Valladolid is a great place to study Spanish. The Spanish spoken by the "pucelanos" is clear and without any corruptions from other regional languages as is the case in many other locations in Spain. Valladolid is recognized by most as the location where the purest Spanish is spoken, so your friend who is eager to build upon her strong foundation would be well served to consider Valladolid. I studied there several years ago and can personally recommend it. I studied in both the University's language program for foreigners as well as in a small private language school, and I can't speak highly enough of my time in Valladolid. If you decide to study at the University's Centro de Idiomas, be sure to contact Carolina Regidor for details.