Spend a semester studying at the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1218 and renowned as the 'Oxford of Spain.' You'll be immersed in a vibrant college town where nearly a third of the 145,000 residents are college-aged students, creating an incredibly dynamic street life and cultural energy. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage City famous for its golden-hued architecture (earning it the nickname 'Ciudad Dorada' or Golden City), rich intellectual history, and commitment to teaching Spanish language and culture with exceptional clarity of Castilian Spanish.

The Contemporary International Studies and Spanish program offers flexible coursework tailored to your level. You'll take a required Spanish Grammar course and can select from additional Spanish language courses or coursework taught in English covering broad International Studies topics—including business, international relations, art history, literature, and sociology. An online placement exam determines your Spanish level before arrival, and all students can take up to 15 credits per semester. If you choose the optional Early Start program, you'll arrive early for an intensive two-week Spanish language course earning an extra 3 credits, giving you a head-start in grammar and conversation at all proficiency levels from Elementary to Superior.

Your program fee is comprehensive and includes tuition (up to 18 credits), housing in a homestay with a local Spanish family including 3 meals daily and weekly laundry service, a robust schedule of cultural and social activities, day trips to nearby destinations like Segovia and wine regions in Toro, and multi-day excursions to Portugal (Lisbon in spring or Oporto in fall). You'll also receive 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive health insurance, access to the university's extensive cultural calendar featuring flamenco lessons, films, horseback riding, and hiking, plus free use of university sports facilities. AIFS Abroad's experienced on-site Program Director (based there since 1987) provides academic advising and helps you integrate into the community.

Beyond the classroom, you'll experience authentic Spanish life through a homestay with a local family—often students' most rewarding aspect of their stay—and can volunteer with local school children to teach English language workshops, earning a certificate for your service. The city itself becomes your classroom: guided tours introduce you to the cathedrals and historic quarters, tapas bar tours let you experience the local 'tapeo' culture (Salamanca is considered one of Spain's best cities for sampling small bites and drinks), and Spanish cooking classes teach you traditional cuisine. Whether climbing the Cathedral tower, enjoying chocolate con churros, or simply walking the incredibly walkable historic streets, you'll discover how quickly Salamanca feels like home.

This program welcomes high school graduates through non-students with a minimum 2.5 GPA. You can select optional housing upgrades like a single room in a homestay (supplemental fees apply) or a co-ed student residence with private bathroom located near campus and the city center. Optional excursions include a 4-day trip to the Basque Country featuring Bilbao, San Sebastian, and the stunning San Juan de Gaztelugatxe island. The program runs January 23 – May 21, 2027, with an application deadline of October 1, 2026.