... although a spellcheck won't highlight misuse of their, there and they're.

I would go with Valencia. and not just because I live there hahaha

I have been taking language courses in Spain for the last four years or so. (Though only for 2/3 weeks) I enjoyed Alicante, I did spend a lot of time at the beach but I was speaking Spanish at the same time! Not sure I would spend 6 months there though but that's just me. Valencia was fanatastic. I also love Madrid!(but so much more expensive) Mmm..I envy you but how to choose!!!! Are you limited to those places? Just come back from Cadiz and I think I enjoyed that experience the most. I would go with the beach option as, I agree, relaxing is important especially when we are working for nothing.

If you're more serious about learning Spanish than having fun on the beach, I'd opt for Salamanca as well. There'll be no shortage of fun in any of the destinations if you want it (that's what students are about!), just won't be on the beach. I'd rule out a few where the local language could be a distraction, ie catalan, valenciano, and much as I like Seville (that would be my personal choice) that accent won't do you any favours. Better a nice Castilian accent from Salamanca.

Salamanca would be cool, but personally I havent found the Andalucian accent to cause any problems

I learnt Spanish as a beginner here and the teachers were always clear. Since I've lived here I find anyone under 40 easy to understand, as easy as anyone from other places in Spain. The hard ones are men over 40, but its all good practice.

I think accents have been toned down a lot in the younger generations. People dont stay in their villages their whole lives any more

I would choose Barcelona, for a good mix of sun, beach, nightlife, football and a bit of culture.

Sevilla - great city

Yes, but few Spanish people speaking Spanish!

Got to agree with the people before about Valencia, if it's access to the beach you are after (also, without doubt my favourite city in Spain when it comes to having fun). Stay clear of Andalucia if you need to learn the language as the locals speak Andaluz which is kind of like Spanish without using the letter s and where 5 words can become 1.

Er...in valencia they speak valenciano Very much like catalán. A good language school will have teacher from the regions who speak castellano.

no they don't..............yes Valenciano is spoken - but not to the exclusion of Castellano

"neigh" (I am not sure what your horses mouth comment refers to on the other thread jacky but this neigh was for you) it is well different to a vast part of Andalucia where the people would love to believe it was a language all of their own, whereas in reality they just speak bad Spanish. Excellent paella, yet another reason to head for Valencia

In Valencia city there is more Castellano spoken than Valenciano and very little English is spoken.

Rosemary

True, but if you have a choice of places to go, why pick one where some will be speaking Valenciano or Catalán in places where you are likely to be socialising. It's hard enough without confusing it further. Someone recommends Barcelona, and if you want a good time, great, but a lot of people there will be speaking Catalán, it's just making a hard job even harder. I like both Valencia and Seville but not sure I'd pick either to study Spanish in.