Reviews of Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) | Spain

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Joshua S

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
History of Art, Undergraduate, Independent

Languages

Language of instruction: Spanish

Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?

No, it wasn't.

How much did you improve your Spanish?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

Spanish was very easy and there was nothing else I could have done to prepare myself. It's one of those things you just need to jump into and immerse yourself in. It is a little difficult at first but most Spaniards are very patient and willing to help.

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Joshua S

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
History of Art, Undergraduate, Independent

Expenses

Main source of funding:

Other

Other sources of funding:

Other

Work opportunities:

I didn't explore any work options

Personal spending habits

Simply, because I partied harder and travelled more than I do at home.

Nightlife:

was more expensive than at home.

Travel:

was the same price as at home.

Food, Telephone, Housing, Overall:

was less expensive than at home.

Accessibility of student needs

Second-hand text books

Second-hand household items

Computers / Internet

Administrative

Money from home

Personal comments

Coming from the US, things will seem very inexpensive. Be sure when you are exchanging currency that you bring your passport (most places won't exchange without one) and that you know their comission. You're better off using banks and exchanges away from Plaza Mayor, it can save you loads.

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Joshua S

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
History of Art, Undergraduate, Independent

Academic

Course recommendations

Don't be afraid to communicate with your professors. They are completely unpatronizing and are willing to help you if you just ask.

My academic experiences

Quality of courses

Variety of courses

Access to resources

Interaction with teachers

Interaction with international students

Interaction with local students

Personal comments

I'm not sure, U. of Salamanca seemed very unorganized at first but I believe now that perhaps that's just they way it works. And it did work, so that's really what matters.

My opinion of the university assessment

Exams at end of course

Exams throughout the course

Essays and/or projects at the end of course

Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Overall

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Joshua S

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
History of Art, Undergraduate, Independent

Overall

I wish I had known...

I'd have done a little more boning up on my Spanish. But it wasn't major, I dealt.

In my opinion:

Most people loved it.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

2

Culture

4

Costs

2

Activities

4

Campus life

3

Party / people

4

Weather / location

3

Personal recommendation

It is the warmest, most welcoming school I've ever attended. Plus, the campus is amazing. Where else can you learn about Spanish literature in a 1200 building?

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

Don't over-do it. Spain can overwhelm you. Spaniards never seem to sleep and it's easy to get caught up in the vibrancy of it all. Be sure to explore the places off the beaten path, those are the ones that will make your trip. In Spain, University really should just be secondary to studing culture so if you're there only for academics, it might not be the place for you.

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Joshua S

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
History of Art, Undergraduate, Independent

Student life

Describe host city:

Student life dominates the city

Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Activities, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal social experience

Activities

Nightlife

Travel

Overall

Personal comments

If you're there to get your buzz on (and it's a definately college city, so who isn't?), Jacko's, just outside Plaza Mayor had liter mixed drinks for under 700 ptas. (less than $4) and liter drafts for about 200 ptas. Camelot or the Irish Rover were the best dance clubs. Be sure to take advantage of the people out on the streets giving away coupons, you can't miss them and usually the deals are "buy 1 drink, get 1 free" or "1st drink free".

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