautiful Salamanca is, including the cobblestone streets, the ancient buildings, and the glorious Plaza Mayor.
Every semester I became more allured by the idea of walking through Salamanca, speaking Spanish, and seeing new sights. Finally, my last semester at SPC, I decided that I would be missing an opportunity of a lifetime if I did not travel to Salamanca in the summer.
When my plane landed in Madrid, the excitement began. Everyone was speaking in Spanish and everything looked so different. I fell in love with this country immediately, and I hadn’t even left the airport. I dozed off during our two-hour bus ride from Madrid to Salamanca, but when it was time to get off of the bus, I knew I had made the right decision.
West facade of the Convent of San Esteban, Salamanca, Spain. Photo by JoJan, Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 4.0].
The streets of Salamanca are unlike anything I have ever seen before. In contrast to the United States, every building here is beautiful, and there is always something to see. Sra. Levin told me before we came to Salamanca to always look up. This was the best advice she could have given me. The Cathedrals and Universities here are like palaces in the sky and are so detailed that we could spend a whole day just observing their architecture.
Plaza Mayor is the central meeting place for everyone, and my favorite thing to do there is to people watch. I enjoy seeing so many different cultures mixing together, it is so different from the U.S.
Photo by JoJan, Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 4.0].
My host mom is incredible; she predicts our needs before we can even ask for anything. She makes AMAZING food, helps us navigate the city, and tells us what sights we must see. Although very different from home, the living spaces are comfortable, and my roommates are generous and understanding.
I feel so incredibly grateful to be on this journey, and I know once it is over, I will be much better at Spanish, more easy-going, and maybe a little more willing to fly far away from home.
– Caitlin Katz, SPC Student, Spain Program, June 2019
Thank you for sharing Caitlin!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!
blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4735 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu
Cover photo: Northern facade of the New Cathedral of Salamanca, Spain. By JoJan, Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 4.0].