What not to do in Spain

With my trip in Europe coming to a close, I can't help but smile at all the memories I've had in this amazing part of the world. I hope that when other people choose to come on this program, they will also have an amazing time, which is why I have a list of things not to do in Spain:

1. Don't travel every weekend:

Salamanca is an amazing place and it's even more amazing during the weekeneds, where there are tons of people from all over Spain. Also, the rastro (flee market) is only open on Sundays and it's a great place to hang out.

2. Don't think you have to pay for everything in Salamanca

If you want to climb to the top of the towers of the cathedral, it's free Tuesday morning. A lot of the museums in town are also free one day a week. Also, check to see if you can get in free with your student ID! Finally, the Universidad de Salamanca has free tours for students, including a tour of the cathedrals and a tour of the palaces in Salamanca.

3. Go on the excursions planned by the University of Michigan.

You already paid for them through the program fee and you get to see some pretty amazing places in Spain, like Toledo and Segovia.

4. Try different things!

Even if you really like a bar or restaurant, try different places. You might find a place you like better. Also, you're only here for 6 weeks, so you might as well experience everything that you can!

5. Don't speak English, Speak Spanish!

Yes, even with University of Michigan students. Studying abroad is a unique experience. The only way you're Spanish will improve is if you practice it! At the University of Michigan, you probably only get 3 or 4 hours of Spanish a week! Here, you get a ton more. Speaking with you're friends from Michigan in Spanish also helps because it doesn't matter if you make a grammer mistake and you can help others with their Spanish too.

6. Don't bring a ton of stuff with you

Dragging 50 pound bags in the metros of Madrid and try to fit them on the train is not a whole lot of fun. Bring the necessities and if you realize you forgot something, you can always buy it in Salamanca. Plus, you want room in your bag to bring back souvenirs.

7. Don't just hang out with people from Michigan

This past weekend, I went to Portugal and on the bus ride there, I meet a girl from Germany and one from Holand. We hung out the entire day and it was an amazing experience...when else do you have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, like the students from Brazil in you're class? You'll see the people from Michigan in Ann Arbor during the school year. You won't see the people from everywhere else in the world.