Student Journals: AIFS in Salamanca, Spain

Michelle McGuinness
Saint Michael's College
University of Salamanca, Spain

Michelle McGuinness Studying abroad in Salamanca was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have been here for almost three months now and I know I will have a hard time leaving! Studying abroad was always something I knew I wanted to do but I never expected it to be this great. I have experienced so much already.

Spain in general is so different; especially Salamanca. Salamanca is a very cultured city. It is rare to find anyone that speaks English besides other international students. My first impressions of Salamanca were overwhelming. The city is so beautiful in its own unique way. The cathedrals and Plaza Mayor were unlike anything I had ever seen before, especially, when they are lit up during the night time. Salamanca felt comfortable and small enough to navigate easily. I was so excited to be here and to explore and experience all the city had to offer. The new relaxed lifestyle, different but delicious food, and beautiful surroundings will be so hard to leave in December.

I have tried Spanish tapas, attended a bullfight, and saw a flamenco dancing show. The Spanish culture is so unique. Immersing yourself into another country is a hard adjustment but so rewarding once you get settled into your "new home." I remember so clearly the first meal the students living in the residence had together. We were served rabbit! We were all so scared to try and it and nervous that the food would be like this the rest of the semester. We all took a chance and ate it and it turned out to be good! It tasted just like the dark meat of a turkey. This experience, as well as many others, has taught me to have an open mind and to try everything, whether it's food or just an experience you would not normally choose to participate in. I would tell anyone who is planning to study abroad to have this mentality as well. Step out of your comfort zones and do things that you would not normally do. Have fun and take advantage of every opportunity you have to experience something different!

Studying in Europe is so neat because it is so easy and cheap to travel to other countries as well. This semester I have traveled to Ibiza, Rome, Paris and Barcelona. Each trip was fantastic and I can’t pick a favorite. They were all unique and fantastic in their own ways. Not to mention I traveled to many smaller cities all around Spain. AIFS took us on so many excursions to these different Spanish cities. My favourite excursion with AIFS would have to be the Andalucía trip. It was very well planned out and we all had so much fun getting to know each other in some of the most beautiful cities in Spain. One of the biggest highlights of that part of the trip was attending the Flamenco Show. It was something I will never forget. While I was sitting in a small cellar drinking sangria watching the dancer’s feet move at an unreal pace, I really felt like I was experiencing something so unique to the Spanish culture. I still have one more trip to Dublin to look forward to as well before I have to say goodbye. I am excited to experience so much more in the remaining month. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience and I would recommend it to anyone!

¡Me he enamorado de Salamanca y lo echaré mucho de menos!