Only regret is that I couldn't stay longer!

My main goal in studying in Cantabria was to totally immerse myself in the culture and people. I stayed with Merche, Fernando and their their two, lovely twin girls in Puente Viesgo, a little village just outside Santander. I took the two week Spanish classes before my semester at the Universidad de Cantabria started, which helped me enormously.
I was quite nervous about studying abroad even though I had taken Spanish for the last 4 years but ‘The Spanish Course’ helped every step of the way.
Fernando assisted me through the visa process and really made an effort to ensure I was comfortable in their home. They took us on monthly day trips out to places like Santillana del Mar and Comillas. Truly amazing places. We even went to watch Racing de Santander, the local soccer team. (Not quite Real Madrid!)
I fully recommend studying abroad in Cantabria even if you don’t speak Spanish that well. Living in Puente viesgo allowed me to practice my Spanish language skills, with my host family and in the local shops and restaurants. People were very patient with me even if I didn’t quite understand what they meant or I was a bit slow with my replies.
Overall I was able to meet incredible people, experience a different way of life and fulfil my dream of living in Spain, even if it was only for 4 months.