AIFS Abroad in Salamanca, Spain: Semester

There are many study abroad programs out there and I'm sure most are good. However, AIFS is more than good...it's absolutely amazing! From the application process, to the arrival in Spain, to the excursions that are set up for you to living the Spanish life - all remarkable. But what made it ever more special was having program directors who cared about their jobs and the students who participated in the program! Living Situation: Carmen was absolutely wonderful and took me in as if I were her own child. She was comforting, a great cook, someone who was interested in my life and what I did in America and genuinely a wonderful person who opened her arms and home to me. She was my mom away from mom and made sure I was studying but, more importantly, made it a point to ensure I was absorbing as much of the Spanish life as I could. Program Administration: Gaye & Julia from AIFS were absolutely wonderful from the initial pick up at Barrajas Airport to the farewell party in Salamanca. Two amazing women who were extremely friendly and who approached their jobs with great enthusiam and professionalism. More importantly, they always were available to talk - about life, about Salamanca, about anything you wanted to talk about. Good people and would trust my kids (if I had any) with them! Health and Safety: Living in Salamanca, Spain, I never once felt threatened nor did I ever fear for my safety. Social Life: Social life in Spain is outstanding. Never a dull moment!

Time goes by way too fast. I had no idea how much I would grow to love the city of Salamanca and everything about it. My life changed in five short months and I am happy it did. AIFS was amazing to me. Because of AIFS I was able to experience other cultures and travel to many different places. I am also now bilingual. They took care of me while I was there and turned a city thousands of miles away from home to my new home. Leaving Salamanca and leaving my AIFS advisors was one of the hardest things I had to do because they made it such a great experience. When I went there I knew no one. By the time I left we were one big family. Going through AIFS to study abroad was one of the best choices I have ever made in my life. Academics: I loved all of my classes and found them very beneficial. My professors were always available to help and also took us out for tapas! Living Situation: My homestay was in a great location and my family was so sweet to me. They told me I was a part of the family before I left! Cultural Immersion: AIFS took us out on tours of the city, for tapas tours, wine tastings, flamenco shows and museum tours. They introduced us to Spanish students so that we could fully be emerged in the culture. Program Administration: The office was a central hangout for us. We would always stop by and loved to be with our advisors. They were there for us no matter what and were extremely helpful. Social Life: For students the weekends start Thursday nights. There are always places to go every night and there are good deals at bars on weeknights.

Salamanca is a fantastic place to study abroad. It isn't an overwhelming city - it's small, friendly, and very welcoming. The professors at the university are very passionate and eager to teach and the University itself is one of the oldest in Europe. AIFS did a fantastic job immersing me into the culture. My homestay family was sweet, warm, and all around great people. The cultural advisors also kept us busy with tons of things to do around the city and opportunities to fall in love with city. At the end of my stay, Salamanca felt very much like home and I don't think I would have appreciated the city nearly as much if I studied with a different program