The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) provides an extensive program that allows students to study Spanish language and culture and various academic fields at the University of Salamanca. Founded in the 13 th century, the University of Salamanca is the oldest in Spain and considered to be among the best in Europe – “the Oxford of the Spanish World.” The prestige of the University reached its peak in the 16th century when Pope Alexander IV declared the University to be one of the principal seats of learning of Christendom ranking with Paris, Oxford and Bologna. Christopher Columbus consulted its faculty before embarking on his famous voyage.

Salamanca, otherwise known as “The City of Golden Stones,” provides an outstanding backdrop for students interested in studying Spanish language and culture. Situated in the central-west region of Castillo y León, one hundred and twenty miles from Madrid and about 60 miles from the Portuguese border, Salamanca is a unique and manageable city for students. Easily explored on foot, Salamanca offers students access to a rich and diverse architectural and cultural heritage. With a population of 150,000 residents, Salamanca grows to a city of about 200,000 while university is in session.

Program Type
Third-party provider agreement with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), facilitated by Duquesne University’s OIP.

Academic Highlights
Three levels of instruction taught in Spanish by University professors: Elementary (little or no previous Spanish knowledge, Fall only); Intermediate and Advanced (two years high school or one year college Spanish); and Superior (excellent command needed to integrate into classes with Spanish students).

Courses are offered in Spanish in art history, economics, geography, history, literature, political science and sociology; Spanish language courses are also offered.

Courses Available at Salamanca

Language of Instruction
English and Spanish – No previous Spanish study is required for the elementary program in the fall. For all other students, two years of high school Spanish or one year of college Spanish is required. Students who took Spanish in high school must send a copy of their high school transcript to AIFS for review. Superior level requires excellent command of the language. Placement in orientation levels will be determined by a language test.

Unless students opt to take higher level courses, they are not in class with other Spanish students. AIFS courses are specially designed for this program and are taught by Spanish professors.

Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: early September to mid-December
Spring Semester: early January to mid-May

Housing and Meals
Students live with local families in Salamanca; homestays are arranged by AIFS. The program fee is based on double occupancy. Single rooms are also available for an additional fee of approximately €60 per month payable directly to the host family. Three meals per day are included in the homestay costs.

Students are also able to find their own apartments in Salamanca, but this is done entirely on their own. Students will receive a housing rebate from AIFS if they choose to find their own housing.

Services Provided
AIFS students spend two weeks at a language and cultural orientation at the University of Salamanca, followed by five days of travel in Andalucìá in southern Spain. Students live in Spanish homes during the orientation, as they do throughout the semester.

AIFS maintains a centrally located office and full-time staff to assist students with problems, doubts, questions, cultural adjustments, medical visits, emergencies and general well-being. The Resident Director serves as a liaison between students, hosts and the University of Salamanca. AIFS coordinators supervise placement of students with hosts as well as organize group excursions and activities that are included in the fee.

Estimated Costs (Category I Program)

Scholarships available through AIFS.

For a more in-depth look: www.aifsabroad.com