Cantabria provides a privileged setting for those wishing to learn the Spanish language. It is a community in which, in contrast to many others, the inhabitants, the public institutions and media all use Castillian Spanish alone.
The city of Santander , the community's capital, lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. The city enjoys a mild climate, and this is so even in the summer. During the summer months there are a host of leisure activities: open air concerts, local festivities, the International Festival, bullfighting... as well as many others throughout the rest of the year.
The University of Cantabria consists of some 14,000 students, a teaching staff of 1,300, and approximately 600 administrative workers. It enjoys one of the most favourable staff/student ratios within Spain, and is considered to be one of the top ten universities in the country for scientific quality and productivity.
Santander is easily reached by ferry from Plymouth. From the French border (Hendaye) there is a motorway coach service which takes only 3 hours. Santander has regular flight connections with several different cities in Spain and in Europe. There is also another international airport nearby in Bilbao, a city about 100 kilometres away by motorway and which has a regular bus service to Santander. There are rail connections with Madrid 24 hours a day. Please feel free to ask if you should have any questions about the best way to get to us.
