What better way to learn Spanish than to be immersed in it?
In May 2026, a group of 13 students from St. Francis Xavier University traveled to Salamanca, Spain, to participate in SPAN 294, a three-week intensive Spanish language and cultural immersion program offered in collaboration with the University of Salamanca. StFX faculty member Dr. Maria Soledad Paz-Mackay accompanied the students on this experience.
Located in Old Castile, Salamanca is home to one of Europe's oldest universities, founded in 1218. “For StFX students, the historic city became an extended classroom where they could put their Spanish skills into practice while discovering Spanish history, culture and daily life,” Dr. Paz-Mackay says.
SPAN 294 combines intensive language instruction with cultural experiences. Students complete 80 hours of language classes designed to strengthen grammar, vocabulary and fluency. “What's more valuable, learning also happens outside the classroom. Students interact with locals, navigate the city, order meals, explore shops and practise Spanish in everyday situations,” she notes.
The program also gives students the opportunity to experience Salamanca's cultural and historical heritage. The students explored landmarks including the Roman Bridge and Salamanca cathedrals, visited several museums, took part in city tours, learned to dance flamenco, and cooked paella.
Grace MacNutt, a fourth year honours human kinetics student from Halifax, NS, says her three weeks in Salamanca were an incredibly meaningful experience, both academically and personally.
“Being immersed in Spanish every day gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned in the classroom, in a way that would not have been possible at home,” she says. “Beyond the language itself, I truly valued experiencing Spanish culture firsthand and learning about everyday life in Salamanca. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that language learning extends far beyond the classroom. I came home with a stronger appreciation for the Spanish language and culture, as well as a desire to continue learning Spanish throughout my time at StFX."
Dr. Paz-Mackay says living in Salamanca also offered students a perspective on Spanish culture that could not be found in a textbook but that had to be experienced. Students mentioned that the immersion experience allowed them to see Spain as more than a tourist, while developing a greater appreciation for different approaches to communication, community and everyday life.
She noted that for students, SPAN 294 was an opportunity to build friendships, broaden their perspectives and become more comfortable communicating. “Students met people from around the world and discovered how language can create connections between people from very different backgrounds.”
Financial support also helps make the experience more accessible. Twenty MacBain/Riley International Fund bursaries are available to support students participating in the program, helping make international study a possibility for more StFX students.
She says for future students considering SPAN 294, the 2026 participants all agree: learning Spanish in Spain is an experience that stays with you long after you return home.
Ready to take your Spanish beyond the classroom? SPAN 294 offers StFX students the opportunity to learn, explore and experience Spanish language and culture in Salamanca. Orientation sessions will be held in November.
