Location:

Salamanca, Spain

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is the oldest university in Spain. Acknowledged by Pope Alexander IV to be one of the four great universities in the world, it stands in the company of the universities of Bologna, Oxford, and Paris. In 1492, King Ferdinand sought advice from University of Salamanca leaders regarding the exploration venture of Christopher Columbus.

One enters the University through the Patio de las Escuelas. It features the faces of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel, and the walls are marked with the legacy of students, who, upon graduation, have written their initials in an ink of bull’s blood, olive oil, and herbs. Legend has it that there is a frog hidden in the sandstone carvings, and if one finds it, it brings good luck! Inside is the Escuelas Menores building, which houses the department for visiting students.

This program provides advanced grammar and language instruction, while allowing students to choose from several cultural electives. Students must have taken four to five semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent for admission. Students take 4-5 courses per semester, and each course is equivalent to three semester credits. Students in this program are encouraged to study for the full academic year. Students who complete the Academic Year program receive the Diploma de Estudios Hispánicos. 

Setting Description:

Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. It is located in central Spain, amidst a landscape strewn with battlefields and castles, in an area where the kingdoms of Castilla and Aragón first unified Spain. From these roots, “Castellano,” or “Spanish,” became dominant throughout Spain. Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor is said to be the most beautiful plaza in Spain. Throughout the centuries, the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname “la Ciudad Dorada” – the Golden City. The breathtaking Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva rise above the city, overlooking the river Tormes and the Roman Bridge. The Casa de las Conchas is a stunning edifice of shells carved into golden sandstone. One experiences the history of this magical city when roaming the streets and walking through the archways of the old quarter.

Cost:

Pre-departure, On-site, and Re-entry services included, such as advising and online resources, airport reception, resident directors, housing, tuition, tutoring, medical & life insurance, excursions, social & cultural activities, alumni network, Learning and Engagement Badge Program and more!

Additional Program Information

Requirements:

*Minimum 2.5 G.P.A. *Open to juniors and seniors *Open to advanced and superior level Spanish speakers

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

API awards approximately $500,000 in study abroad scholarships annually ranging from $250 -$1,000 per student.