Have you traveled to or lived in Spain? Do you have any advice that you might be able to give me?

Question

I will be studying in Salamanca, Spain for one month and I will be living with a host family. Any advice on things that you have learned through experience, things that I might not otherwise learn until after I get there? (i.e. - What NOT to do when...etc) Anything would be helpful...thanks!

Answer 1

Spainsh are considered bossy by americans,  its seems that they are telling you what to do but you don't have to do it.  They have a tendency to let others spend money and try not to spend theirs.  The word "constipado" is not constipated, it's that you have a cold. DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER! Bottle is much more expensive but worth the effort.  People pry in to your life...be aware because its so they can gossip later.  Friut is dessert eaten with a fork and a knife.  Breakfast=desayuno, morning snack =(almuerzo) lunch=(comer) afternoon snack=merienda, dinner=cenar.  DO NOT GET UP TO HAVE MID NIGHT SNACKS! Two kisses, one on each cheek when you meet some one.... and the list goes on and on and on...

Answer 2

That answer about wine is the weirdest thing I've heard of and I've lived here for 8 years now! I've been working here as a teacher in Barcelona and the first thing I'd say if you're staying with a host family is be careful of the food. They want you to eat everything on your plate and if you do will try to give you more! Be forceful and say your full. If you're waiting for a bus or a train or anything, don't expect a queue, people just herd together, and this is true especially in a bank, that there will always be an old lady in front of you who wants to talk for half an hour and check everything in her bank account!

The people can seem quite up front and forward, but that's just the way they are, oh, and they want to know about everything in your life.

You'll have a great time here and try to take advantage at every opportunity, and remember even if you make mistakes, they are there to be learnt from. Good luck!

Answer 3

My first recomendation is to make a copy of your passport and not, I repeat DO NOT take your passport out anywhere you go.  From the moment you get to your host family house leave it there until you leave Spain.

Second, do not trust anyone that shows you a badge that is not in uniform.  There are a bunch of phoney police wanna-bes running around trying to get your wallet, so get an attitude if you run into anyone like that.

Third, come to Madrid it rocks here!!!!!

Answer 4

The most important thing is that Salamanca is a city full of University students, so pubs and restaurants are open 7 days a week till 3 am or more.

Answer 5

OK, the strangest thing that I encountered was that if you have wine, it is considered rude to drink the entire glass.  You have to leave one drinks worth in the glass.

Answer 6

im also gonna study in spain, university of st. louis, i found out about the wine to, also treat the waiter with more respect that we do here, and just be kind and polite

Answer 7

Salamanca is a beautiful place and I'm sure you will have a very good time. Some basic advice:

-Try not to look like a tourist. Dress and behave as the locals do (for example, avoid those "I love Salamanca" T-Shirts). Otherwise, you will attract pickpockets!!! It is a good idea to walk around the place with somebody from your host family. They will tell you which places are safe and which might not be.

-Give a chance to Spanish food. Most students go for fast food and it sometimes annoys local people.

-Most people will be eager to practice their English with you (which is annoying if what you really want to do is practice your Spanish).

-Find the frog!!! (this will make sense once you are there)

Answer 8

IM LIVING HERE IN SPAIN MY ADVICE 2 YOU THAT NEVER BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT MAKE A XEROX COPY AND ALWAYS BE AWARE MANY PICK POCKETERS WAITING FOR A CHANCE 2 STEAL .MOSTLY TOURIST.YOU WILL LEARN HERE IN SPAIN WHEN EATING THERES APPERETIVE,FIRST PLATE ,SECOND PLATE,DESSERT,WINE,COFFE,TEA DONT KNOW WHERE THEY PUT ALL OF THIS.