All students take an IES Abroad-taught Spanish language course. Students who place into SP303 or higher will be able to take Spanish-taught area studies courses, as well. Regardless of prior semesters of Spanish, all students will have the option to take English-taught courses at our Center along with our local partner universities, the Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) and Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA).
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Get the best of both worlds in Salamanca: the atmosphere of a university town—think bustling cafés and restaurants filled with students—and the charming hospitality of a small Spanish city. Practice your Spanish while ordering a café and immerse yourself in the university student scene, located in the historic part of town. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Salamanca is the most important university city in Spain and is known for its contributions to Spanish language education.
As my time ends in Europe, I will explain some decisions I made after my program ended and my thoughts about traveling while abroad. Here I will explain a bit...
Fall 2024
*Students taking partner university courses at UPSA or USAL will depart the program on December 19th, 2024.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Spanish language, literature, and culture, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach.
Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Meet one of these professors, Dr. José Ramón Matito Fernández, in this faculty spotlight interview.
Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) currently enrolls approximately 30,000 students annually, 700 of which are international students. USAL has numerous departments and university schools spread out among the Salamanca campus.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester, 4-6 courses.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
*Please note that placement options vary depending on level of Spanish, and require an FBI background check.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/IR 333 - Migration in Europe: Living in the Borderlands | Spring | English | 3 |
Students who place into SP303 or above as determined by the IES Abroad Language Placement Assessment may enroll in Spanish-taught courses in the following faculties:
English-taught courses are available in the fall semester in Economics and Political Science.
Students who place into SP303 or above as determined by the IES Abroad Language Placement Assessment may enroll in Spanish-taught courses in the following faculties:
English-taught courses are available in the following faculties:
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Salamanca Center is in a modern building near the heart of the city. Whether you’re walking around the nearby Plaza Mayor or commuting between classes, the Center is your study abroad hub.
Live with a Spanish family in your own private room and receive three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) 21 meals per week. Laundry is not included. This is the best option for students who wish to fully immerse themselves in Spanish culture. IES Abroad will do our best to accomodate your housing preference. The homestay option carries an additional fee.
Even though your adventure starts in Salamanca, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Experience one of the oldest and most unique pilgrimage routes in Europe that ends at the site of the remains of St. James, one of the 12 apostles.
Hike through this natural park with local guides and explore the history and the legend of this lake on the Helios Cousteau, the first solar- and wind-powered boat.
Visit the monastery of Jeronimos, enjoy a Fado show and typical Portuguese dinner in Lisbon, and explore the coast of Cascais.
Explore the famous cathedral in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada—the greatest monument of Moorish architecture in Spain.
Segovia is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and for having one of the longest and best preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe.
Tour a winery and enjoy a wine tasting event in the Toro vineyards. Visit the largest collection of Romanesque churches in all of Europe during a guided tour of the historic part of Zamora led by our own Student Affairs Coordinator.
Did you know that, while in Salamanca, you can intern in education as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time education internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
NOTE: Part-time internships are only available in the spring semester in education fields. FBI background checks are required to participate in internship placements.
Only available in the fall semester. FBI background checks are required to participate in community-based learning placements.
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Salamanca is an opportunity to give back while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social and political issues that affect Salamanca, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar you have structured time for reflection and discussion, and even research, on the issues of your host community.
Community-based learning placements are only available in Spanish. Possible placements may include organizations focusing on disaster relief, immigrant services, and social and political advocacy. Your eligibility will be determined by the IES Abroad Language Placement Assessment.
When you volunteer in Salamanca, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
FBI background checks are required to participate in volunteer placements.
Past volunteer opportunities in Salamanca include:
Social work at a local university
Visiting a hospital to spend time with family and friends of children with cancer
Working with mentally disabled individuals, immigrants, and people in disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
In this blog post, I share my reflections on the complex feelings of homesickness and belonging experienced during and after studying abroad.
This blog recounts the highlights of my weekend adventures across Europe while studying abroad
This post shares travel tips and lessons learned from last-minute trips across Europe to help you save money, stay organized, and enjoy stress-free adventures.
