Universidad de Cádiz

For me it was crucial to make trips out of the city as cadiz is quite a small town that doesnt offer a great variety of activities (especially in winter, if its too cold for the beach). In general i really loved my stay there, and so will you. Wheather, people, beach, university.... everything is making you feel very comfortable!

There's a lot to do for such a small town. Definitelly Carnevales are crazy and a must to see. For travelling Andalucia has a lot to offer (Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, Ronda), Portugal and Marroco are really close too, but do not miss the small special places in the province of Cadiz neither (El Palmar, Canos de Meca, Tarifa, Vejer, Arcos - amazing). Advice - don't be shy, try to talk to local people even though you don't speak perfect spanish and you'll see you become good friends with them. Do not be afraid to try something new too, the culture is different, just try to live like they do for a while...

TRy and book into a hostal before you arrive. Quo Cadiz is particularly cheap, but has severe restrictions on your liberty(lock out at 12). For a more bohemian(and slightly more chaotic)experience. Book into the Casa Caracol(4 Suarez de Salazar, near Calle Gloria, next to La Plaza de San Juan de Dios). Also, take time out to visit Portugal, Marocco, Canos de Meca, Granada, Sevilla and Tarifa whilst your there. Oh, and bring a good costume for canaval.

travelling is cheap in cadiz and there are a lot of nice places one has to go! take with you your notebook. access to computers at university is very bad!

Spain is a country that is very different to those of northern Europe. Prepare yourself for having to get used to a completely different life-style and - rhythm, which can be very tempting and is very enjoyable (siesta, extensive dinners and nights). Never take people too personal when they seem a bit rough, it is just their temperament, their immense verbal speed and their coarse voices from all the smoking. Make sure you get a taste of the cultural life, the Flamenco (which I am learning now), the bullfighting, the stunning horses, the cuisine (wine, cheese, paella - which I love to cook) and of course the beautiful architecture. Make sure you do a trip through Andalucia, where the african influence has touched all aspects of spanish life.

I had a great time studying abroad and learned an incredible amount about Spanish culture and my language skills improved ten fold. I think it is the only way to truly know a language. Take advantage of travelling...it's a great adventure.