Universidad de Salamanca (USAL)

Do as much travelling as you can. Travel in Spain is really cheap. The coaches are clean and on tinme. I personally recommend Barcelona, Seville, Portugal (5 hrs on coach from Salamanca) and Valencia.

It is almost impossible to live in Spain without learning the language, as it is the only language spoken at the offices, banks, university, TV, shops, restaurants, traveling agencies etc.. I attended to a language cource at "escuela official de idiomas", which was quite efficient, but because of the 'high school style' teaching methods I lost all the interest to study. It was quite difficult to get to know the local students, but fortunately all the exchange students speak spanish to each other.

There was a definate improvement in my Spanish language and communication skills during my semester abroad. I feel as though I peaked and reached a point where I thought, counted, and dreamed in Spanish. Because my native language is English it is easy to get by without challenging oneself to become immersed in the language. I would encourage anyone wishing to learn Spanish to fully immerse him or herself. I found the best way to be socializing with the Spanish students of the university.

I had a great experience. My advices are that you study the language because all classes are in spanish and that you look for the people o organize events for Erasmus students because they helped me a lot.

Do NOT take Telefonica gsm pre-paid cards, they cost money like water! Take Amena instead. If you are from the Euro-zone, you don't need to open a bank account anymore, if you are from outside it, do so to save on costs to withdraw money from your home account. In Spain, always ask BEFORE paying what the amount is supposed to be otherwise you can get some lengthy discussions!