|
|
 |
City description | University |
Costs | What's included | Course offerings | Photos |
|
City Description
Salamanca was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988 and chosen as the European City of Culture for 2002. It is a city full of labyrinthine streets, located on the right bank of the Tormes River and is about 2.5 hours west of Madrid by train or bus. With three separate universities in the city of Salamanca, it seems like most of the 180,000 residents are either students or professors.
In addition to housing the oldest university in Spain, the Universidad de Salamanca, the city is also home to the Old Cathedral, as well as the most beautiful Plaza Mayor in all of Spain. The Old Cathedral was a creation of Jeronimo de Perigueux, the chaplain of El Cid. Constructed in the 12th century, the Old Cathedral's architectural simplicity is characteristic of the purest Romanesque and early Gothic periods. The chapels in the cloister contain works of several great artists from the 12th through the 16th centuries, which are of great
importance to the people of Spain. The New Cathedral, begun in 1513 and finished in 1780, is one of the last Gothic structures built in Spain. The main portal of the New Cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic decoration and composition.
Salamanca's Plaza Mayor, considered the most beautiful plaza in Spain, was constructed during the reign of Felipe V. It is the central meeting point in the city and is always buzzing with activity. A perfect square with multiple exits on each side, the Plaza Mayor leads you in all directions of the city.
Universidad de Salamanca click here for course offerings
Founded by Alfonso IX of Leon in 1218, the Universidad de Salamanca is the oldest and most prestigious university in Spain. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was one of the most advanced learning centers in the entire world. Today, the Universidad de Salamanca continues this tradition of excellence with a highly distinguished faculty doing research in 53 departments.
In addition to the university's 30,000 Spanish students, another 7,000 foreign students from all over the world come to Salamanca to enroll in the university’s Spanish Language and Culture classes. All students have access to the library within their department, as well as to the Santa Mariá de los Angeles Library and the General Library. These are extraordinary libraries, which attract scholars from around the world.
No matter where you are in Salamanca, you can feel the presence of the university. There are students everywhere, and the city itself revolves around the university, its most famous landmark. It is the third oldest university in Europe and the residents of Salamanca are proud of this fact.
Students who come to Salamanca to learn language and culture will take their classes in a division of the Universidad de Salamanca known as Cursos Internacionales. Over 150,000 students from around the world have participated in this program since 1929, making it one of the oldest and most highly regarded study abroad programs in the world. Today, Cursos Internacionales continues to draw students worldwide because of its quality Spanish language instruction and international atmosphere.
Classes are kept small, generally with a maximum of 15 students per language class. A placement exam is given on the first day of class, to determine each student’s Spanish language level. The classes always have students not only from the U.S., but also from all over the world.
The Nightlife
If there's one thing Salamanca is not, it's a sleepy little town! In fact, Salamanca is
famous throughout Spain for the countless number of bars and clubs that line streets throughout
the areas around the Plaza Mayor and beyond.
Beginning around 8PM, the area around the Plaza starts to buzz with activity as people take a
stroll, return from class, or buy groceries for their dinner. By midnight the bars and clubs begin
to fill and Salamanca comes alive. With unique clubs such as Camelot, which is located in an old
church, and everything from typical college bars to upscale bars, you could go to a different place
every night without ever repeating!
back to top
|
|
|
|
