You are here
Salamanca - Language & Area Studies
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
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.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester, 4-6 courses.
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 5 or 7 credits each)
- IES Abroad area studies courses in English or Spanish (optional, 3 credits each)
- IES Abroad language workshops (optional, 1 credit each)
- English- or Spanish-taught courses at partner universities (optional, 1.5-4 credits each)
- Universidad de Salamanca
- Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
- Education internship placement and seminar, in English or Spanish (optional, 3 credits, spring only)*
- Community-based learning placement and seminar, in Spanish (optional, 3 credits, fall only)*
*Please note that placement options vary depending on level of Spanish, and require an FBI background check.
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT/AH 358 - Reading the City: Literature and Art in Salamanca | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/CB 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/LT 360 - Spanish Avant-Garde Literature: Poetry, Drama & the Unconscious | Spring | English | 3 |
| CU/SO 270 - The Cultures of Spain: Understanding Past, Present and Future | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CW/SP 347 - Creative Writing Workshop | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 1 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/ES 360 - Designing the Sustainable City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 341 - Spanish Film Noir and Social Reality | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/HS 347 - The Franco Regime and the Transition to Democracy | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/HS 366 - Regionalism in Spain: Political Union and Cultural Intersections | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/LT 360 - Spanish Avant-Garde Literature: Poetry, Drama & the Unconscious | Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/AH 358 - Reading the City: Literature and Art in Salamanca | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| LT/WS 331 - Contemporary Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SP/LT 344 - Love, Sex and Death in the Spanish Golden Age: 16th and 17th Century Drama and Poetry | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SP/LT 346 - Literature and Cinema in Contemporary Spain | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 370 - Political Systems in Spain and Latin America | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/HS 347 - The Franco Regime and the Transition to Democracy | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/HS 366 - Regionalism in Spain: Political Union and Cultural Intersections | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 297 - Psychology of Performance and Motivation: Factors and Contexts | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS 343 - Psychology, Health & Well-Being: Beyond Just Treating Mental Disorders | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS 350 - Human Development in the Spanish Socio-Cultural Context | Fall | English | 3 |
| PS 355 - Psychology of Disability: A Closer Look at Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL 271 - Paths of the Sacred: Pilgrimage in Religious Traditions and its Evolution in Europe | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| RL 370 - Comparative Religion: Tracing the Path of the Spanish Soul | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/SO 270 - The Cultures of Spain: Understanding Past, Present and Future | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO 375 - Her Side of History: Gender in Mediterranean Societies | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| SO/CB 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| SO/ES 360 - Designing the Sustainable City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT/WS 331 - Contemporary Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Enrolling in courses at a local university is a great way to meet Spanish students and improve your language skills. Course offerings vary each semester. Students' eligibility for Spanish-taught university courses is determined by the IES Abroad Language Placement Assessment. English-taught courses are available at both partner universities.
Universidad de Salamanca (USAL)
USAL currently enrolls approximately 30,000 students annually, 700 of which are international students. 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:
- Anthropology
- Art
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Education
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
English-taught courses are available in the fall semester in Economics and Political Science.
Location & Commute Time
USAL is five minutes away from Salamanca’s historic Plaza Mayor and the IES Abroad Center and has numerous departments and university schools spread out among the Salamanca campus.
Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA)
UPSA was originally founded in the 13th century, but closed in the mid-1800s. In 1940, the school was re-established and has continued to broaden its academic offerings with new opportunities for degrees and fields of study. UPSA is particularly strong in Psychology coursework. UPSA currently enrolls approximately 6,500 students.
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:
- Communications
- Education
- Humanities
- Psychology
- Theology
English-taught courses are available in the following faculties:
- Communications
- Marketing
- Psychology
Location & Commute Time
UPSA is five minutes away from Salamanca’s historic Plaza Mayor and the IES Abroad Center and has numerous departments and university schools spread out among the Salamanca campus. UPSA also has departments and schools in Madrid and throughout 12 Spanish provinces.
Community-Based Learning
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.
Internships
Only available in the spring semester in education fields. FBI background checks are required to participate in internship placements.
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:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Salamanca is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
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.
Personalized Job Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed students with a wide variety of organizations. If we don’t currently offer an education placement that suits you, we will look for one that’s right for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Salamanca, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of the Iberian Peninsula. Each trip is fully or partially subsidized by IES Abroad.
Camino de Santiago
5 days | Fall
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.
Lago do Sanabria
3 days | Spring
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.
Portugal
3 days | Spring
Visit the oldest Portuguese university in Coimbra, the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon, and the Basilica of Fatima.
Seville & Granada
3 days | Fall
Explore the famous cathedral in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada—the greatest monument of Moorish architecture in Spain.
Segovia
1 day | Fall & Spring
Traverse Segovia, known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and for having one of the longest and best-preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe. Visit the Cathedral as well as the Alcázar, a medieval castle, inspiration to Disney’s animated classic Snow White.
Zamora & Toro Vineyards
1 day | Fall & Spring
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.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are academic excursions associated with courses. They are organized to complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of Spanish culture and society. Participation is based on course registration. All transportation costs and entry fees are included in your program cost.
Past examples of short course-related trips include:
- Visit the ruins of the San Andres Convent and explore the "Pozo de Nieve" (Well of Snow), a huge well dug in the 18th century to store snow from the mountains and later convert it into ice. Students also investigate the mysterious underground passages.
- Travel to La Alberca, a historic town in the Salamanca province. Tour a typical Albercan house and learn about the traditions of the small village. Your guide will describe life in a Spanish town of less than 1,000 people during the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship, as well as the changes that have taken place over the years regarding housing construction, gastronomy, and other aspects of daily life.
- Visit the oldest library of the University of Salamanca to learn about the sociocultural impact of the University on Spanish and international history throughout many centuries.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Salamanca is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Salamanca staff, your fellow students, and the city of Salamanca. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
The orientation is designed to integrate you into every aspect of life in Salamanca and the surrounding region. Past orientation activities have included dance classes, tours and outings with local university students, and a trip to Segovia, known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture as well as for having one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe. You also visit the charming Romanesque town of Zamora and the famous wine region of Toro.
Orientation Leaders & Mentors
Participate in activities organized by Spanish volunteer students from our partner universities. Whether it's an international potluck, a pickup game of soccer, or a tour of the city's best restaurants, you will gain a unique perspective into student life in Salamanca and create lifelong friendships.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Salamanca, it will feel like home.
Homestays – 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. (The homestay option includes an additional fee.)
Residence Halls – All rooms are singles with an en-suite bathroom and a shared kitchenette. The residence hall features a weight room, laundry facilities, computer lab, study area, and game room. IES Abroad provides you with 7 meals per week. You'll receive a meal card to use in various university dining halls.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Salamanca, such as:
- Local gastronomy outings
- Spanish films, theater productions, concerts, and art exhibits
University Clubs & Events
Involvement in sporting clubs and student societies can be a great opportunity to meet local students. Club and event availability for IES Abroad students at USAL and UPSA vary each semester. During your orientation, you will learn about the different opportunities available during your semester in Salamanca.
Volunteer Abroad
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. 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
FBI background checks are required to participate in volunteer placements.
Get to Know Your New City
Spot the Frog at the University of Salamanca
Legend says that students who find the small frog at the entrance of the University among the heroes, legends, and coats of arms will pass their exams and get good grades easily!
Visit Plaza Mayor
Grab a café con leche and people watch in this enchanting public square.
Tour the Cathedrals of Salamanca
Plan to spend some time exploring these massive, architecturally impressive cathedrals. Be sure to do the Ieronimus tower tour to see spectacular views of the city.
Unwind at Casa de las Conchas
This architectural gem is also a public library! Come for a unique place to study, or just relax in the courtyard.
Explore Casa Lis (Art Nouveau & Art Deco Museum)
The building is just as beautiful as the extraordinary works of art inside.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship
These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Salamanca Center, housed in a modern building in the heart of the city, is just minutes away from the historic Plaza Mayor and the campuses of the Universidad de Salamanca and Universidad Pontificia.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Relax with friends in the student lounge
- Get work done in the library or study area
Other features include Wi-Fi and a computer lab.
Our Staff
Barbara Liberatore
Center Director
Originally from the United States, Barbara Liberatore has been living and working in Salamanca for over 25 years. She is fluent in Spanish and Italian. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, where she studied languages, and her Master’s degree in Italian Studies from Brown University, where she also held a teaching assistantship. Barbara brings to IES Abroad more than 25 years of experience in teaching, management and supervision in international education. She has taught a wide range of courses and languages to students of all ages. Barbara taught in Brown University’s Summer Intensive English Program, was the Assistant Director for the University of Rhode Island’s Summer Study Abroad Program in Salamanca, and directed other American study abroad programs in Salamanca before beginning with IES Abroad. She has held the position of Center Director at the IES Abroad Salamanca Center since 2008. As Center Director, Barbara is in charge of Center management, supervises both staff and faculty, and focuses on academics and curriculum development at the Center.
IES Abroad Salamanca Staff
María Ángeles Tabárez de Dios
Academic and Administrative Coordinator
David Artime Holgado
Student Affairs Coordinator
Jorge Silva Di Bella
Housing Coordinator & Student Affairs Manager
Health & Safety
With 70 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 what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Latest from Salamanca
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
