AIFS Abroad in Salamanca, Spain: Semester

I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain with the AIFS Early Start Program in Spring 2025. I chose this program because of the affordable price, the ease of getting a visa (AIFS even sends someone to the consulate on your behalf), the variety of upper-level course options, and the early start, which let me spend a month at the university before the official program began. That extra time really helped me immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture. The staff support was excellent from start to finish. Before the program, they provided clear information about scholarships, logistics, and the overall process. During my semester, my advisor was attentive and always available to help with anything I needed. I LOVED my housing situation! I stayed with a host family, which allowed me to practice Spanish daily and experience the culture in a much deeper way. AIFS also offered numerous included activities, such as a trip to Portugal, a cooking class, and a dance class, which made the experience even more memorable. The professors were kind, supportive, and explained everything clearly, ensuring we truly understood the material. Studying abroad with AIFS helped me realize how capable and independent I am, while also allowing me to build friendships with people from all over the world. I would recommend AIFS Salamanca to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish, broaden their global perspective, and experience Spanish culture firsthand.

I studied abroad in Salamanca for two weeks, and I wish I had more time and the opportunity to stay for a whole semester. But in that little time, I did so much. The program was well organized and included many excursions while also leaving time for you to plan your own activities. Classes were from 8 am-2:15 pm and after classes came the best part, Siesta time. There are many bars, stores, and museums where you can spend your time. Compared to more recognized cities like Madrid, Salamanca is cheaper, so I recommend taking advantage of that. During my time, I also had the opportunity to go to Barcelona for one weekend and Madrid the next. I absolutely loved both cities too. My recommendations for you are to make sure you are ready to walk a lot and if you are doing a January term- since it's a short program you will do a lot of activities- so save your energy. Plan accordingly. Rest whenever you find the time but take advantage of the opportunity and your time there so you don't regret anything. Take pictures for memories!!!

My semester in Salamanca was one of the best times of my life. Here are some words I would use to describe Salamanca and my college experience there: peaceful, entertaining, fun, fascinating, simpatico, and take-me-back. My international business courses were interesting, the professors were great, the food was amazing, going out was fun, and the excursions to Portugal and around Spain were awesome. I highly recommend looking into the AIFS Salamanca program if you are at all interested in the Spanish culture, a fun college experience in a beautiful walkable city, or learning about international business in a foreign country.