Click the image to download the 2010 Salamanca festival programme!

There’s an incredible amount planned for the week – from pop concerts in the Plaza Mayor (including Marta Sanchez, a Spanish hit), jazz recitals in Patio de las Escuelas (where the “lucky frog” is) and theatre (top broadway muscial “Chicago” in the Liceo Theatre) to the casetas (little huts belonging to the bars which sell tapas, typical Spanish food, drinks…) and street art (an international festival with acts roaming the city having arrived from a multitude of European countries…).

In the Mester reception you can pick up the programme (you can also download from the bottom of this page); here we pick out a selection of highlights for you:

Starting with music, the biggest act coming to the city is probably that of Marta  Sanchez, a pop singer who’s hit “Colgando en tus Manos”, with Carlos Baute, stayed at number one for many weeks in Spain not so long ago!  She’ll be playing in the Plaza Mayor at 10pm on Saturday 11th September, promising a great turn out and some ballads you’ll surely recognise!

Next up on the music scene is British group The OysterBand, who’ll play at 9pm in the Plaza Mayor as part of the Celtic Night organised on Wednesday 8th September.  The night will also feature Castilla la Mancha’s Judith Mateo.

Something a little bit different and unique to this festival is the presentation of an award to Vicente del Bosque, the manager of the Spanish football team which  won the World Cup this year. He’ll be presented with the title of “Hijo Predilecto de la Ciudad de Salamanca” in the Plaza Mayor on Saturday 11th at 12.30pm, an event which will bring together all the football fans of the city and will provide yet another excuse for the Spanish people to celebrate their win.

If you enjoy theatre you won’t be disappointed.  One of the hottest shows of today, the musical Chicago, is at the Liceo Theatre – a must see!

Staying with theatre, the ferias will be including a mini-festival in the programme: Festival Internacional de Artes de Calle (an international street theatre festival!).  The actors and performers will be doing their unique shows throughout the city.  By downloading the programme you’ll be able to find out the exact timetable of when and where to find them.  Highlights include Spasmo Teatro and the Little Band, who have been here before and have even made it to television – be sure not to miss it!

The festival is a great chance to enjoy a wonderful week in Salamanca, with a great atmosphere and plenty to do!

So enjoy the festival (which will start with a bang thanks to the stunning firework display planned for Tuesday 7th at 10pm on the Roman Bridge!), take lots of pictures and make the most of this special week in Salamanca!

Click here to download the 2010 Festival programme and plan your week!

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According to UCAS, applications this year have gone up by 100,000 whilst places have been cut by 6000 meaning would-be students, even those with the standard top mark of 3 As, are having to think outside the box when planning their academic future.  The 150% estimated increase in gap-year takers demonstrates this.  Whether the school-leavers are taking a sabatical year with the plan to re-apply to university next year, to have time to consider what it is they want to do in the future or for the simple reason that, after two years’ hard study for A-levels, a change appeals, it’s incredibly important to get the correct choice of gap year. Whilst a stress-free job in your home town, saving money for 6 months to take prolonged holiday in Thailand may sound appealing, on your CV it’s certainly not going to stand out; if it does, it will stand out for the wrong reasons.  A gap year of this kind, whilst perhaps setting you up with some valuable life skills (learning how to travel alone, manage your money, etc), as far as employability goes, doesn’t help at all.  So what does?

A language course abroad is a great choice for a gap year. As well as developing the aforementioned life skills, you will be adding a second language to your CV.  You’ll also be learning how to adapt to a culture different from your own, something all too easily avoided on the typical gap year with friends, doing not much else but touring the bars and beaches of South East Asia.

Whilst having fun, learning about the customs of a new country and meeting people from all over the world, without much conscious effort you’ll be developing key language skills which could put you ahead of the rest when looking for a job in the future, as well as widening your horizons for more travel opportunities.

Salamanca's Plaza Mayor, two minutes from the school

At Mester we offer Spanish courses in the beautiful university city of Salamanca.  Although a reasonably small city, the famous student atmosphere makes for great nightlife, all with the backdrop of stunning architecture and rich heritage.  You have the choice of staying with a Spanish family, alone or in a student flat, where you’ll find yourself living with people from all over the world!

Boosting your CV with Spanish

If your A-level results haven’t gone to plan, take it as a blessing in disguise, don’t get disheartened and think about how you can make the most of the 2010-2011 year!

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They've won!

Spain had already had some experience celebrating big football wins, however, having won the European Cup in 2008.  This time however, beating Holland 1-0 in extra time, was an absolute climax for the country – they are still talking about it now and surely will be come 2014 when  they’ll have to defend the title!  Salamanca, where our Mester Spanish language school is,  was full to bursting with supporters, the Plaza Mayor being the epicentre of celebrations.  The party continued through the night and on to the next day, where it was a hot topic in the Spanish conversation class in the school!

Rafa Nadal, Spanish champion

It’s not just the football however where the Spanish have been setting an example: Rafa Nadal has recently won the Wimbledon men’s title, beating Tomas Berdych in an exciting final!  Now World Number One, the 24 year old star is set for even bigger things! Furthermore, there’s the formula one (Fernando Alonso is a top champion!) and basketball, which the Spanish have won with flying colours:  they are the reigning European and World champions, and are ranked third (behind Argentina and the USA) in the FIBA World rankings.  In fact, local to our Spanish school in Salamanca, the women’s basketball team are adding their contribution to the school’s reputation!  They are one of the top in the country, with many special events, like the Final Four Finals coming to the city.

Other big winners of the sporting world are Jorge Lorenzo for MotoGP, Alberto Contador for cycling (winning the recent Tour de France) and the athletics championships in Barcelona, where Spain have won 8 medals.

Furthermore, Seville, the city of one of our prestigious Spanish schools, is home to a football club which is one of the best in the country, with many international players including Jesus Navas (a part of the team which won the World Cup 2010!), Luis Fabiano (who plays for Brazil) and Romaric who plays for the Ivory Coast.

Spain, as well as being a great place for holiday, learning Spanish, sun and relax, is a great place to come for any sports lover.  In fact our Mester activity programme even includes sports too!  We play tennis through the summer and also offer the chance to go horse-riding!  Come to Spain and check it out!

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DELE 2010: recognised by the Spanish MInistery of Education and Science

The Diploma recognises that the candidate is capable of understanding everyday phrases and expressions in fields which are very commonly discussed and very relevant in everyday life (talking about their personal information, their family, shopping, places of interest, work, etc).  As well as being an official certificate, adapted to the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages, it has indefinite validity, making it very worthwhile!

Make your Spanish official: DELE 2010

Recognised by private companies, chambers of commerce, and public and private educational systems, career options are multiplied by having this addition to your CV – not only does it show your language capabilities, it also shows that you are the type of person looking to boost your outlook professionally – by studying and taking exams – a great character point!

In 2010, there are three chances to take the exam.  One has already passed – in May – but there remains the chances in August and November, and so plenty of time to get studying for it!  The inscription for the exam can be taken in the more than 600 centres of Instituto de Cervantes, in over 100 countries in 5 continents.

The AVE online platform - a great resource

Making the task of the exam even easier, Instituto de Cervantes is providing students with the AVE, a website offered in five languages with interactive learning materials, a test to know your Spanish level and information for students, teachers and institutions interested in using the programme.  The multimedia activities include videos, films, illustrations, photos, animations, texts and links – all of which capture the cultural essence of Spain, helping the student to not just grasp the language, but to open their eyes to Spanish life too.  The virtual platform, as well as these learning tools, also has discussion forums, a chat and e-mail function, allowing students to contact with like-minded individuals from around the world.

So what are you waiting for? The inscription for the November exam is from 1st September to 15th October, giving you more than enough time to study and plan.  The exam being on 19th November.  There is also – if you are quick! – the August exam, on the 20th, which has its inscription until today – Friday 30th July 2010.

At Mester we offer DELE 2010 preparation courses of 25 classes per week, and recommend three months preparation (though course length vary from one week upwards).  The groups are small and the classes deal with grammar, conversation and practice exams, everything you need to know to ensure a pass!

Download AVE Spanish online platform 2010!

Dowload Dele A2 Brochure 2010!

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A brave jump!

However, what is less known about Salamanca is the wonderful opportunities available to enjoy nature along the small towns running along the River as it leaves the city, examples being La Alberca (a favourite with Mester students and Salmantinos alike), San Martín del Castañar (where American teacher Smokey enjoyed a trip with his group just recently) and Las Batuecas.

Enjoying the water

In these zones, given the good summer Spain’s enjoying (as always!), students can take advantage to have a dip in the water, sunbathe, relax, picnic and take some great photos (those which Smokey took of his group in San Martín del Castañar are especially impressive, check them out on our Facebook group!).

It’s a nice chance to escape the city, see something different and pass a slow afternoon.  None of the villages or towns being far away, they are easily reachable with a hire care on on a Mester trip, organised as part of the popular activity programme which the school runs to complement its Spanish classes.

Fun on the river

These trips and excursion are great way to see a side of Spain which isn’t as known as the famous Costa del Sol and islands.  It’s also a great way for groups to bond, make contacts for the future and consolidate the Spanish they’ve learn on their course in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The Mester activity really is a complete one, with trips to the surrounding villages throughout summer, as well as visits to the Portuguese beach of Aveiro.

Enjoying the Spanish sun

Consider a trip to Salamanca, you won’t have a chance to be bored and you’ll keep the Spanish you learn for life! A perfect holiday!

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