Do's and Don'ts for Salamanca

Don’t pack lightly. It is a six week program and you will be essentially living out of your suitcase. I packed a 50 lb suitcase and had a carry on duffel bag plus my backpack. At first I thought that it was too much but while I have been here I have realized that it is the perfect amount. Also some international flights allow you to take two bags checked for free. Look into your airlines and see what they allow.

Do pack for different kinds of temperatures. Yes Spain is normally really hot but at night it can get really chilly and it is nice when you have some jeans and sweatshirts to change into after dinner. Also this year it was cooler than average so I was a little unprepared for that.

Don’t miss out on the excursions and other events offered by the University. You are allowed two excursions with our program so take advantage of that. The free ones are day trips but there are also ones that you can pay extra for and are a whole weekend trip. Also the university offers free tours of the campus and cool buildings in Salamanca. It is a nice way to get to know the history of the city better.

On my excursion to Granada

Excursion to Sevilla

Do bring walking shoes. Plan on walking a ton. Many of the apartments are about a 20 minute walk from the classrooms; some even more.

Don’t Complain! You are in Spain so leaving all your whining behind. Sometimes you can get homesick or the food is not what you like or you are too tired to walk but suck it up. You are only here for 6 weeks, which seems like a lot of time, but it goes by so quickly.

Do bring your computer. I brought mine but I remember before the program started someone advised me not to bring mine. There is no way I would be able to do my homework and stay in touch with home with out it.

Don’t be shy with the locals. Most of the people here are very friendly. Push yourself to get to know the waiter at your favorite café or your host sister. It will really help you get to know the local culture more and it will improve your Spanish.

Do keep a journal or a blog. I have kept a blog while here. I am so glad that I am because I have already forgotten a lot of the small things that happened at the beginning of the program. Also it is a good way for your family to know what is going on so you won’t have to explain everything when you get back home. It takes some time and up keep but it is definitely worth it. Here is a link to my blog if you want to check it out. www.meredithgoestospain.blogspot.com

Do spend as much time as you can in the Plaza Mayor it is breathtaking.

I hope this helps! Hasta Luego :)