UQ Progam: Bachelor of Arts
I would highly recommend going on exchange to anybody considering it, especially if they are planning on going to the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain! I went in the first semester of my third year to Salamanca which is basically a student town; there are multiple colleges as well as cheap accommodation that can be rented easily for half a year. During my exchange I stayed in the San Bartolome student residence and though it was at least twice as expensive as a flat, the scholarship helped out and I couldn’t regret it thanks to the amazing friends I made from all over the world. I was also able to practise my Spanish with the domestic students living there and learn more about Spain as a country which I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, as in classes the Spanish students keep largely to themselves.
There are hundreds of cafes, restaurants and bars in Salamanca and every night there is some kind of fiesta or jam session. The ‘Croissanteria’ and the muffins from ‘Pancake’ are irresistible, Mandala bar and the tapas bars near Van Dyke cinemas are great for lunch, the Irish Rover is a must for international students on Tuesday nights, while El Sabor hosts the best concerts with some amazing singers. Take advantage of your time in Spain and travel as much as possible! I went somewhere practically every weekend and am extremely glad that I got a chance to see so much of Spain and some of Portugal, though not nearly enough.
When you first arrive in Spain there can be some confusion with classes, but Natalie, the International Student Coordinator, was amazingly patient and helpful. You shouldn’t stress out about deadlines for enrolment, the Spanish professors and coordinators are very laid back. The classes were definitely difficult at first, the majority are without lecture slides, but most of the Salamantinos luckily don’t have strong accents or frequent colloquialisms (as opposed to those in the south!). Though many of the exams are hard, with study and as long as you have an interest in the subject matter, you should do fine.
The weather in Salamanca was one thing I was surprised by; it was very cold, with a freezing wind when I arrived. Warm clothes and boots are a must; though I was told it had been unusually cold during the semester I was there.
I had an unbelievably amazing time during my exchange, I learnt so much about myself and Spain. The country really does feel like a second home now, with a lively culture and animated language that I miss already. I made unforgettable friends whom I cannot wait to visit or see in Australia. The only regret I have is that I couldn’t have stayed in Spain for more than one semester.
Buena suerte con todo! Y si quieres mas ayudar, me envías un correo electrónico