Student Journals: AIFS in Salamanca, Spain

Folasade Moonsammy
Howard University
University of Salamanca, Spain

September 28

As I sit here on the steps, surrounded by the grandeur of Baroque and Gothic Architecture, listening to a couple exchange words of affection en español, I become almost fully engulfed into the arches of the Catedral before I catch my self and realize this is not a dream. I am here breathing is Salamanca and taking in life and its most absolute perfection.

It has already been a month since I arrived to Spain, and even through the initial awkward adjustments to the food and to the lifestyle, everything still at times seems to be so surreal. In the beginning adjusting to a new family, and with the minor irritations of not fully grasping the language it was difficult. However, the experience on its own is worthwhile and the culture itself makes it pretty simplistic just to submerge yourself into it day by day. From my home stay experience to the people, and the museums to the ongoing nightlife, Salamanca definitely invites you with open arms. Even after our visit to Seville and Granada, some of the larger cities is Spain, here still manages to feel like home.

Coming from New York and going to school in D.C., I am used to living in a big city, so at first I thought it would of been harder to live here, however, I was definitely proven wrong. For me Salamanca has been able to develop the perfect balance of old time traditions and twist it with modern luxuries and an unexplainable nightlife. It has a little to offer to everyone. You can truly say that this is a life changing experience. Leaving the States I was always pretty sure of myself, my goals and my outlook on life. However, after living here and developing a new sense of independence I can feel that I have grown both mentally and spiritually. I cannot fathom what will unfold in the months ahead.