The Psychology Program is offered in collaboration with our partner institutions: Universidad de Salamanca (USAL), a prestigious university where students engage in course-related activities, and Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA), renowned for its School of Psychology, one of the oldest and most respected in Spain. Study the human mind and behavior in Salamanca, where you will take advantage of the expertise of local university professors as well as IES Abroad Salamanca's experience offering courses with cutting-edge topics and activities in the area of Psychology.
Salamanca, Spain
Psychology
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Academic Year 2024: Late August - Early May
- Fall 2025: August 26 - December 06
- Academic Year 2025: August 26
- Spring 2026: January 15 - May 08
- Academic Year 2025-2026: August 26 - May 08
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$16,231
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Homestay,
Residence Hall
Language of Instruction:
English,
Spanish
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
About the Program
Important Visa Note for Spain 2026 Students
Complete your program application early to participate in our Spain ACCeSS program, where we review and submit your visa application on your behalf. The Spain ACCeSS deadlines, mandated by the Consulate, are very early this year. The sooner you apply, the more options you may have. Already applied? A Spain Visa resource is now available in your MyIESAbroad account under the "My Account" section.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 15 - May 08
Departure II (USAL/UPSA classes) - May 16, 2026
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
16,231
Program Advisor
Taylor Tillison
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!
About the Destination
Why Salamanca?
Study the human mind and behavior in Salamanca, where you'll take advantage of the expert local university professors.
The Student Experience
Keeping Connections I Made Abroad
What amazing people I met while studying abroad in Salamanca Spain!
Program Dates
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
August 26 - December 06
Departure II (USAL/UPSA classes): December 18, 2025
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2025
Program Dates:
August 26
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 15 - May 08
Departure II (USAL/UPSA classes) - May 16, 2026
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2025-2026
Program Dates:
August 26 - May 08
Departure II (USAL/UPSA classes) - May 16, 2026
Application Deadline:
Fall 2024
*Students taking partner university courses at UPSA or USAL will depart the program on December 19th, 2024.
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 the prestigious partner institutions, Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) and Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA), will enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Partner Institution
Universidad de Salamanca
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.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following components. You enroll in 15–19 credits per semester.
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 5-7 credits)
- IES Abroad Psychology course in English and Spanish (optional, 3 credits each)
- IES Abroad area studies courses in English and Spanish (optional, 3 credits each)**
- English- or Spanish-taught courses at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca or Universidad de Salamanca (optional, 1.5-4 credits each)**
- Education internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits, spring only)*
- Community-based learning placement and seminar in Spanish (optional, 3 credits, fall only)*
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.
IES Abroad Courses
Anthropology (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/IR 333 - Migration in Europe: Living in the Borderlands | Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Students who place into SP303 or above as determined by the IES Abroad Language Placement Assessment may enroll in Spanish-taught courses in various faculties including Psychology, Communication, and Marketing. Past Psychology courses at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA) include:
- Human Learning (Fall, Spanish)
- Individual Psychology (Spring, Spanish)
- Psychology of Motivation (Fall, Spanish)
Some English taught courses are also available in different faculties.
Universidad de Salamanca
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 various faculties including Economics and Political Science.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
- Some local university courses may not be available to sophomores
About the IES Abroad Center
IES Abroad Salamanca
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.
IES Abroad Salamanca Staff
María Ángeles Tabárez de Dios
Head of Faculty, Internships & Administration
David Artime Holgado
Student Affairs Coordinator
Lucía Losada Chanca
Housing & Customized Programs Coordinator
Paula Garnateo
Program Assistant
Housing
Homestay
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.
Field Trips
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.
5 Days
Fall
Camino de Santiago
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.
Portugal
3 Days
Spring
Visit the monastery of Jeronimos, enjoy a Fado show and typical Portuguese dinner in Lisbon, and explore the coast of Cascais.
Lago de 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.
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.
Zamora
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.
Part-Time Internships
IES Abroad Salamanca
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.
Experiential Learning
IES Abroad Salamanca
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 Exam.
Volunteer Opportunities
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
Social work at a local university
Health Care
Visiting a hospital to spend time with family and friends of children with cancer
Community Outreach
Working with mentally disabled individuals, immigrants, and people in disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Fall 2025
Academic Year 2025
Spring 2026
Academic Year 2025-2026
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid
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.
Orientation
Health & Safety
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.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
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.
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