Gap Year Program

Don Quijote: Salamanca

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Course description

If you’re thinking about how to best take advantage of that time between high school graduation and college, think about coming to Spain to learn one of the most important languages both economically and culturally. There is no better way to learn a language fluently than to learn it in a relaxed way while having a great adventure, like the one you’ll have experiencing our culture first hand.

Our Gap Year Course will give you the chance to learn a language without distractions and without having to worry about studying other subjects or getting credit for study abroad courses. It will just be you and the language you want to learn.

We offer the Gap Year Course in every main city in Spain. You’ll be able to live the everyday experiences of Spaniards and Spanish society; you’ll be able to experience the best cultural and fun activities, and to do it all at the best destinations for learning about, understanding and loving Spanish culture.

Come to Spain with us and have the best year ever!

Course break/holidays: You can take up to one week off for holidays every 4 weeks of course taken; 1 week of advance notice is required.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar

Class schedule

Course duration
12-40 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 55 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
01 Nov 2024, 06 Dec 2024, 08 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 06 Jan 2025, 17 Apr 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 23 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 12 Jun 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 08 Sep 2025, 12 Oct 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 06 Dec 2025, 08 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025

Don Quijote does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Salamanca.

Class size

Average 6 students
Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school
photos

Photos

  • Don Quijote: Salamanca 1/10
  • Entrance to Don Quijote: Salamanca 2/10
  • Building of Don Quijote: Salamanca 3/10
  • Students of Don Quijote: Salamanca 4/10
  • Classes at Don Quijote: Salamanca 5/10
  • Computer room at Don Quijote: Salamanca 6/10
  • City of Salamanca 7/10
  • Teachers and Staff at Don Quijote: Salamanca 8/10
  • Activities offered at Don Quijote: Salamanca 9/10
  • Corridor inside Don Quijote: Salamanca 10/10
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 7 reviews
5 stars
4
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Teaching at Don Quijote is at very high standard"

Arthora Agustsdottir, student from Iceland

I only spent one week at Don Quijote so my review will take notice of that.

I liked the classes very well. I thought it very good that the students were only six in the class so it was easier for the teachers to activate the students. The teachers were very enthusiastic about to get the students to participate in the study. They were eager to make us talk, listen an also write. I think that these three factors are very important in language learning. The teachers were very nice and helpful and made you feel good although your Spanish was weak. My vocabulary increased this week and also my writing. What was difficult for me was that the students were far into the study material when I joined the class and I didn´t have the foundation to build on.

The teachers were great and helpful.

The location was very suitable for me, the housing is charming and friendly.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
27 Feb 2023 - 3 Mar 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I had a good time with the other students so it was great."

Leo Vitone, student from Italy

Salamanca is a great town to stay for a couple of weeks. I liked my housing pretty much. The conversation class was lame and in general to be honest I liked the place and the people but the cafeteria at the school was the best.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
27 Jun 2022 - 15 Jul 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Not only learning, but lifelong friends!"

Margaret Davies, student from Australia

I was in the Over 50 Spanish class and found the whole experience to be wonderful! The classes were small and the teachers excellent. The entire group jelled extremely well and after class we often went for lunch together or sightseeing. I think this is the advantage of having students of similar age. The schools location is excellent and the cafe attached was great. In the weekend there were excursions arranged. Ana in the office was also extremely approachable and helpful. I would not hesitate in recommending this school and this particular course.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
13 May 2019 - 24 May 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Good school with competent teachers"

Nadine Achermann, student from Switzerland

I had Premium classes and had private classes due to the fact that I was the only participant. I learnt a lot and the teaching was focused on my gaps and preferences. The school organizes events (tours, movies, etc.) almost everyday. I would recommend Don Quijote!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
6 May 2019 - 10 May 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Absolutely brilliant"

Aleah embley, student from Scotland

The booking customer service was outstanding I booked the course for my daughter only 10 days before the start and Kristele was so helpful, always replying quickly and sorting out all the details. The pickup was smooth and the accommodation perfect. My daughter did breakfast only but wished she did full board. Classes were excellent lots of support and great teaching. She has an outstanding week and would love to go back. We are looking to send our younger kids next year.

Thanks for everything !

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
25 Feb 2019 - 1 Mar 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Ice skating on a moving cloud learning a foreign language, with ease of movement and grace, fully engaged in the moment."

Jane Marx, student from USA

In the brochure, there was to be no more than eight people in a class. PERIOD. We had nine.
The two classes were too big. There had been an initial miscalculation.
One Golden Years participant came late into the second class on the first day bringing our class number to 8.
Then another arrived on the second day, first class, bringing us to 9. They both had been placed that first day in the wrong class
They were appropriate age-wise,energy, warmth and had been enrolled in the the Golden Years Program..
The error was allowing a married couple, who talked constantly to each other, and were also not in the Golden Years program, to be there from the start.

The tours in the evening were interesting, introspective and intellectual, but hand-outs, especially to beginners, would have aided comprehension. Say, short, simple Spanish descriptions of what we'd see or what was being discussed. The guide could not be heard, even indoors, as knowledgeably and charming as she was. Her manner was delicate and intimate, like a flower bud.The burden to hear/understand became exhausting and labor intensive..

The teachers were committed, kind and lovable with a ready sense of humor. The school building appeared as if a retreat, a refuge, a garden to sit and rest when not in class. My home stay was appropriate. My expectations were low. I adjusted to what was offered.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
16 Oct 2017 - 27 Oct 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Good"

Yazeed Naif N Alrubyli, student from Saudi Arabia

I registered for the super intensive course (35 lesson/week). They said that no one else registered for super intensive, so they gave me only the intensive course (25 lesson/week). They had to inform me beforehand so I could change things.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
13 Jul 2015 - 24 Jul 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

Don Quijote offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay,Double room (Bed & Breakfast)

NZ$ 418
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 418
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, special dietary requirements, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home and this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Double Room (Half Board)

NZ$ 476
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 476
Home stays offer you a unique opportunity to experience Spanish life while living in the home of a local Spanish speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the most out of your language course as it gives you a privileged view of daily life in another culture.

About home stay:

Your host "family" may be a family with parents and children or a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn't be the first to go out on the town together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later than what you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account as much as possible.
You will be given your own house keys, so you can come and go as you please. You will also be able to receive phone calls at the family home.

Homestay, Single room (Bed & Breakfast)

NZ$ 496
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Salamanca
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 496
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, special dietary requirements, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home and this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Single Room (Half Board)

NZ$ 554
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 554
Home stays offer you a unique opportunity to experience Spanish life while living in the home of a local Spanish speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the most out of your language course as it gives you a privileged view of daily life in another culture.

About home stay:

Your host "family" may be a family with parents and children or a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn't be the first to go out on the town together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later than what you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account as much as possible.
You will be given your own house keys, so you can come and go as you please. You will also be able to receive phone calls at the family home.

Homestay, Double Room (Full Board)

NZ$ 554
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 554
Home stays offer you a unique opportunity to experience Spanish life while living in the home of a local Spanish speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the most out of your language course as it gives you a privileged view of daily life in another culture.

About home stay:

Your host "family" may be a family with parents and children or a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn't be the first to go out on the town together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later than what you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account as much as possible.
You will be given your own house keys, so you can come and go as you please. You will also be able to receive phone calls at the family home.

Homestay, Single Room (Full Board)

NZ$ 632
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 632
Home stays offer you a unique opportunity to experience Spanish life while living in the home of a local Spanish speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the most out of your language course as it gives you a privileged view of daily life in another culture.

About home stay:

Your host "family" may be a family with parents and children or a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn't be the first to go out on the town together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later than what you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account as much as possible.
You will be given your own house keys, so you can come and go as you please. You will also be able to receive phone calls at the family home.
student-residence

Student Residence, Double room (Bed & Breakfast)

NZ$ 496
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 496
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residences you will share with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Includes bed linen, daily cleaning service in common areas, use of kitchen, gas, electricity and water costs. Private bathroom: 35 EUR. Extra night: 35 EUR.

Student Residence, Double Room (Half Board)

NZ$ 573
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 573
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residences you will share with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Includes bed linen, daily cleaning service in common areas, use of kitchen, gas, electricity and water costs. Private bathroom: 35 EUR. Extra night: 35 EUR.

Student Residence, Single room (Bed & Breakfast)

NZ$ 593
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 593
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residences you will share with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Includes bed linen, daily cleaning service in common areas, use of kitchen, gas, electricity and water costs. Private bathroom: 35 EUR. Extra night: 45 EUR.

Student Residence, Double Room (Full Board)

NZ$ 651
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 651
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residences you will share with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Includes bed linen, daily cleaning service in common areas, use of kitchen, gas, electricity and water costs. Private bathroom: 35 EUR. Extra night: 35 EUR.

Student Residence, Single Room (Half Board)

NZ$ 671
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 671
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residences you will share with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Includes bed linen, daily cleaning service in common areas, use of kitchen, gas, electricity and water costs. Private bathroom: 35 EUR. Extra night: 45 EUR.

Student Residence, Single Room (Full Board)

NZ$ 748
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 748
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residences you will share with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Includes bed linen, daily cleaning service in common areas, use of kitchen, gas, electricity and water costs. Private bathroom: 35 EUR. Extra night: 45 EUR.
apartment

Regular Shared Apartment, Double room (No meals)

NZ$ 348
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 348
You can choose to share a student apartment with four or five don Quijote students. In a student apartment you'll prepare your own meals and interact with don Quijote students of all ages and backgrounds. We recommend you make a pact about speaking Spanish in the apartment; other shared languages often take students away from Spanish language practice.

About shared student apartments:

Although the student apartments are not very luxurious, they include all the basic facilities: a bed, table or desk, chair and a closet wardrobe.
Each student apartment has a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and an iron.
No telephones are available in student flats; we suggest you use public telephones or local calling centers.
You share the kitchen and the bathroom and, together, keep the house clean

Regular Shared Apartment, Single room (No meals)

NZ$ 542
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and heating
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 542
You can choose to share a student apartment with four or five don Quijote students. In a student apartment you'll prepare your own meals and interact with don Quijote students of all ages and backgrounds. We recommend you make a pact about speaking Spanish in the apartment; other shared languages often take students away from Spanish language practice.

About shared student apartments:

Although the student apartments are not very luxurious, they include all the basic facilities: a bed, table or desk, chair and a closet wardrobe.
Each student apartment has a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and an iron.
No telephones are available in student flats; we suggest you use public telephones or local calling centers.
You share the kitchen and the bathroom and, together, keep the house clean
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged 185 € when you register.

Flights and airport transfer

The closest airport to the school is Madrid International (MAD).

The school offers airport pickup services. If you wish to be picked up, just give us your flight details and arrival date. The price of a one-way airport transfer from Madrid International is 85 €. You must book your airport transfer in advance when you register.

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Salamanca based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Don Quijote: Salamanca staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
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