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Spanish Language & Culture
Universidad de SalamancaSalamanca, Spain
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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Spanish Language & Culture
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Location
Salamanca
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Host University
Universidad de Salamanca
The Universidad de Salamanca (USAL), founded in 1218, is the oldest university in Spain. It is world-renowned for its specialization in the teaching of the Spanish language, making it ideal for study abroad students. The university buildings are spread amidst the golden sandstone cathedrals and cobblestone streets of Salamanca--a quaint, walkable, college town. Some of the greatest names in Spanish literature and humanism appear on USAL's list of past students and professors, including Miguel de Cervantes, Antonio de Nebrija, and Miguel de Unamuno.
USAL’s Cursos Internacionales department, established in 1929, has a large offering of Spanish language and culture courses for foreign students. ISA students in Salamanca can take courses in English and Spanish with other international students through Cursos Internacionales or with local students in regular degree programs at the university. USAL is fully accredited and recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia).
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Term
Summer 1 2025
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Program Dates
May 29, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 10, 2025
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Credit
80 - 100 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$5,650
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Study Abroad Program Description
Open to students of all language levels, you will rapidly improve your Spanish language abilities in this focused, intensive program. Beginning level courses focus solely on language acquisition while intermediate, advanced, and superior level courses expand on Spanish culture in addition to grammar. All students are required to take a Spanish language placement exam upon arrival in Salamanca. This exam will determine your language level and course selections are not confirmed until the results are available. Classmates are international students from all over the world. All classes are taught by Universidad de Salamanca faculty in the Cursos Internacionales department.
Students can participate in an Intensive Month program before this program begins for an extra cost. Please contact ISA for more details.
You can combine the Fall 1+Winter 1 OR the Winter 1 + Spring 1 sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Salamanca Program Manager.
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 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
80 - 100
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
5 - 6.5
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
8 - 10
Academic Information
Course Selection
- Beginning students take all four beginning-level courses listed below (100 total contact hours).
- Intermediate, advanced and superior students take a required language course, plus two to three courses from the list below, each from a different category (80-100 total contact hours).
Estimated Language Level
- Please use the following only as a guideline to determine what your language level may be. Your language level will ultimately be determined by a placement exam that you take on site. Each semester/quarter is of COLLEGE-LEVEL Spanish or the equivalent:
- Beginning = 0-1 semesters/0-2 quarters
- Intermediate = 2-3 semesters/3-5 quarters
- Advanced = 4-5 semesters/6-8 quarters
- Superior = 6+ semesters/9+ quarters
Course Credit & Transcript Information
- Transfer credit is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
- The transcript from the Universidad de Salamanca will reflect Contact Hours. Please be in touch with your home university to request approval of transfer credit for this program.
Courses
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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.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
As part of your Veritas experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in ministry work in your host community and experience Christianity in another culture. At each of our sites, you will be connected with a Veritas Mentor who will meet with you regularly to help you connect to ministry opportunities and Christian community.
Our goal is to support the long-term goals of the local community. For this reason, we are very intentional about partnering with organizations that are well-established in the area and have a deep understanding of the needs of the local community. Depending on organizational needs, students may serve directly with communities in need or support activities behind the scenes. Service opportunities vary by location and season, allowing students to gain experience in cross-cultural service while building relationships and sharing their faith. Past opportunities include, but are not limited to, support for local churches through events, prayer teams, and youth ministry.
While all students are encouraged to serve as much as possible, students may choose to serve as much or as little as they want. While the Veritas Mentor will connect students to local opportunities, it is up to each individual student to take the initiative to serve.
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...
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...
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...
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Santander
The excursion will begin at El Sardinero beach, a beach in northern Spain that was famous in the nineteenth century as a popular tourist destination of the upper-middle class. You'll visit the Magdalena complex to see the palace is situated on top of the dramatic and picturesque peninsula. You'll also have the option to take a surf lesson while exploring Somo beach.. The next day, you will visit the impressive El Soplao Cave. The excursion will conclude with a visit the beautifully-preserved city of Santillana del Mar where you will be enchanted by the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Santander
The excursion will begin at El Sardinero beach, a beach in northern Spain that was famous in the nineteenth century as a popular tourist destination of the upper-middle class. You'll visit the Magdalena complex to see the palace is situated on top of the dramatic and picturesque peninsula. You'll also have the option to take a surf lesson while exploring Somo beach.. The next day, you will visit the impressive El Soplao Cave. The excursion will conclude with a visit the beautifully-preserved city of Santillana del Mar where you will be enchanted by the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
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
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.
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.
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.