Salamanca is a region in Spain and is part of the Northen Plateau, near the Duero river. It is found in Castile and Leon province and shares a border with Portugal. The province is a little over 12,000 square kilometres.

Winters in Salamanca are quite long, with temperatures falling to an average of 6ºC (42,8ºF). The summers are relatively long and quite hot, ranging from 20ºC - 22ºC (68ºF-71ºF) on the hottest of days. However the temperature usually stay at about 35 degrees, and then slips to a comfortable 25 and 30 degrees. However, it is not advisable to go to Salamanca during July and August because of the heat. You may want to wait until Spring and Autumn, where the temperature is an easy 20 degrees.

While Salamanca has a big population of nearly 200,000 people, it still has that intimate and small-town vibe because of it being a university city. Everyone is quite friendly and the youthful energy is quite apparent. In fact, everyday many of the inhabitants converge in the Plaza Mayor, known as one of the best city squares in the country. You will meet many people from different countries and walks of life—it’s a great place to make contacts!

Salamanca is quite popular as a place for people who want to learn Spanish, because the inhabitants tend to speak what is called “pure Spanish” or Castilian. There are many schools and the highly respected University of Salamanca has long been recognized as a centre of learning. In fact, it was once ranked with Oxford and Paris as the best places to go to school. Tuition fees are quite affordable and the friendliness of the people make it quite easy for foreign visitors to get used to their new “home”.

Cost of living is quite good here as the bars and restaurants are used to catering to student budgets! You will find many affordable accommodations. You can go on the Internet to find hotels, hostels and houses to rent. You can also go to student forums.