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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Linguistics, Literature, Translation & Other Courses with Locals
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Location
Salamanca
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Host University
Universidad de Salamanca
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Term
Fall 3SL 2025
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Program Dates
Late Aug, 2025 - Mid Dec, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Jun 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Jun 15, 2025
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Credit
180 - 300 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.75 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$16,650
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
This program offers you an entirely immersive study abroad experience at one of Spain's oldest and most prestigious universities. It is open to students with a superior-level knowledge of Spanish (you must have completed 6+ semesters of college-level Spanish or tested out of the equivalent). You will take a required Intensive Spanish Language course with international students at the beginning of the program before enrolling in courses directly at the University of Salamanca with local Spanish students.
The Universidad de Salamanca is renowned for its language and translation studies, and is on the American Translators Association's list of approved translation schools. Courses are offered in a wide variety of academic disciplines including linguistics, literature, translation, economics, environmental studies, education, and agriculture. Courses with locals are instructed in Spanish and taught by host university faculty.
A Spanish student visa is required for programs over 90 days and obtaining one may require out of state travel. Please contact your Site Specialist for more information pertaining to the process of acquiring a Spanish student visa.
Visa Information
A Spanish student visa is required for U.S. students participating in academic programs in Spain lasting 91 days or more. For non-U.S. citizens, you should contact your consulate to verify specific entry requirements. Please click on the "Spanish Visa Support" icon on the "What's Included" tab of this page to learn more about visa requirements and and the optional Spain Visa Service.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
Students must have a superior-level knowledge of Spanish. Most universities equate this to six semesters (8-9 quarters) of college-level Spanish.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Spanish Visa Support
Spanish Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for Spain, if a visa is needed for your program. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed. A Spanish student visa is required for U.S. students participating in academic programs in Spain lasting 91 days or more. For non-U.S. citizens, you should contact your consulate to verify specific entry requirements.
To obtain a Spanish student visa, you must:
A) schedule an appointment (where applicable) and apply in person at the consulate, or
B) take part in the ISA Spain Visa Service* (if applicable), where you may pay an extra fee for ISA to schedule and attend an appointment on your behalf.
Note: the ISA Spain Visa Service typically has deadlines well in advance of your program application deadline, often 1 month earlier or more. This is due to the appointment dates the consulate gives ISA. Should you want to use the ISA Spain Visa Service, we encourage you to apply to your program as early as possible.
Failure to obtain a visa for programs lasting 91 days or more could result in you having to cancel or switch programs.
Please contact your ISA Program Manager for more information regarding the Spain Visa Service or any visa related questions or concerns.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
180 - 300
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 20
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 30
Academic Information
- Language Requirement
You must have a superior-level knowledge of Spanish. Most universities equate this to six semesters (8-9 quarters) of college-level Spanish. - Course Selection
The courses listed below are only a sampling of what the Universidad de Salamanca offers. Highlighted courses include the areas of linguistics, literature, translation, and other popular areas of study. Please see the course catalog, linked below, for additional course options.
- Please contact ISA for eligibility requirements and information on courses in the following departments: anthropology, art history, biological sciences, business, economics, environmental science, geography, geology, history, international relations, law, mathematics, pharmacy, philosophy, physical science, physics, psychology, religion, or sociology.
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to specific prerequisites set by the university. Course prerequisites are listed in each course description, when applicable.
- Course Credit
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of your home institutions.
- The contact hours for each course with locals will not be reflected on the transcript but are listed in order to help determine transfer credit. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding transfer credit for this program. - Required Intensive Spanish Course
- You must complete an intensive Spanish course before the regular semester begins. - Fall semester students complete a 1 week intensive course (20 -25 contact hours). Spring semester students complete a 3 week intensive course (60-75 contact hours).
- Transcript Information
- The transcript from the Universidad de Salamanca will reflect the ECTS credit values indicated below, except for the required Intensive Spanish Language course which will be reflected in contact hours.
- The contact hours for each course with locals will not be reflected on the transcript but are listed in order to help determine transfer credit. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding transfer credit for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Kamryn Chapman
Program Manager, Spain
Originally from Tipton, Iowa, Kamryn earned degrees in International Business and Spanish from Oklahoma State University. Her semester-long study abroad to Barcelona confirmed her passion for exploration, adventure and learning through immersion. Upon her return to the U.S. she worked in her university’s study abroad office to help her fellow students embark on adventures of their own. Kamryn is eager to continue helping students make their study abroad experience as seamless as possible so they can sit back and soak it all in! In her free time, Kamryn enjoys hiking, crafting, cooking, and enjoying live music.
Nina Ellsworth
Program Manager, Spain
A born and raised Michigander, Nina obtained her degree in Psychology and Social Relations & Policy from Michigan State University. Nina’s passion for global understanding started from a young age, which led her to participate in service learning and education abroad in Ecuador, Brazil, Amsterdam, and Spain, ultimately bringing her to the role of Program Manager at ISA. In her free time, you’ll often find her relaxing by Lake Michigan or cooking with family. Her background in international relations and experience living and studying abroad allowed her to see firsthand the transformative impact of cultural exchange. Nina is dedicated to helping students navigate their own journeys abroad, ensuring they have meaningful, enriching experiences.
SALAMANCA TEAM
Carmen Abanades Cruz
Resident Director, Spain
Carmen Abanades Cruz
Resident Director
Originally from Cuenca, Spain, Carmen attended the University of Salamanca. There she obtained degrees in Art History and Pedagogy. Before ISA, Carmen got involved with study abroad arranging cultural activities and guiding tours for international students. Carmen joined ISA Salamanca in 2001 and worked there for almost six years before becoming the Santander and Bilbao Resident Director until 2009. She then returned to ISA Salamanca to lead the office there. Her great knowledge of Spanish history and culture makes her an important part of the ISA program in Salamanca. Carmen's cheerfulness helps to create an easy-going environment with ISA students. She is dedicated to making ISA students' experiences in Salamanca rewarding. Carmen enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Beatriz de Miguel Martin
Student Services & Service-Learning Coordinator, Spain
Beatriz de Miguel Martin
Student Services & Service-Learning Coordinator
Beatriz was born and raised in Salamanca, where she studied Psychology. After finishing her degree, she worked for two years in Mérida (Extremadura) with people with intellectual disabilities, developing projects focused on facilitating their entrance into the workforce. In 2011, she returned to Salamanca and joined the ISA Salamanca team. What she likes most about her job is the direct contact with students, getting to know them and helping them as much as possible so that they fall in love with her hometown, Salamanca! Bea loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family and friends.
Juan Eguiluz Pacheco
ISA Academic Director, Spain
Juan Eguiluz Pacheco
ISA Academic Director
Juan finished his studies at University of Salamanca's school of Philology in 1985, and worked as a professor of Spanish as a Foreign Language at Cursos Internacionales at USAL. During his time at the university, he traveled the world to places such as Belgium, Iceland, Brazil, Romania, Denmark, and France to give lectures and work with foreign universities to improve classroom instruction of Spanish. He has also published many articles in academic journals and books dealing with Spanish as a foreign language. Having taught students from around the world as a professor at the University of Salamanca, he brings great enthusiasm and knowledge to ISA. Juan's love for the Spanish language, teaching, and other cultures can truly be seen in his relationship with the students.
Roberto de la Calzada Cuesta
Assistant Academic Director & Student Services, Spain
Roberto de la Calzada Cuesta
Assistant Academic Director & Student Services
Roberto de la Calzada Cuesta is originally from Salamanca. He has a technical degree in Finance Administration and another in Business Studies from the University of Salamanca. He spent six months in Wales where he studied English and worked with international students. He also spent that time traveling around the UK, where he fell in love with its history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. He loves that his job allows him to learn about different cultures and be surrounded by great coworkers. Roberto's hobbies include travelling, watching movies, and getting together with his friends and family.
Rodrigo de Francisco Benito
Assistant Resident Director & Housing Coordinator , Spain
Rodrigo de Francisco Benito
Assistant Resident Director & Housing Coordinator
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Spanish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Uncovering the uniqueness of your neighborhood and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. No matter which type of housing you choose, you will have a short commute to class. Travel times to the various university buildings generally range between 15 and 40 minutes depending on housing and class locations. With an open and adaptable mind the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations. However, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Homestays are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays provide three meals a day (except on ISA excursion days) and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may be available for an additional fee.
Student Residence
The student residence (residencia in Spanish) is similar to a small dorm and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The residencia houses Spanish and international students, giving you the opportunity to meet Spaniards and practice your language skills. Three meals per day are included, as well as laundry service once per week. Students will share a room with another ISA student but have the option of paying extra to secure an individual room.
A $300 housing deposit is required from students choosing this option as well as an extra surcharge. ISA may retain some, or all, of the housing deposit in the case of damage to property.
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital, will be your first taste of Spanish culture during the Bridging Cultures Orientation. You'll visit the famous Prado museum and have a guided tour through Madrid's city center to expand your knowledge of Spanish history, culture and politics.
Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital, will be your first taste of Spanish culture during the Bridging Cultures Orientation. You'll visit the famous Prado museum and have a guided tour through Madrid's city center to expand your knowledge of Spanish history, culture and politics.
Toledo
Your visit to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will begin with a panoramic bus tour of Toledo's unique hilltop then will continue on to the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Santa María la Blanca synagogue, Santo Tomé Church, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Toledo
Your visit to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will begin with a panoramic bus tour of Toledo's unique hilltop then will continue on to the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Santa María la Blanca synagogue, Santo Tomé Church, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Segovia
Segovia is best known for its well-preserved 2nd century Roman aqueduct and the emblematic Moorish-style fortress (Alcázar) where the coronation of Queen Isabella I was held. You will visit these monuments and others on a guided walking tour. On the tour, you will also have the chance to take in breathtaking views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range
Segovia
Segovia is best known for its well-preserved 2nd century Roman aqueduct and the emblematic Moorish-style fortress (Alcázar) where the coronation of Queen Isabella I was held. You will visit these monuments and others on a guided walking tour. On the tour, you will also have the chance to take in breathtaking views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range
Lisbon, Portugal
During this weekend excursion exploring Portugal's capital, you will climb to the top of the medieval Castelo de São Jorge where you will find splendid views of this coastal city. You will also visit the 16th-century Tower of Belém that protects the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and overlooks the harbor from which the great Portuguese explorers set sail.
Lisbon, Portugal
During this weekend excursion exploring Portugal's capital, you will climb to the top of the medieval Castelo de São Jorge where you will find splendid views of this coastal city. You will also visit the 16th-century Tower of Belém that protects the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and overlooks the harbor from which the great Portuguese explorers set sail.
Cultural activities in Salamanca
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Salamanca. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Salamanca special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included a tour around the Cathedrals, a cooking class, and a tour of the Historical Building of the University of Salamanca (The oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe).
Cultural activities in Salamanca
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Salamanca. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Salamanca special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included a tour around the Cathedrals, a cooking class, and a tour of the Historical Building of the University of Salamanca (The oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe).
Morocco * Optional
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Morocco
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.