15 years hosting students

No podría haber pedido una mejor experiencia. María es increíblemente amable, acogedora y cariñosa. Este es el tiempo más largo que he pasado en el extranjero, y no he viajado en unos 3 años, así que estaba un poco nerviosa antes de llegar en Salamanca. María respondió a todas mis preguntas y me hizo sentir a gusto. Cuando llegué, estaba allí para recibirme; recuerdo que tomamos un café juntas y me sentí como en casa rápidamente. Me siento que mi español ha mejorado enormemente – María me ha apoyado mucho. Estudio español en la universidad y he aprendido muchas palabras y frases nuevas viviendo aquí. Me encanta que siempre nos sentemos a comer juntos, y la comida siempre es riquísima. Normalmente hay otros estudiantes (de las escuelas de lenguas) que se alojan en la casa. Esto ha sido genial; hemos tenido la oportunidad de hablar español juntos y todavía me mantengo en contacto con los amigos que he hecho. También, Salamanca es preciosa. Desde la casa, se tarda entre 15 y 20 minutos para llegar al centro. La arquitectura es impresionante y hay muchos lugares para explorar. También es un lugar ideal para explorar la región: he visitado la Sierra de Francia, Segovia, Ávila, Las Médulas y Toledo. El tiempo ha pasado volando y no puedo estar más agradecida a María - recomendaría encarecidamente visitar Salamanca y quedarse aquí.

I couldn't have asked for a better experience. María is incredibly kind, welcoming and caring. This is the longest time I've ever spent abroad, and I haven't travelled in about 3 years, so I was a bit nervous before I came. María answered all of my questions and made me feel really at ease. When I arrived, she was there to greet me - I remember we had a cup of coffee together, and I felt at home really quickly. Staying with María has helped my Spanish enormously. I’m studying Spanish at university and I have learnt so many new words and phrases living here - María has always been incredibly supportive. I love that we always sit down and eat lunch together, and the food is always absolutely delicious. There are normally other students from language schools staying in the house too. This has been brilliant; we’ve had the opportunity to speak Spanish together and I still keep in contact with the friends I’ve made. The city of Salamanca is beautiful. From the house, it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the centre. The architecture is stunning and there are plenty of places to explore. It’s also a great place from which to explore the region – I’ve visited the Sierra de Francia, Segovia, Ávila, Las Médulas and Toledo. The time has gone so quickly, and I couldn’t be more grateful to María. I would 100% recommend staying here.

If there was the option of a 4.5, I would've chosen that option. I really enjoyed my experience at this house. I guess I have more pros to talk about than cons. The rooms are pretty big and cozy. Maria, the host mom, is super caring and you can feel her love towards the international students. She will constantly be asking you 'how was your day', 'have you eaten', etc. She doesn't speak English, so the only way of communication is Spanish, which will boost your communication skills in Spanish if you stay at her house for awhile. She knows all about the city, so if you want to go somewhere, she will provide you a map with the route to get to the place. Sometimes she even offers to take you to the place, like El Rastro, which is like the flea market on Sundays. She will also give you tips on where to travel among the nearby cities. Although you do have to pay an extra fee for the food, I think it is definitely worth it. Her foods are amazingly delicious and also, it is a time of fellowship with the other international students in the house. The menu's change everyday and it is one part of the day I would always look forward to. Take in mind that you are not allowed to cook at her house. There is one bathroom for all the students, but it hasn't been a problem for either one of the students who were there. It is about 15 min walking distance from the Plaza Mayor. In the beginning, you might feel that it is very far, but after two walks back and forth from the Plaza, you can see that it isn't that bad. A good exercise for the day! I, for instance, am Filologia Hispanica major, so it would take me about 20 min to arrive in my class. But for those who are studying law, business, pre-med, it might be kinda far for you guys. But if you enjoy walking, it won't be a problem. There is a park nearby, a train station nearby, bakery nearby. If you are seeking for a cozy place, with an amazing host mother, and walking is not a problem for you, then I would totally recommend this place for you.