Best Experience of my Life!

My semester in Salamanca, Spain was one that I will never forget. I learned so much about myself while getting to see so much of the world. AIFS was amazing and so helpful with helping me prepare to go abroad, getting abroad, while I was abroad, and even after my return home. I never felt like I was alone, even though I took on this journey completely by myself. The program was set up to where there were many activities that allowed everyone to meet and get to know each other, activities that showed us around our new home, and even excursions that allowed us to travel in a safe and informative way. This program gave me some of my best friends that i am so thankful for finding and I owe all of that to AIFS for allowing this to happen.
My homestay experience was second to none and was the best decision I made for myself. I was placed in a home of a single woman who quickly became a true second mom to me. She was very outgoing, warm, kind, and extremely helpful. My house abroad felt like my home in the U.S. and I always felt comfortable and calm. This was especially important during the beginning weeks when everything was so new and foreign to me. Our house was centrally located and in a very safe area. I was able to walk to the city center in less than five minutes and the location was incredible. I still keep in contact with my host mom and look forward to getting to see her again.
The classes provided were great and set up in a way that allowed us to still have free time on weekends as long as you stayed busy and focused in class. The professors were very educated and challenged us everyday to speak as much Spanish as possible to help us learn. They saw so much potential in all their students and encouraged us to see that same potential in ourselves.
Overall, this program was all around such a great experience and made going abroad such an easy process. I recommend this program and location to all students. It changed my life and I will always have a home in Salamanca and with the AIFS staff.