In an increasingly globalized world, mastering several languages has become an essential tool for improving professional, academic, and personal opportunities. Among the most widely spoken and relevant languages internationally is Spanish, with more than 500 million speakers worldwide. For this reason, courses in Spain for Brazilians have become a highly sought-after option for those looking to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in new cultures.

Throughout this text, we will explore the advantages of studying Spanish in Spain and the most recommended cities for doing so.

Advantages of courses in Spain for Brazilians

Choosing Spanish as a second language is a sure bet. And if you want a destination to master it completely, there is nothing better than taking courses in Spain for Brazilians. These programs offer you an amazing immersive experience in the cradle of the language. Being in constant contact with native speakers speeds up the learning process.

In addition, in Spain you will find a wide range of cities where don Quijote has schools to help you improve your Spanish, with programs designed specifically for foreigners.

Here are 10 clear advantages of courses in Spain for Brazilians:

• Total immersion in the language. Studying in an environment where Spanish is spoken daily accelerates comprehension and fluency.
• Learning with native speakers. You will be able to familiarize yourself with and discover new expressions, authentic phrases, different accents, and correct intonation from the very beginning.
• Variety of cities. Don Quijote has a wide range of accredited Spanish schools and programs tailored to foreigners. Courses in Spain for Brazilians will help you improve your level, meet new people, and enjoy a unique stay.
• Enriching cultural experience. Living in Spain allows you to learn about its traditions, festivities, cuisine, and historical heritage.
• Linguistic proximity. The similarity between Portuguese and Spanish makes it easier for Brazilians to learn Spanish, especially at beginner levels.
• Complementary activities. Many of our courses in Spain for Brazilians include excursions, workshops, and cultural events that reinforce the language in a practical way.
• International atmosphere. At our schools, you will find students from all over the world, so you will experience a multicultural and very rich environment. You can make friends from countries such as the United States, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and China, among others.
• Attractive lifestyle. The climate, cuisine, and quality of life make Spain a pleasant place to live while studying.
• Variety of destinations. From big cities like Madrid and Barcelona to historic places like Salamanca and Granada, there are options for all tastes. Discover our destinations for learning Spanish in Spain.
• Academic and professional advantages. Mastering Spanish will open doors for you in multinational companies, universities, and international organizations around the world.

In addition to all these advantages, there is the possibility of combining language learning with cultural exploration. Spain's rich history, cuisine, and traditions enrich the student experience. Many courses in Spain for Brazilians include complementary activities such as guided tours, cooking workshops, or flamenco classes, which allow for a more complete integration.

Another important factor is the similarity between Portuguese and Spanish, which makes learning easier for Brazilians. However, studying in a Spanish-speaking country allows you to identify nuances, improve your pronunciation, and use vocabulary naturally and accurately.

Thus, courses in Spain for Brazilians represent a smart investment in an interconnected world. Spain offers unique opportunities to learn the language from an authentic perspective, with direct access to local culture, customs, and expressions.

The important thing is to take the first step towards learning Spanish, a language that opens doors on five continents and allows you to connect with millions of people. Whether strolling through the streets of Salamanca, exploring the historic neighborhoods of Seville, or enjoying a paella in Valencia, courses in Spain for Brazilians offer much more than grammar; they offer a transformative life experience.

Spanish courses for adults

Want to sign up for a Spanish course for adults, but don't know where to start? If you're an adult living in France and thinking about continuing your Spanish education, you've come to the right place! More and more people are deciding to take Spanish courses for adults in Spain for academic or professional reasons, but also for pleasure, personal growth, and to learn another language.

But it's normal to have questions before making this decision. How long does it take to speak fluently? What is the best destination? Is it too late to learn a language? In this article, don Quijote answers all these questions to help you plan your language trip to Spain with confidence and enthusiasm.

Why choose Spanish courses for adults?

Dedicating your time to traveling to another country to learn a language is a challenge, but you are not alone. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and more people are deciding to learn it.

Here are some reasons why you should take a Spanish course for adults:

1. Total immersion in the language. Learning Spanish in Spain allows you to be surrounded by the language 24 hours a day. This greatly accelerates your learning, as you not only practice in class, but also when ordering a coffee, buying a sandwich, or simply chatting with locals.
2. Specialized teaching for adults. Spanish courses for adults are designed specifically for those who are not of school age. The methodologies are practical, respectful of individual pace, and focused on real communication. Many programs include specific topics for adults, such as culture, business, art, history, or gastronomy.
3. Motivating and cultural environments. Spain is a place full of history, traditions, art, architecture, and good weather. Improving your Spanish while exploring cities such as Madrid, Seville, or Salamanca makes the experience much more enriching.
4. Convenience for European travelers. As a French citizen, traveling to Spain is easy, fast, and inexpensive. You don't need a visa, and you can go by plane, train, or even car. In addition, the cost of living in many Spanish cities is more affordable than in France.
5. Cultural immersion. It's not just about learning a language but about having a unique experience full of culture and history. Spain has a great cultural variety that you can discover in the city of your choice, see the contrasts with your own way of life, and explore unimaginable places.

Additional advantages of Spanish courses for adults:

• International atmosphere: you will meet students your age from all over the world.
• Networking: you'll make lifelong friends, even professional contacts and travel companions to discover many places with.
• Personal confidence: speaking another language opens doors, gives you confidence and allows you to see the world through different eyes.
• Professional development: Spanish is useful in many careers, from tourism to business and international relations.

How long do Spanish courses for adults last?

The answer is: it depends. There are many factors that can influence your decision, such as your starting level, your motivation, the number of hours per week you want to study, and the environment you find yourself in.

To reach a basic functional level (A2-B1), many adults need between 6 and 12 weeks of intensive Spanish courses. To reach an upper intermediate level (B2), where you can hold conversations fluently and understand the media, we recommend between 3 and 6 months of study with constant practice. And to reach an advanced level (C1-C2), it can take between 6 months and a year, depending on the intensity of the course and the degree of immersion.

But don't worry, there's no rush. The important thing to remember is that Spanish courses for adults allow you to progress at your own pace, are very flexible, and offer ongoing support. You'll meet many other people in the same situation as you, who you can lean on and with whom you'll share a unique and unforgettable adventure.

Recommended destinations in Spain

Spain has many cities that are ideal for studying the language, each with its own charm. Here are some of our favorites for Spanish courses for adults:

Salamanca. Considered the cradle of Spanish, it is a university city with a long tradition of language teaching. Quiet, welcoming, and full of history, Salamanca offers an authentic and academic experience. Known as “the city of pure Spanish,” Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its student atmosphere and reputation make it the ideal place to learn the language. An excellent option for courses in Spain for Brazilians.

Madrid. The capital is perfect for those looking to combine study with urban and cultural life. There are many quality schools, museums, theaters, events, and a wide variety of activities. You'll never be bored in Madrid. It is a multicultural center that offers a huge variety of places and shows in Spanish for complete immersion. Studying Spanish in Madrid allows you to live in a vibrant city with a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, ideal for international students.

Seville. Ideal for enjoying the Andalusian character, flamenco music, and warm weather. Spanish courses for adults in Seville often include cultural activities, guided tours, and cooking workshops.

Barcelona. Modern and multicultural, it is attractive to those who want to learn in a dynamic environment. Although Catalan is also spoken, Spanish is present in all areas. With its mix of modernity and tradition, Barcelona is another popular destination. There you can find courses in Spain for Brazilians that also include an introduction to Catalan culture, adding extra value to the experience. Our Spanish school in Barcelona is a new premium boutique school in the city center, close to many places of interest and iconic buildings.

Valencia. With a lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona, in Valencia you will enjoy good weather, good food, and quality schools to improve your Spanish. It offers good weather, beaches, and a wide range of cultural activities. It is one of the most popular destinations for students from all over the world who want to combine language study with an enjoyable life experience.

Malaga. An excellent option for combining sea, sun, and study. The Spanish schools have a very good reputation for helping you master the language during your stay, practice, and get to know a charming and lively city.

Granada. This Andalusian city combines history, culture, and a more affordable cost of living. Courses in Spain for Brazilians in Granada tend to focus on personalized teaching in small groups, ideal for those seeking intensive learning.

The most vibrant and welcoming city awaits you during your language trip to Salamanca. A place steeped in history, with a pleasant and unique atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. Salamanca is the perfect destination to improve your Spanish and enjoy yourself beyond the classroom. Enjoy an unforgettable cultural, gastronomic, and human experience during your language trip to Salamanca.

Why a language trip to Salamanca?

The main reason for a language trip to Salamanca is the perfect balance it offers between learning and enjoyment. Attending high-quality classes in the morning and immersing yourself in Spanish culture in the afternoon is what Salamanca offers you. You can go to the movies, see a play, go out dancing, take historical tours, or sign up for a cooking workshop. The activities are endless!

What's more, being immersed in an environment where Spanish is spoken all the time means you'll make much faster progress than studying in your own country. You'll lose your fear of speaking, gain confidence and fluency, and discover that learning a language also means learning to live in a different way.

A city made for studying

Salamanca is known as the “golden city” thanks to the warm color of the stone used to build many of its buildings. But it is also famous for being one of the most important university cities in Europe. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is one of the oldest on the continent, and its prestige has attracted students from all over the world for centuries.

The Spanish you will learn during your language trip to Salamanca will be clear and simple because what makes the city an ideal place to learn is its authentic and accessible environment.

What's more, by taking a language trip to Salamanca, you'll improve your Spanish with native teachers and programs designed especially for international students. All this is guaranteed by don Quijote's Spanish school in Salamanca, which offers specialized programs for all needs, ages, and levels.

A safe and welcoming language trip to Salamanca

A language trip to Salamanca will allow you to enjoy a safe and welcoming place. In this medium-sized city, it is easy to find your way around and get around without stress. You can walk practically everywhere, allowing you to discover every corner of the city at your own pace. It is also a very safe city, which is especially important if it is your first trip abroad or if you are traveling alone.

What's more, the people of Salamanca are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't be surprised if a waiter recommends their favorite tapa or if a stranger helps you with directions without you even asking. In Salamanca, life flows calmly but is always lively, with a constant mix of tradition and youth.

On the other hand, one of the great gifts of a language trip to Salamanca is the people you meet. In the Golden City, you will find students from all over the world who have come to improve their Spanish and live an unforgettable experience. You will make friends in class, on excursions, in cafés, or during school activities.

These international friendships will enrich your personal experience and allow you to practice your Spanish in real-life contexts, learn about other cultures, and open your mind to new ways of seeing the world.

Living culture during your language trip to Salamanca

In Salamanca, every stone tells a story. Strolling through its old town (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) is like walking through an open-air museum. You can also visit the famous Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, where students, tourists, and locals gather at any time of day.

You can also admire the two cathedrals, the University with its famous facade full of sculpted details (can you find the frog?) and cross the Roman Bridge to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

But Salamanca is more than just history: it is a very lively city. Throughout the year, there are theater, film, music, and literature festivals. There is always something to see or do, and many activities are designed especially for international students.

Gastronomy that conquers

An essential part of any trip is the food, and Salamanca will not disappoint you. The local cuisine is tasty, varied, and very affordable. Try traditional dishes such as hornazo (a pastry filled with cold meats), Iberian ham, lentils from La Armuña, or chanfainas. Tapas are also very popular; for the price of a drink, you can enjoy a small portion of food (a tapa).

And if you're vegetarian, vegan, or have any food allergies, don't worry there are more and more options for all tastes.

So don't think twice! A language trip to Salamanca is much more than a vacation. It's an investment in your academic, professional, and personal future. It will allow you to master the language, broaden your horizons, discover a fascinating culture, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Knowing the capitals of Spanish-speaking countries is not only useful for your Spanish studies, but also gives you a deeper understanding of the cultural and geographic diversity of these places. Expand your knowledge of Spanish and locate each country on the map to discover a very diverse culture.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, you can click here to switch languages.

Capital cities of Spain

As you may know, Spain is the birthplace of the Spanish language, as it is where the language originated. The capital of Spain is Madrid, known for its rich history, art, and lively nightlife.

Although Spain is characterized by its well-known cities spread throughout the country and its unique culture. The country is made up of 17 Autonomous Communities, and each has its own capital. Here is the list of the 17 Autonomous Communities and their respective Spanish capitals:

• Andalusia. Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Jaen, Huelva, Malaga, and Seville. Seville is the capital.
• Aragon. Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Zaragoza is the capital.
• Asturias. Its capital is Oviedo.
• Balearic Islands. It is an archipelago formed by 5 islands: Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera. The capital is Palma de Mallorca.
• Canary Islands. It is made up of 7 islands and divided into two provinces. The province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with: Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. And the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. The capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
• Cantabria. Its capital is Santander.
• Castilla La Mancha. Toledo, Ciudad Real, Guadalajara, Cuenca and Albacete. Its capital is Toledo.
• Castilla y León. León, Palencia, Salamanca, Burgos, Zamora, Valladolid, Soria, Segovia, and Avila. This Autonomous Community does not have a capital city, but the seat of government is in Valladolid.
• Catalonia. Barcelona, Tarragona, Lerida, and Gerona. The capital is Barcelona.
• Valencian Community. Castellon, Valencia, and Alicante. The capital is Valencia.
• Extremadura. Caceres and Badajoz; the capital is Mérida.
• Galicia. La Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra. Its capital is Santiago de Compostela.
• La Rioja. Its capital is Logroño.
• Madrid is the capital of Spain.
• Region of Murcia. Its capital is Murcia.
• Navarra. The name of its capital is Pamplona.
• Basque Country. Alava, Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya. It has no official capital, such as Castilla y León.

Spain also has two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, located on the African continent.

Countries on the American continent

In addition to Spain, other countries in the world also have Spanish as their official language. These places are mainly located in South and Central America, although there is also one in Africa. Here is the complete list of the 20 Spanish-speaking countries and their respective capitals:

North America:

• Mexico – Ciudad de Mexico

Caribbean:

• Cuba – La Habana
• Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo
• Puerto Rico – San Juan

Central America:

• Costa Rica – San Jose
• El Salvador – San Salvador
• Guatemala – Ciudad de Guatemala
• Honduras – Tegucigalpa
• Nicaragua – Managua
• Panamá – Ciudad de Panamá

South America:

• Argentina – Buenos Aires
• Bolivia – La Paz, Sucre
• Chile – Santiago
• Colombia – Bogotá
• Ecuador – Quito
• Paraguay – Asunción
• Peru – Lima
• Uruguay – Montevideo
• Venezuela – Caracas

Africa

• Equatorial Guinea - Malabo

In this complete list of Spanish-speaking countries and their capitals, how many Spanish capitals did you already know; did you locate all the countries on the map? Tell us about it.

Each country has its own history, culture and beauty. By getting to know the Spanish capitals, you not only expand your Spanish vocabulary, but you also connect with the cultural richness of these places. Don't you feel like visiting one of them?

So, if you want to continue expanding your knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world, don't hesitate to continue learning Spanish. At don Quijote you can choose the Spanish course that best suits your needs, your level and your age. We have schools in 11 different destinations in Spain and in 9 different countries in Latin America.

Ask us about your doubts and we will help you choose the destination that best suits your needs so that learning Spanish will be a fascinating journey for you.

Cherry Blossom in Spain

Cherry blossoms are usually associated with Japan or even Washington D.C. but Spain also has its own particular cherry blossom festival.  In a corner of Spain between Salamanca and Cáceres, close to the town of Plasencia, is a valley tucked into the mountains of the central system. Within this 70 kilometer long valley—Jerte Valley—is a growing region home to the Picota cherry, one of the sweetest cherries on earth. This cherry comes with a Denominación de Origin (Denomination of Origin) certificate that classifies this fruit as being of the highest quality and coming from only this area of the world.

Every year in spring this valley comes to life with the blooming of the trees and arrival of thousands of Spaniards that come to see a beautiful, fleeting event.  The region prepares an agenda of activities that range from bird watching to participating in the actual picking of the cherries. This area wakes up from a winter hibernation to a calendar of activities that is actually pretty dizzying.

More than 1.5 million cherry trees occupy this basin with many growing up steeply rising hillsides. These trees pertain mostly to small family farms (there are 3,737 registered growers) and are grown in a very traditional and sustainable manner. For example, it is very common to see during picking season the cherries laid out on beds of fern leaves which protects the fruit while it is being gathered.  Unfortunately for most Americans, tasting these incredibly delicious cherries is practically impossible: 60% of the productions is consumed domestically while the rest is exported principally to Germany and the United Kingdom.

Right now the trees are starting to bloom and the second act of a three-act play of nature is happening.  The locals have given a name to these three moments: Despertar el valle (the valley wakes), Cerezo en Flor (Cherry trees in bloom), and Lluvia de Pétalos (shower of flower petals). This is the moment when most people come to the valley to take in some incredible views and walk along the numerous paths that wind between the trees and the different villages within this area.

If you want to come and take part in an incredible show of nature, you better hurry because by the beginning of May the flowers will be gone and the fruit will be start to be growing on the tree. Not all is lost, though, if you come after the flowers have gone since the fruit will be ready and picked in June and July. You will then be able to taste some the best and rarest cherries in the world. I’d say that would be worth the trip.

How to get to the Valle del Jerte

To get to the Valle del Jerte from Madrid you can go north through Ávila or west, by way of Plasencia—either way the trip takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours making an overnight stay in a casa rural an excellent option. In spring, the weather is usually warm during the day with cool nights without the extremes of the neighboring areas due to the excellent micro-climate the valley creates.

University New Year in Salamanca

Every year on the penultimate Thursday of the academic term, thousands upon thousands of students from all corners of Spain descend on the small Castilian city of Salamanca for the annual Nochevieja Universitaria – translated as University New Year. This impressive celebration was inaugurated in 1999, when students wanted to be able to celebrate New Year with their university friends, before going home for the Christmas holidays. Since then it’s become a highlight in the university calendar, not just in Salamanca, but across the country. People come in busloads from as far as Seville just to be part of this magical night, before heading home early next morning (literally) after a whole night of partying.

A couple of days ago I was lucky to be able to experience Nochevieja first hand, going with some friends from work to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. We all decided to meet at 10 pm, thinking that the Plaza Mayor – where the ‘countdown’ to the New Year takes place – would already be jammed with people. We were a little surprised to find that at this point it was only half full, if that. Regardless, the atmosphere was extremely jovial, with a raised platform and DJ underneath the famous reloj (clock), playing all our favorite tunes – with Avicii’s Wake Me Up receiving a screaming reception.

Nevertheless, the idea of standing there for the next two hours was not so appealing, so we went to a nearby bar and had a few drinks and some dancing. We stayed there for about an hour, before heading back to the Plaza Mayor for the strike at midnight. On our way there, we bumped into another friend from work who had unfortunately lost her phone, which reminded us all to keep an eye on our belongings, especially since by this point the Plaza Mayor was jam packed. We pushed our way into the center of the square, nestled between a group of Spanish students, and some sweet Americans. There was still about half an hour left before the “big moment”, but it flew by with more club classics from the rather excitable DJ.

Spanish New Year's Traditions

It is a Spanish New Year’s tradition to eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each time the clock chimes ding dong. On our way into the Plaza Mayor we had each been handed a little box of twelve grapes (for free!) for us to reenact the tradition at “New Year” – or, in our case, when Thursday became Friday… With about five minutes to go, the DJ stopped doing his thing, and was replaced by a spectacle of lights and drumming music. The Plaza Mayor was changing different colors – red and green – and the façade with the clock had a visual show projected onto it. The main theme of this production was a series of dates, but none of us knew what the dates stood for, and my research has so far proved fruitless. Maybe it was key dates in Salamanca’s history, or Spain’s, or of the night’s sponsor, Brugal? Anyway, the point is it was really cool.

The final segment of this 3D mapping show was a 10-second countdown to midnight, at the completion of which we all hurriedly ate our grapes. The task was significantly harder than we’d expected; eventually I found myself with about four grapes in my mouth at once because the clock was dinging faster than I was eating! And then that was it… once midnight had passed it was the end of Plaza Mayor’s turn to host the thirty thousand students, who then went out into the large number of bars and clubs that hug the center of the city – but only after a ten-minute struggle to leave the Plaza Mayor, a difficult task with so many people going in so many opposite directions. We found ourselves at a bar very near to the Plaza Mayor which was playing typical Spanish club songs. I didn’t recognize any of them, but happily danced away for the next few hours.

When we left the club – slightly deafened from having spent all our time next to the speakers – we thought about going to another, but the Englishness in us had work the next morning firmly at the back of our mind, and the thought of partying until 6 am Spanish-style didn’t appeal. But, we were glad we’d experienced one of the highlights of the academic year in Spain, and it will definitely be a great memory for years to come.

The school year's kicking off soon, and if you're considering the possibility of taking a course in a Spanish university, it may help to have a little information on the most interesting university locations. Remember, university life is not just about classrooms and libraries. This is a time to get out, meet people and explore the "cultural" life the city has to offer...

The following is our list, in alphabetical order (so we don't hurt any sensibilities), of the top ten Spanish university destinations, where you can enjoy a productive year… on all different levels.

1. Barcelona

The cosmopolitan center is on Las Ramblas

Ever since the mythical Hercules founded this city, Barcelona has been a Mediterranean hub, and its wide variety of universities (public and private) covers all options imaginable. The city's cultural and animated social life speaks for itself: a stroll down Las Ramblas, a vistit to Parque Guell or a drink with friends in the Puerto Olímpico area will open up the doors to an enjoyable city and a unique atmosphere in which to study Spanish.

2. Granada

Incredible tapas

Considering the size of the city in which it's located, the University of Granada is among the top schools in Spain. The city itself is a giant campus, where the students, the monuments, and the places to hang out in all come together in a unique mix of life. Granada also offers something unusual: here you can go skiing in the morning (the Sierra Nevada ski station is just 40 minutes away), have tapas in the city (they're free!), and later that afternoon go down to the tropical coast (Motril, Almuñécar or Salobreña) to take a dip in the Mediterranean. The international flavor of Granada makes it a perfect place to learn Spanish, meet people and feel at home.

3. Tenerife

Endless salsa dancing

The old capital of the island of Tenerife is set on top of the depths of the old lagoon. This is a perfect city for taking relaxing walks along its colonial style streets, where you'll find plenty of spectacular monuments. The University of La Laguna brings together many students, who come not only from the Canary Islands, but also from the rest of Spain and Latin America. La Laguna is one of the most prestigious international astrophysics centers in the world. The permanent connection between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean produces the friendliness, the sweetness of the accent and the warm musical rhythms that all invite visitors to stay and learn Spanish while Salsa dancing in the bars of the Cuadrilatero neighborhood, right in the center of town.

4. Madrid

Terraces and monuments

The capital of Spain is in the geographic center of the peninsula. It's also a place where people from around the country come together to study in its many universities and other learning centers. The Complutense University, la Autónoma, la Politécnica... Madrid is a political, economic and cultural center. The Madrid of the Austrias invites us to explore this metropolis which still retains the characteristics of a small town, where going for walks through parks and neighborhoods is still an enjoyable experience. The fact that in Madrid, almost everyone comes from somewhere else, guarantees that Madrileños will make you feel comfortable and welcome to chat in Spanish with the "gatos" in its many historical and charming cafés.

5. Malaga

Internationality and pescaíto

One of the main Mediterranean port centers, Malaga has permanent connections to northern Africa, and a colorful population that joins the jet-set with less exclusive visitors. The University of Malaga offers a great variety of attractive options, most notably in marine science studies. This is the home of Picasso, whose imprint can be seen all over the city. A short walk up to the Alcazaba (Arab fortress) offers us views of the port, which gives us the perfect excuse to head right down to the port on Palo Beach to chat with Malagueños over a nice plate of fresh sea food. Later, hop over to Marbella (a drive away) to have coffee among the economic elite, and take a few Spanish classes in an international atmosphere.

6. Pamplona

Healthy and direct people

The University of Navarra is one of the most prestigious private centers in Spain for health sciences. The old town area, with the aura of Hemingway floating about its streets running ahead of a raging bull, and the good natured Pamploneses are features of this city. You'll also find a combination of studies and the perfect simplicity of the most delicious vegetables you can imagine (Lodosa peppers, asparagus, artichoke…) and wine that describes the nature of the people of Navarra: robust and tangy, with a memory not easily forgotten, like the magical beech trees of Irati.

7. Salamanca

Bars with style

Style, that's Salamanca. A city dressed in the elegance of the Villamayor stone. Here you'll find one of the most famous universities in the world, not only for its age, but also for its prestige, and its distinction of having been the home of Spanish as a second language studies that it is today. Imagine an enormous museum, where you can walk through and discover hidden gems within the surprising monumental city's detailed decoration, which remind us that we're in the city of the Tormes. Here, bars seem to have come right out of a decoration and design contest, where contact with Salmantinos is not only easy, but inevitable.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Seafood and albariño

If all roads lead to one place, that place is Santiago. For more than a thousand years, this wonderful city has been joining people on pilgrimages to different sights of interest: The Cathedral and the saint's tomb, the university and a jar of Ribeiro. The peacefulness here, along with the musical tone of the Galician way of speaking invite us to drift along the rúa Raíña and the Praza Roxa to meet these friendly people. After a long history of migration, they know how to take in outsiders better than anybody.

9. Seville

The very best flamenco and tapas

During spring time in Seville the aromas of incense and orange blossom speak of Holy Week, gardens in bloom and the Feria de abril. The University of Seville echoes the sounds of Carmen la cigarrera. The royal tobacco factory is one of the most evident buildings in the landscape of the capital of Andalusia. The benevolence of winter in Seville provides a great reason for studying Spanish in this city, which houses the Indias Archive and the main port connection with the New World. Flamenco music appears on every corner of the Triana neighborhood (almost an independent city) on the other side of the river, and in the bars in Santa Cruz. Here, cantaores fine tune their voices with a sip of fino or manzanilla while gazing out the window, taking in views of the Giralda, the magnificent bell tower of the biggest gothic cathedral in the world.

10. Valencia

The Mediterranean and modernity

This is the capital of the Turia, crossed because of the spectacular vision that R. Bofill had of the riverbed, now the heartbeat of the city and the center of a university known for its architectural and technical studies. We can admire the talent the university produces by exploring the works of Santiago Calatrava in the City of Arts and Sciences. By going to la Albufera, checking out la Malvarrosa or wandering about El Carmen we will get to know Valencia, a town that's always been open to the sea –and to other people-, where if there's anything more impressive than the raucous ringing of firecrackers during festivals, it's the friendliness and smiles of the people.

Take advantage of the options that a combination course offers Spanish students. don Quijote allows you, if you like, to enjoy an almost entirely complete panorama of the most important university cities, while experiencing the esthetic and cooking pleasures that a richly diverse country like Spain has to offer.