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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 Psychology, Spanish language, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You enroll in 15–19 credits per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. Credits awarded for supplementary university courses vary.
Craft your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 3-7 credits)
- IES Abroad Psychology courses in English (optional, 3 credits each)
- IES Abroad area studies courses in English (optional, 3 credits each)
- Psychology courses at UPSA
- Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca courses in English (optional, 3 credits each)
- Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca courses in Spanish (optional, 1.5-4 credits each)
- Education Internship placement and seminar in English/Spanish (optional, 3 credits, Spring)
- Service learning placement and seminar in Spanish* (optional, required language placement minimum of SP303, 3 credits, Fall)
*Please note that service learning placement options vary depending on level of Spanish.
Courses
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/LT 360 - Spanish Avant Gard Literature: Poetry, Drama & the Unconscious | Spring | English | 3 |
| CU/SO 270 - The Cultures of Spain: Understanding Past, Present and Future | Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/LT 360 - Spanish Avant Gard Literature: Poetry, Drama & the Unconscious | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 343 - Psychology, Health & Well Being: Beyond Just Treating Mental Disorders | Spring | English | 3 |
| PS 355 - Psychology of Disability: Psychology of Disability: A Closer Look at Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/SO 270 - The Cultures of Spain: Understanding Past, Present and Future | Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 201 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 7 |
| SP 301 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 7 |
| SP 303 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 5 |
| SP 322 - Spanish for Global Health: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 353 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 5 |
| SP 401 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 5 |
Partner Institution(s)
Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA)
www.upsa.es
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.
Courses
The following English-taught courses in psychology are confirmed for 2018-19:
Affective and Sexual Development (Fall)
We will discuss the fundamental aspects of human development from infancy to adulthood and old age, mainly emphasizing the development and deterioration of the processes that are characteristic of each phase. The key concepts to be analyzed are focused on the affective, social and sexual development of the individual, pathology and improvement of the functions.
Solution Focused Brief Coaching (Fall)
In this class, we will learn how to conduct conversations that are most useful to clients as they work to achieve their goals witin a brief period of time. We will learn the whole brief coaching process, from the first to the last sessions, using the tools taken from the Solution Focused Therapy Model.
Positive Psychology: Coping Skills, Positive Emotions and Strengths of Character (Spring)
The main objective of this course is to provide the student with an overview of Positive Psychology, a recent branch of psychology which emphasizes normal, successful development rather than the treatment of mental illness. This course offers teaching and practical classes about how to regulate and improve positive emotions and how to cope with stressful situations, like living in another country.
Gender Equality and Sexual Diversity in Spain (Spring)
The course will introduce concepts related to equality between women and men, and address issues such as the history of the struggle for the rights of women and sexual minorities in the Spanish context. We will also touch on topics such as gender roles and stereotypes, and students will be encouraged to challenge the concepts of femininity and masculinity in a more complex manner, as social and cultural constructions.
*Syllabi for these courses will be posted here soon.
Location & Commute Time
UPSA is five minutes away from Salamanca's historic Plaza Mayor and has numerous departments and university schools spread out among the Salamanca campus. UPSA also has departments and schools in Madrid and throughout twelve Spanish provinces.
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. Here are a few possible destinations.
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.
Sevilla & Granada
3 Days | Fall
Explore the famous cathedral in Sevilla and the Alhambra in Granada—the greatest monument of Moorish architecture in Spain.
Segovia
1 Day | Fall & Spring
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.
Zamora
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Tour a winery and see the largest collection of Romanesque churches in all of Europe.
Portugal
3 Days | Spring
Visit the oldest Portuguese University in Coimbra, the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon, and the Basilica of Fatima.
Sanabria Lake
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-wind powered boat.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
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
The program begins with a mandatory orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Salamanca staff, your fellow students, and the city of Salamanca. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered during this time.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
You will participate in a one-credit Spanish language orientation course that includes intensive classes in Spanish conversation and colloquial usage.
Past orientation activities have included dance classes, a soccer tournament with Spanish students, and an excursion to Segovia, known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 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. The program is designed to integrate you into every aspect of life in Salamanca.
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.
Residence Halls – All rooms are singles with an in-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 14 meals per week. You'll receive a meal card to use in various university dining halls.
*Homestays - The homestay option for this program is only available for students who petition for this or need this option because it is mandatory for their home school. Otherwise, housing will be in the university residence hall.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Salamanca through our cultural events, such as:
- Local gastronomy outings
- Spanish films, theater productions, concerts, and art exhibits
- Spanish cooking classes
- Guest lectures and cultural events sponsored by IES Abroad
Orientation Leaders and 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.
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 the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca varies each semester; during your orientation, you will learn about the different opportunities available during your semester in Salamanca.
Get to Know Your New City
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!
Grab a café con leche and people watch in this enchanting public square.
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.
This architectural gem is also a public library! Come for a unique place to study, or just relax in the courtyard.
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.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Salamanca Center is located in the core of the city, near the Plaza Mayor and the historic campuses of the Universidad de Salamanca and Universidad Pontificia. Features include:
- Modern facility
- Wireless Internet access
- A student lounge and study area
- A small library
- 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 20 years. She is fluent in Spanish and Italian. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island 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 20 years of experience in teaching, management, and supervision in international education. She taught in Brown University’s Summer Intensive English Program for many years, worked as Assistant Director for the University of Rhode Island’s Summer Study Abroad Program in Salamanca, and directed other study abroad programs there before beginning with IES Abroad.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
María Ángeles Tabárez de Dios
Academic and Administrative Coordinator
David Artime Holgado
Student Affairs Coordinator
Yolanda López
Housing Coordinator
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