Mester Spanish Courses

Kelly Metcalf, MA, NCC
School Counselor
Mount Carmel School

Salamanca Study Abroad Program - Summer 2000

I attended the Salamanca Study Abroad trip in 2000. I had traveled
extensively before then, but that was my first international trip
independent of my family. The month we studies and two weeks of travel were
exhilarating and so educational. Staying with a family is really the only
way to learn the language and culture. No book could ever teach you what six
weeks immersed in the culture can. Having the opportunity to have people of
multiple cultures and languages unite under one common language (Spanish)
was both humbling and invigorating.

I had taken Spanish for six years prior to this trip, yet had never grasped
the language like I did after six weeks in Spain.

I am currently a 1-12 school counselor on the island of Saipan, which is
part of the Northern Mariana Islands near Guam. I am the minority amongst so
many cultures (Chomorro, Carolinian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino).
Being able to study in another country should be a requirement for all
students in order to help create citizens of the world not just of one
country.

Antoaneta Spasova
Marketing Specialist
INDEX-6 Ltd.

Salamanca Study Abroad Program - Summer 2002

My study abroad trip was amazing. It was truly a lifetime experience. I had
the incredible opportunity to immerse myself completely into a culture that
is very different from my own and experience Spain not merely as a tourist
but as a person living and studying there for over two months. Academia
Mester gave me the chance to study the language in a warm and friendly
environment and to make new friends every day.
Thank you!

Shannon Price
BA in English and a BA in Spanish

Study Abroad in Salamanca, Summer 2001

The study abroad program at Mester was one of the most rewarding things that
I ever have done. I learned more than I ever thought possible. The school
not only provides an outstanding education at all levels, but also offers
organized weekend trips and encourages students to go out and meet people
and sample the Spanish culture. The staff at Mester is incredible (Belen is
still my favorite!!), and the programs that they offer embrace the country's
rich history and timeless landmarks. The only regret I have from the trip
is not bringing a videocamera. I would go back again to Mester in a
heartbeat, and I would highly reccommend this institute to anyone else who
is interested in studying abroad in Salamanca.

Erin Clark
Student at Truman State University

Salamanca Study Abroad Program - Summer 2004

My experience at Academia Mester was one filled with learning and
personal growth. My Spanish improved amazingly due to intensive class
settings and the wish to speak with other students. I also learned
about Spanish culture from personal experience through Mester's many
outside-of-class opportunities, and I made friends from all over the
world. I would highly recommend Mester to anyone who wants to improve
their language skills, learn valuable life lessons, and have an
all-around good time! It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.