Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

Clarify your purpose. Want to master Spanish, explore Spanish culture, or meet global friends? Pinpointing your purpose helps guide your Salamanca experience.
Choose your program wisely. Most programs are connected to the University of Salamanca, but there are options at smaller local schools, too.
Decide on academic interests. Salamanca is ideal for studying history, art, culture, or sociology in an authentic Spanish context.

Understand the benefits

Choosing to study abroad in Salamanca brings more than language learning—get ready for a life-changing journey.

Be part of academic history. The University of Salamanca is a cultural and intellectual powerhouse dating back to the 13th century.
Improve your Spanish fluency. With immersive programs and few tourists, you’ll pick up language skills quickly and authentically.
Enjoy laid-back living. Salamanca’s small size, walkability, and cafe culture encourage a slower, more mindful lifestyle.

Things to know

Get ready for your Salamanca adventure with these quick and helpful insights!

It’s easy to get around. The city is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate without public transport.
Homestays are immersive. Living with a local family helps you learn Spanish faster and experience real daily life.
You may need a visa. Most non-EU students need one for more extended stays—apply early.Many study abroad programs in Salamanca run through the city’s primary academic institution, the University of Salamanca. The University of Salamanca has been nicknamed the “Oxford of the Spanish World” and is often considered to be one of Europe’s premier universities, attracting students from all over the world to its doorstep.

If you choose to study abroad at the University of Salamanca then you will have access to a full course catalogue of subjects worth exploring. Some of the most popular academic disciplines among students who study abroad in Salamanca include, but are obviously not limited to, History, Sociology, Art, and Business. Not all programs take place at the university; some give you the option to study abroad in Salamanca at smaller local schools as well.

Spanish is additionally a very popular area of study for international students in Salamanca. While it is possible to enroll in Spanish courses in supplement to whatever academic discipline you are pursuing, there are also programs which are specifically devoted to intensive language study. These generally run shorter than traditional semester or year-long study abroad programs in Salamanca, taking place over the summer for as short as two weeks or as long as two months.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Going abroad will be the most fulfilling and life-changing experience!

September 24, 2025by: Sophia Hall - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

9

Studying abroad was one of the best and most impactful experiences of my life. I learned so much about myself and what I want out of my life. Salamanca was the perfect fit for me, not too large, but always had something going on. The on-site WorldStrides directors in Salamanca were so helpful, kind, and always available for anything that we needed. Universidad de Salamanca placed me at the right level for me to understand, but also get the most out of my time there. They were very accommodating to everyone's needs, and the professors were amazing. Out of my five professors during my time there, only one of them was bad. I loved Marta, she's the sweetest! During their summer sessions, we had class Monday through Friday from 9am until 1 or 2pm. You get 3 free skip days each month-long session, and if you miss more, then you fail. I used my days each month for extending weekend travel, which I highly recommend. WorldStrides figures everything out for you with the university and helps you with any issues you may have. They pick you up from the airport in Madrid. You get to stay 3 nights in a fancy hotel while exploring Madrid with organized tours, informational meetings to prepare you for Salamanca, and getting to know your group during free time. While in Salamanca, WorldStrides had many activities for us, such as tours, cooking classes, dancing classes, and boats. Another amazing experience was the trip to Santander, which was completely included. I stayed in a Residencia, which I would recommend over a homestay. It is similar to a US college dorm, and I loved having my own space and not living with the uncertainty of a family, which some of my group members had some difficulties with. But do what feels right for you! Before I went abroad, I was worried about meeting people, but I made so many friends. There are so many opportunities in your group, classes, Residencia, around town, and in your travels. Another thing is that I traveled so much in my 2.5 months. I got to go to Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Croatia, as well as many weekend trips around Spain. I absolutely adored the north of Spain! This experience is what you make of it, and you will get out what you put into it. I did find myself in an English bubble, and sometimes I wish that I had spoken more Spanish. But I love all the English-speaking friends I made from all over the world. Thank you, WorldStrides! And to you reading this, go have the time of your life abroad :)

Summer in Salamanca

September 22, 2025by: Claire Albertson - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

10

I had the best time spending the month of July in Salamanca, Spain! I never felt alone because there were many other students in the area, along with a very accessible and supportive Worldstrides team. Not to mention the support from my amazing host family that was willing to help me in any way they could. My classes were at a great level that left me feeling challenged but not overwhelmed. There was never a moment that I felt bored during the program because of the vibrant nightlife, exciting excursions, and constant opportunities to meet new people. I would recommend studying in Salamanca to anyone who wants to be encapsulated by a culturally rich and historic environment with a blend of youthful energy.

Going abroad will be the most fulfilling and life-changing experience!

September 24, 2025by: Sophia Hall - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

9

Studying abroad was one of the best and most impactful experiences of my life. I learned so much about myself and what I want out of my life. Salamanca was the perfect fit for me, not too large, but always had something going on. The on-site WorldStrides directors in Salamanca were so helpful, kind, and always available for anything that we needed. Universidad de Salamanca placed me at the right level for me to understand, but also get the most out of my time there. They were very accommodating to everyone's needs, and the professors were amazing. Out of my five professors during my time there, only one of them was bad. I loved Marta, she's the sweetest! During their summer sessions, we had class Monday through Friday from 9am until 1 or 2pm. You get 3 free skip days each month-long session, and if you miss more, then you fail. I used my days each month for extending weekend travel, which I highly recommend. WorldStrides figures everything out for you with the university and helps you with any issues you may have. They pick you up from the airport in Madrid. You get to stay 3 nights in a fancy hotel while exploring Madrid with organized tours, informational meetings to prepare you for Salamanca, and getting to know your group during free time. While in Salamanca, WorldStrides had many activities for us, such as tours, cooking classes, dancing classes, and boats. Another amazing experience was the trip to Santander, which was completely included. I stayed in a Residencia, which I would recommend over a homestay. It is similar to a US college dorm, and I loved having my own space and not living with the uncertainty of a family, which some of my group members had some difficulties with. But do what feels right for you! Before I went abroad, I was worried about meeting people, but I made so many friends. There are so many opportunities in your group, classes, Residencia, around town, and in your travels. Another thing is that I traveled so much in my 2.5 months. I got to go to Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Croatia, as well as many weekend trips around Spain. I absolutely adored the north of Spain! This experience is what you make of it, and you will get out what you put into it. I did find myself in an English bubble, and sometimes I wish that I had spoken more Spanish. But I love all the English-speaking friends I made from all over the world. Thank you, WorldStrides! And to you reading this, go have the time of your life abroad :)

Summer in Salamanca

September 22, 2025by: Claire Albertson - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

10

I had the best time spending the month of July in Salamanca, Spain! I never felt alone because there were many other students in the area, along with a very accessible and supportive Worldstrides team. Not to mention the support from my amazing host family that was willing to help me in any way they could. My classes were at a great level that left me feeling challenged but not overwhelmed. There was never a moment that I felt bored during the program because of the vibrant nightlife, exciting excursions, and constant opportunities to meet new people. I would recommend studying in Salamanca to anyone who wants to be encapsulated by a culturally rich and historic environment with a blend of youthful energy.