For those looking for the European version of a "university town", you will be excited to learn about the Spanish city of Salamanca.

Salamanca has a sizable population (about 180,000), which allows it to offer students the advantages of a city. At the same time, however, this small population allows Salamanca to provide an intimate feeling that gives the impression of a village or town rather than a city. Add to that the number of college students that regularly spend the school year in the city, and you have the recipe for a university town, Spanish style.

Study Abroad Programs in Salamanca

Inhabitants of Salamanca speak Castilian (Castellano) Spanish without the regional dialects or accents that are common in many other areas of Spain. It is therefore an ideal location for those who wish to study Spanish in its "purest" form. This might explain why the oldest Spanish language university in the world is located there. Salamanca also tends to be off the beaten track for tourists so there are less of the influences associated with tourism and modern development that have affected many of the other cities in Spain. These aspects of the city have combined to make it a particularly appealing place for those wishing to study Spanish and experience Spanish culture.

Since Salamanca is such a university city as well as a place where many people come to learn Spanish, there large numbers of students, not only from Spain, but also from many different places. Most of the city can be reached easily on foot, which makes it an ideal location for students who can then get around without needing a car or public transportation. Because so many people walk, you're likely to run into people you know when you're out and about - particularly when you're traveling to popular destinations like the Plaza Mayor. This welcoming and picturesque square has been called the living room of the Salamantinos. Both locals and visitors use it as a meeting and greeting point whether they are looking to begin an excursion in the city or simply sit and people-watch while they chat with their friends.

In the past, Salamanca once served as a summer resort for some of Spain's wealthiest families. The legacy of this prestigious distinction can be seen in the city's continued grace and beauty. The many sandstone buildings, particularly around the city center add a golden hue to the area. The Plaza Mayor features a number of buildings covered with baroque ironwork, which contribute to the lasting impression of what may be Salamanca's best-known landmark.

Besides its advantages as a university town, Salamanca also provides an ideal location for travel. The city's proximity to Portugal makes that a logical trip for those looking for some variety in their study abroad experience. Salamanca is also located within easy reach of Madrid.

All in all, Salamanca provides some unparalleled benefits for the student who wants to study abroad in Spain with the comfortable feeling of a university town and the convenience of a city that could have been designed for students.