The 411 on Salamanca...

DO :)

My first piece of advice is to buy a Spanish cell phone. It is much, much easier to communicate with the other students in the program whom you will quickly become acquainted with. I recommend going to Vodofone or Movistar because they are relatively cheap and there are a lot of them around. Not only is a cell phone easier for communication, but it can also be useful for emergencies. While I usually feel safe walking alone, it is nice to know that I have a phone on me in case something should come up.

Go out for tapas! I'm sure the professors will take you out for tapas, but if for some reason they don't, it is a super fun way to spend time with friends and experience the Spanish culture! Calle Van Dyck has many great places. Going for tapas is also a great way to try new foods! I advise you to try everything, even if it's just a small bite. You may be surprised at how much you like something.

It sounds a bit cliche but write in a diary! You will be experiencing so many new places, activities, people, etc. and it is amazing at how they will all jumble together so quickly. Taking the time every day or every few days to document what you've done is a great way to remember everything, especially the minute details like a conversation you had with your senora. Many things can be captured with a camera, but things such as a conversation cannot be.

Take the bus (or walk) to the Sunday market, el rostro. Here you will encounter some great bargains on clothes, jewelry, shoes, souvenirs, purses, you name it and they probably have it. The "rebajas" sales going on in most of the stores are great, but if you really want the deals of Spain you will find them at the market. Speaking of the rebajas (sales throughout July and August), don't buy the first thing you see because many of the stores offer the exact same items at a different price.

As far as living with a host family goes, there are a few simple things I recommend that will make your relationship with your host family easier. First of all, be conscious of how expensive things such as electricity and water are in Europe. Make sure to turn the lights off anytime you leave a room and take a short shower. Second, wear shoes or socks in your house at all times. Third, bring your own kleenex. This is a bit random but if you happen to become sick it will be nice to have your own. I made the mistake of using my senora's toilet paper to blow my nose when I had a cold and that was not a good idea! Lastly, it is a nice gesture to make your bed. Most senora's will make it anyways, but I'm sure they don't mind if you do it yourself!

Travel, travel, travel! Through our program you are allowed two excursions for free so definitely take advantage of that! There are also excursions set up by the University that you can pay for. Personally, I don't like planning my own excursions so the pre-planned excursions were of great use to me! One of my favorites was the Portugal excursion, I highly recommend it! Besides that, there are an enormous amount of beautiful cities in Spain and the train and bus systems make it very easy to get around. There is no better time to see Spain, or Europe for that matter, because you have already paid the money to get here in the first place.

Toledo, Spain

A Coruna, Spain

Cascais, Portugal

DON'T :(

I would avoid eating at restaurants in or close to the Plaza. They will be more expensive and probably busy as well. I suggest branching out and finding a more authentic restaurant because the Plaza is the hot spot for tourists.

You do not need to worry about packing rain gear because it is highly unlikely it will rain. I brought a rain jacket and have not used it once; just more space I could have saved in my suitcase. For the ladies, I don't think it's necessary to pack high heels. You will probably walk more than you have in your entire life, so if you want blisters go ahead and wear them. As far as packing warm clothes goes, I wouldn't bring much. It does get a bit chillier at night but skirts, dresses, or shorts will still be fine.

Try not to go to Irish Rover everyyyy night you go out. I will admit it is a fun bar/club but it does attract most of the Americans. I recommend going to other bars and clubs as well to get a better taste of Spanish night life. And also, be prepared for some late nights, the Spaniards like to stay out until five or six in the morning!

Personally, I recommend not wearing sweats, however it's not like its against the dress code if you do. I would try not to only because it will make you stick out as a foreigner, specifically American, more than you already do. Spaniards tend to dress a bit more formal so take this opportunity to wear your nice clothes.

I hope you find this advice helpful! Most of all remember to keep an open mind and be open to experiencing a new culture! There will be many differences, good and bad, but in the end you will return with a unique skill and countless memories!