An inspiring story of learning, culture, and friendship in Salamanca
My name is Declan , I’m 40 years old, and I’m from Donegal, Ireland. I had always dreamed of learning Spanish properly, but life and work kept getting in the way. This time, I decided to make it happen. After researching different cities and schools, I found Hola Spain’s intensive Spanish course in Salamanca, and within weeks, I was packing my bags for a month-long adventure that would change my life.
Choosing the Right Spanish School in Salamanca
Hola Spain helped me find the perfect school — a small, family-run language centre just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor, the city’s lively heart. The moment I arrived, I knew I’d made the right choice. The staff were welcoming, the teachers were passionate, and the lessons were dynamic and full of energy.
We started each morning with grammar and conversation practice, but the atmosphere never felt academic or cold. Our teacher, Carmen, had a gift for making everyone feel comfortable — whether you were from the UK, Germany, Japan, or China, she made sure we all understood, laughed, and learned together.
The course was intensive, yes — four hours a day, five days a week — but it never felt like work. We played language games, acted out real-life situations, and spoke Spanish from day one. By the second week, I was ordering food, asking for directions, and chatting confidently with locals.
Living and Learning in Salamanca
Salamanca is a city that breathes history. Walking its golden sandstone streets each morning felt like stepping into another era. The University of Salamanca, one of the oldest in Europe, gives the city a youthful, intellectual energy, while its cafés, bars, and markets keep it alive and buzzing.
In the evenings, I would sit in the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by glowing lights, listening to the hum of conversations in dozens of languages. It was the perfect place to practise Spanish — locals were friendly and patient, and they always appreciated the effort.
The Social Programme — Friendship Through Culture
What made the experience unforgettable was the social programme organised by Hola Spain and the school. Every afternoon, we joined activities designed to bring students together and show us the real Spain.
We had guided city tours, cooking workshops, tapas tastings, and weekend excursions to nearby towns like Ávila and Segovia. There was even a salsa night — something I never thought I’d try at forty, but I did, and I loved every minute.
The group was incredibly diverse: students from the UK, Germany, Japan, and China, all connected by one common goal — learning Spanish. Despite our different backgrounds, we bonded instantly. We supported each other in class, shared meals, and even helped each other with homework. Those friendships made the experience even more meaningful.
A Life-Changing Experience
By the end of the month, I wasn’t just speaking better Spanish — I was living it. I’d discovered a new confidence, a new rhythm, and a renewed curiosity for the world. Salamanca taught me that it’s never too late to learn, to explore, and to connect with people from around the globe.
Hola Spain made everything seamless — from choosing the right school to arranging accommodation and activities. It wasn’t just a course; it was an experience that transformed how I see language and life.
If you’ve ever dreamed about learning Spanish abroad, Salamanca is the place to start. The combination of culture, history, and warmth makes it an experience that stays with you long after you return home.