Salamanca, Spain

Psychology

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Designed for Psychology majors or minors, our Psychology Program is a collaboration between IES Abroad and our partner institutions, Universidad de Salamanca (USAL), a prestigious university where our students are able to carry out course-related activities, as well as the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA), known for its offerings in Psychology.

Background Image Mask
Study at a Prestigious University

Enroll in English-taught and/or Spanish-taught courses offered at UPSA.

Background Image Mask
Contribute to a Local Organization

Participate in a community-based learning placement in the fall and an...

Background Image Mask
Attend Cultural & Extracurricular Events

Enrich your academic experience with activities.

Background Image Mask
Join a University Club or Society

Join sporting clubs and student societies.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

August 27 - December 07

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
15,601

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Headshot of Taylor Tillison.

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!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

the New Cathedral of Salamanca

Why Salamanca?

Study the human mind and behavior in Salamanca, where you'll take advantage of the expert local university professors.

Learn More About Salamanca

Get to Know Your New City

Background Image Mask
Spot the Frog at the University of Salamanca

And pass your exams and get good grades easily!

Background Image Mask
Visit Plaza Mayor

Grab a café con leche and people watch in this enchanting public square.

Background Image Mask
Tour the Cathedrals of Salamanca

Plan to spend some time exploring these massive cathedrals.

Background Image Mask
Explore Casa Lis (Art Nouveau & Art Deco Museum)

The building is just as beautiful as the extraordinary works of art inside.

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Housing

Students sit with their host mother at the dinner table, smiling at the camera.
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

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.

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

The courtyard at the University of Salamanca. Grass is surrounded by Spanish arch pillars.
  • USAL
  • UPSA

Universidad de Salamanca

Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) currently enrolls approximately 30,000 students annually, 700 of which are international students. 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. 

Visit Website

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

Disciplines (11)

Community-Based Learning (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
CB/SO 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar Fall Spanish 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.

Visit Website


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. 

Visit Website

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.

Learn More
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

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. 

Student sits in front of a palace in portugal

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.

Sanabria Lake Field Trip

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.

The Plaza de Espana photographed at night. A building with a tower and multiple spires sits in the background, with streetlights lighting up the square.

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 Field Trip - David H.

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 Field Trip - David H.

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

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. 

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

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
11,975
Housing
$
3,090
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
15,295

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
12,204
Housing
$
3,152
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
15,601

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
21,955
Housing
$
6,305
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
28,750

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
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.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Center

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 at the Universidad de Salamanca or the Universidad Pontificia, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Salamanca
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Salamanca. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Salamanca before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

Background Image Mask
CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

Background Image Mask
24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Background Image Mask
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Background Image Mask
Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

Background Image Mask
TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Background Image Mask
Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 20 - May 04

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 27 - December 07

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Early May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

*Students taking partner university courses at UPSA or USAL will depart the program on December 19th, 2024.

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa 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 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Contact an Ambassador
three students standing in front of fair table with IES Abroad catalogs

The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
two students laughing while hugging