Study Abroad in Salamanca...

Although a small town of around 180,000 inhabitants, Salamanca exudes a cosmopolitan feel and offers students all of the amenities of a larger city. Located at the banks of the river Tormes, it is the capital of the province of Salamanca, which borders Portugal on one side and is within two-and-a-half hours from Madrid. The city attracts thousands of international students each year who are drawn to Salamanca's rich culture, artistic tradition and historical appeal.

Salamanca was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2002, a title bestowed by the European Union on cities of significant historical interest and importance to the cultural development of Europe. Thanks to the international attention it received during this year, the city was able to present its impressive history and art to a worldwide audience.

From castles and cathedrals to buildings decorated in rich Baroque style, a variety of architectural treasures are responsible for Salamanca's fame as one of Europe's most impressive Renaissance cities. Particularly noteworthy are Salamanca's two ancient cathedrals. Constructed centuries apart and joined together over time, their elaborate facades are truly spectacular. La Nueva (the new one) is an example of the plateresque style, representing the transition from Gothic to Renaissance typical of Spanish architecture. The 18th century Plaza Mayor, the city's central square is constantly humming with activity. Holding up to 20,000 people, the square hosts concerts and other special events and is a popular student hangout. Its many stores, restaurants, bars and pubs fill the area with life nearly 24 hours a day.

A relaxing stroll through Salamanca's streets reveals the city's vitality and uncovers a wealth of architectural gems: statues, monuments and buildings ranging in artistic style. You can see the statue of Calixto y Melibea, celebrating the lovers of medieval literature, the statue of St. Teresa de Avila in the square named after her and the statue of Padre Vitoria across from the Convento de San Esteban where he used to live. Students interested in Roman architectural influence will want to go by the bridge over the Tormes river, El Puente Romano while students more interested in modern architecture may want to stop by the Casa Lis, an outstanding example of 20th Century architecture and home to the Museo Art Noveau y Art Déco, one of the most popular in the region.

As you consider Salamanca for a study abroad destination, you'll want to note the large proportion of students in the city, which makes it an ideal university town. In addition to an active nightlife, the city offers plenty of opportunities for students interested in music, theatre and other creative forms of expression and entertainment.

The ancient University of Salamanca is the third-oldest in Europe and is internationally recognized as one of the Western world's most prestigious institutions. Founded in 1175, the University of Salamanca had earned worldwide acclaim by the 16th century. The University is responsible for the first published book of grammar for Castilian Spanish, the development of numerous political, judicial and economic concepts still practiced widely in the world today and the launching of one of the first manifestos of universal human rights during the occupation of the American continent. Famed Spaniards such as Hernan Corté s, St. Ignatious Loyola and Miguel de Cervantes received their formal education within its campus walls.

Because of its rich cultural history and importance as a point of origin for the Spanish language, Salamanca is especially well suited to students interested in learning Spanish and studying Spain's culture and history. It's often said that Salamanca's inhabitants (referred to as Salamantinos) speak one of the purest forms of Spanish available in the world today.

The University, which receives a large volume of foreign students every year, offers a wide-ranging program of international studies. Quality foundational and advanced Spanish courses, specialized courses for Spanish teachers and Master's programs are all available for international students. Many study abroad programs also offer partnerships with the University of Salamanca, allowing students to easily transfer credits back to their home institutions.

Salamanca makes an ideal starting point for travel throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with cities like Segovia, Ávila, Madrid and Toledo within easy reach not to mention Oporto and Lisbon nearby in Portugal. Some of these locations make fine day trips, while others are more suited for travel over the weekend (like Madrid, for example, because of its sheer size and number of cultural attractions).

Culturally alive and historically profound, this age-old college town remains one of the classic destinations for foreign students in Spain.

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ONLINE RESOURCES
Universidad de Salamanca: http://www.usal.es/web-usal/Ingles/index.html
Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca: http://www.upsa.es/
Art Nouveau and Art Déco Museum: http://www.museocasalis.org/in/
Portal Turismo Salamanca: http://www.salamanca.es/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP

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