Accomodation for School Groups

Accommodation

There are three accommodation options for students participating in language stays at ISLA:

1) With a homestay
2) At a residence
3) In a hotel.

Homestays
Overwhelmingly the most popular choice for school & university groups, this option offers several advantages. It is the most economic, it offers students the chance to have an insight into Spanish home life, and it means that accompanying teachers have a few hours “off” when the students are someone else’s responsibility!
Younger students usually live in pairs or threes so they have someone to wander around town with, and to keep them company in the evenings. Groups usually opt for full board as this makes good economic sense, though often older students prefer half board to be that bit freer.

Families come in all shapes and sizes – some are the classic nuclear family, others are couples with grown up children, or perhaps a widow, some live in posh flats, others in simpler homes. There is no cookie cutter for the perfect family but the bottom line is that hosts are patient and kind. Families are selected very carefully, are fully briefed as to their responsibilities… and given helpful tips too. Police checks are not possible in Spain but we have a rigorous Safety Procedure in lieu. This involves prior inspection and ongoing feedback and consultation. Families sign contracts committing to their responsibilities and suitability as hosts. Minors are never sent to untried families.

Some groups prefer to go for a student residence. Younger students love the opportunity of living all together… and older students often prefer the independence that this option affords. A residence guarantees uniform quality (no one lives nearer the school or has a nicer lady) which is generally quite high. We have residences with rooms with ensuite bathrooms and others with one bathroom per 3 to 4 rooms.
There is a big variety of hotels in Salamanca who can provide stays with B&B, half board or full board. The option is recommended for groups of older learners who want to have an independent and comfortable stay, and who find the idea of a hotel more appealing that a student residence.

Activities and Excursions.

ISLA offers a big variety of activities to suit groups of all ages and budgets. Cultural visits to local sights are carefully pitched to the age and Spanish knowledge of the learner to ensure that they are engaged – this often involves quite a lot of audience participation! Social distractions include bowling, salsa or flamenco lessons, treasure hunts, photo rallies, conversation exchanges, karaoke and a disco visit for those of 16 and over. Some activities involve sampling local food like the tapas tour, “chocolate con churros” (sausage shaped doughnuts dunked in thick chocolate) and paella evening. Popular day trips include Segovia which is famous for its fabulous aqueduct, fortress and historic quarter… and the Sierra de Francia – a stunning mountain range dotted with picturesque medieval villages, south of Salamanca.