Study Abroad Programs in Salamanca, Spain

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

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 :)

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.

I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain with the AIFS Early Start Program in Spring 2025. I chose this program because of the affordable price, the ease of getting a visa (AIFS even sends someone to the consulate on your behalf), the variety of upper-level course options, and the early start, which let me spend a month at the university before the official program began. That extra time really helped me immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture. The staff support was excellent from start to finish. Before the program, they provided clear information about scholarships, logistics, and the overall process. During my semester, my advisor was attentive and always available to help with anything I needed. I LOVED my housing situation! I stayed with a host family, which allowed me to practice Spanish daily and experience the culture in a much deeper way. AIFS also offered numerous included activities, such as a trip to Portugal, a cooking class, and a dance class, which made the experience even more memorable. The professors were kind, supportive, and explained everything clearly, ensuring we truly understood the material. Studying abroad with AIFS helped me realize how capable and independent I am, while also allowing me to build friendships with people from all over the world. I would recommend AIFS Salamanca to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish, broaden their global perspective, and experience Spanish culture firsthand.

From the moment I landed in Madrid, I knew I was in good hands with my resident coordinator, Miguel Blanco, and my host mom, Juani. These two individuals made my spring semester a time of learning, growth, and immersion, all in a safe and supportive environment. Don Miguel and the API team coordinated engaging excursions where we learned more about Spanish history and culture. I think our tour of an historic Moorish palace in Trujillo, Spain, was the most exciting moment of my trip—looking over the palace walls and seeing miles of greenery and the old city below truly put Spain’s age and beauty into perspective. I would not have seen such a sight had it not been for Don Miguel. While the excursions were amazing opportunities to explore the Iberian Peninsula, living with my host mom taught me how to enjoy life day by day as a Spaniard. Our daily lunch and dinner chats were some of my favorite moments from my trip because it was the best time to ask questions and learn more about the typical Spanish experience. She made Salamanca feel like home, and I loved living under her roof. When I remember my time in Salamanca, all I can do is smile. I am so grateful I had the chance to embrace the Spanish lifestyle and find peace in the Golden City.

Late-night kebabs, dancing to a mix of Spanish and English music, visiting cathedrals, strolling to the university, seeing castles, exploring aqueducts, learning to make traditional cuisine, and spending time with my host mom were just a few highlights of my incredible journey in Spain. I chose to travel to Salamanca through API Abroad. The University of Salamanca, one of Spain's oldest universities, drew me to the cty. Its blend of a slower pace of life and thriving social scene plus location in Castilla-Leon made it the perfect destination for my study abroad experience. Applying through API Abroad was a seamless and straightforward process. Each part of the application was detailed and provided clear guidance, walking me through every step. Before my departure, API sent a comprehensive pre-departure guide, covering essentials like cultural differences, packing suggestions, and descriptions of our host families and potential city excursions. The day of departure was filled with firsts—my first time traveling abroad, being on a plane, and traveling alone. Knowing that my program advisor would meet me at the Madrid airport was a huge relief. Miguel, my program advisor, greeted me warmly upon arrival, as did the other students in the program. The initial days in Madrid, filled with tours and bonding experiences, made the transition to Salamanca smooth and enjoyable. Orientation sessions covered everything from schedules and host family arrangements to cultural norms, available resources, and helpful guides. Living in Salamanca offered an authentic immersion into Spanish culture. My host family prepared traditional dishes like judías de verduras, pisto de verduras, hornazo, empanadillas, and more. We attended the Feria in September and visited the casetas. I joined bachata and salsa classes, learned to cook paella, tortilla de patatas, and torrijas, and biked across the city. Beyond Salamanca, I explored the aqueducts and castle in Segovia, and enjoyed a medieval market in León. These experiences deepened my appreciation for Spanish traditions and daily life. I attended classes through Cursos Internacionales at the University of Salamanca, with a schedule of classes five days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The professors were incredibly kind and supportive, patiently explaining concepts and showing genuine interest in our experiences outside of the classroom. One professor, in particular, would remind us every Friday, “Recordad, haced cosas” (Remember to go and do things). This encouragement added to the warm, inviting atmosphere that made learning Spanish enjoyable and fulfilling. Miguel, our program director, was always available to address any questions or concerns. Whether accompanying me to the pharmacy when I was sick, recommending restaurants, helping me find glasses, or guiding us on program-organized trips, Miguel’s support was invaluable. He even organized a Thanksgiving dinner to ensure we felt at home during the holidays. The friendship among the other students in the program, who came from diverse backgrounds, also contributed to a supportive and vibrant community. My time in Spain helped me grow in countless ways. It strengthened my Spanish language skills, boosted my confidence, and made me more independent and open-minded. The friendliness of the people around me—my host mom, new friends, and program staff—eased any homesickness I felt. When I did miss home, their support made all the difference. This journey was transformative, and I’m eager to return to Spain someday. API Abroad and Spain were the perfect match for my study abroad experience. The program’s exceptional support, Salamanca’s charm, and the cultural immersion opportunities created an unforgettable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend API Abroad to anyone considering studying abroad—it’s a chance to grow, explore, and create lifelong memories. This journey not only shaped my academic and personal growth but also gave me a broader perspective on life, inspiring me to embrace new challenges and opportunities with confidence.

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

During my time in Salamanca I had the best time. I have always been a city girl but knowing that I would walk everywhere, I was searching for a city where everything I needed was at walking distance. Salamanca was the perfect middle ground for that. I got to experience the city life without needing to travel miles across town for the best restaurants and cafes. I lived in a "residencia" with other students from other programs who were also studying abroad or were students that were studying their full college career in Salamanca. Salamanca was a city I feel in love with because of the history, the culture and the people. I enjoyed exploring new corners of the city center, expanding and challenging my Spanish speaking skills, shopping and building new friendships!

Before I studied abroad, I didn’t really understand why everyone who had before loved it so much. My 2 week program took place in Salamanca, Spain and I stayed with a home stay. I absolutely loved the city; it was safe, beautiful, clean, full of history, and overall incredible. The ISA staff on site was so incredibly helpful with everything, and my host abuela was so welcoming and loving. I had not a single complaint throughout the whole program. Now I really understand why students love studying abroad!

When I was deciding on where to study abroad, I knew I wanted a town where I would deeply get to know the area, people, and culture, and Salamanca was the perfect place for that! I really enjoyed that It was the perfect size where when I would be walking back from class I might pass by classmates and friends who were sitting at street cafes, or when going out for a night, I would run into those same classmates or even professors and ISA staff. During my time there, I felt like I really understood the city and found my favorite cafes and spots to hang out, but there was always more to explore. Salamanca is close to a lot of really gorgeous nature and countryside, so my friends and I would always rent bikes in the city and take them to neighboring cities and spend days just exploring! Through ISA I was also able to go on some amazing trips, both to cities nearby Salamanca, and those in different countries! I was able to really get a good sense of the country around me through these trips and some of the personal ones I took, and would learn a lot about the culture and history in each city we went to. Because my Spanish language skills were not the best when I showed up, I was able to take some of my classes in English which helped me feel more comfortable with the transition to understanding all the other parts of my study abroad experience that were completely in Spanish. I stayed in a resedencia (dorm-style apartment living) and really enjoyed the freedom it gave me and variety of people I was able to meet. I am super glad I studied abroad in Salamanca, and have made memories and friends I will keep forever!

Studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, through the IES Abroad program was an experience that went beyond just academics! It was a transformative experience that enriched both my personal and academic growth. Immersed in the vibrant culture of Salamanca, Spain, I found myself delving deeper into my major in Psychology, exploring it through a unique cultural lens that I hadn't encountered before. The academic aspect of the program was nothing short of exceptional. The classes provided insightful perspectives on psychology and encouraged me to understand it within the context of Spanish culture. This approach added a layer of depth to my learning that I hadn't anticipated, broadening my understanding of psychology in ways I hadn't imagined. Moreover, the Spanish language course and workshops offered by the program were excellent. Despite having taken Spanish courses previously, I found this experience to be far more enriching and informative. The immersive nature of the program not only improved my language skills but also deepened my appreciation for the Spanish language and culture. Beyond academics, the living arrangements were comfortable, providing a supportive environment. Additionally, having access to excellent healthcare options was reassuring, ensuring that any medical concerns were promptly addressed. One of the highlights of my experience was the consistent support and organization provided by the program staff. Their dedication ensured that every aspect of the experience, from academics to cultural immersion, ran smoothly, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on making the most of my time in Salamanca. The cultural immersion activities, ranging from cooking classes to excursions and music workshops, perfectly complemented the academic curriculum. These experiences deepened my understanding of Spanish culture and allowed me to forge meaningful connections with fellow students and locals alike. In hindsight, my semester in Salamanca was truly the time of my life. It was a holistic experience that broadened my academic horizons and enriched my cultural understanding and personal development in ways that will stay with me forever.

My experience abroad was deifinitely scary at first, navigating Madrid Barajas airport was not a challenge I was expecting but nonetheless it helped me to be able to manage myself in a foreign country. Transitioning to life in Salamanca wasn't too difficult especially since I come from somewhere between a small town and a big city. I initially chose the homestay option as I wanted to get more acquainted with the everyday culture, but unfortunately the lifestyles of myself and my host parents didn't really match up. I am sometimes more of an introvert (especially in new situations/places) and like to have a safe space to decompress and they were expecting someone who was more outgoing, explored a lot, and stayed out much later than I initally would. Then, moving into the residence hall was a straightforward process that didn't take too much time and I felt so comfortable having my own space (especially having my own bathroom!). Plus, I was near all of my friends in the program. In addition to being close to my program mates, I also got to meet more local students and it was nice to have the typical college experience with them instead of simply staying with people who you were always familiar with that were in your program. I think my biggest issue was that I wasn't forced to be speaking in Spanish as much as I had wanted to. Speaking spanish with people in your program can be awkward at times but it's definitely worth it, but when all was said and done, all of my colleagues were speaking English. For me, the language was something I would adopt during the day and then at night it was usually back to English. This might be biased since my last language immersion experience was with 0 English speakers and I was forced to speak in Spanish 24/7, which isn't realistic for everyone. Overall, IES made everything very accomodating and they were the nicest people I had ever met. I could go to them with anything and even developed bonds with them as mentors. I would absolutely do it again and I reccomend it to anyone even if you're a beginner in the language.

I studied abroad in Salamanca for two weeks, and I wish I had more time and the opportunity to stay for a whole semester. But in that little time, I did so much. The program was well organized and included many excursions while also leaving time for you to plan your own activities. Classes were from 8 am-2:15 pm and after classes came the best part, Siesta time. There are many bars, stores, and museums where you can spend your time. Compared to more recognized cities like Madrid, Salamanca is cheaper, so I recommend taking advantage of that. During my time, I also had the opportunity to go to Barcelona for one weekend and Madrid the next. I absolutely loved both cities too. My recommendations for you are to make sure you are ready to walk a lot and if you are doing a January term- since it's a short program you will do a lot of activities- so save your energy. Plan accordingly. Rest whenever you find the time but take advantage of the opportunity and your time there so you don't regret anything. Take pictures for memories!!!

My semester in Salamanca was one of the best times of my life. Here are some words I would use to describe Salamanca and my college experience there: peaceful, entertaining, fun, fascinating, simpatico, and take-me-back. My international business courses were interesting, the professors were great, the food was amazing, going out was fun, and the excursions to Portugal and around Spain were awesome. I highly recommend looking into the AIFS Salamanca program if you are at all interested in the Spanish culture, a fun college experience in a beautiful walkable city, or learning about international business in a foreign country.

Studying abroad in Salamanca was the best experience/semester I had while studying in University. I was immersed in the Spain culture due to the lack of English that was spoken there. The people, the food, and the way of life in Spain is amazing. I learned more studying abroad in Salamanca than any semester I had back in University. If you want to learn Spanish and have an authentic Spain experience you should study abroad in Salamanca.

I loved this study abroad experience! I spent 3 weeks in Salamanca, Spain, which is a smaller city. In those 3 weeks, I felt like I truly lived in that city. The smaller city size meant that less people spoke English, so that provided me with an opportunity to progress in my Spanish. I got to explore, learn about its history, and meet some amazing people. A large focus of my trip was learning Spanish. I lived with 3 other students in a Spanish family's home. That was pure immersion since they didn't speak English. The host family was so welcoming, fun, and the host mom made amazing food! We got to speak with the children in Spanish and watch movies with them! Our classes helped me learn a lot of Spanish. We had awesome excursions, and opportunities to make friends with other students. Overall, this was a great way to spend a winter break!

This study abroad experience was the best decision I have ever made. I didn’t just learn about a new country and their culture but I learned more about myself and how to be more independent. Salamanca was an amazing city! The history, culture, and people were all amazing. Walking to school and passing by historical and beautiful buildings every day was such a surreal experience. I will never forget this study abroad experience, and truly hope everyone gets to experience this at least once in their life.

While abroad, I felt that I became a whole new person in the best way possible. I would say that my time abroad was unique as I did not stay in my host city on the weekends. During the weekends, I was fortunate enough to travel to others countries and experience their culture as well. I have a deep respect and desire to want to understand the different languages and traditions other cultures have and I have found the best way to discover this would be through traveling. Much to my surprise, I solo traveled all these adventures and I know that if I were to tell myself that when I was younger, I would not believe it. Though, I will admit, my first solo trip was not planned as I had a flight error while in Madrid and then elected to stay in Madrid alone the rest of the weekend rather than head back to Salamanca. But this spontaneity, something I don't typically practice, was so freeing and honestly led to the best memories. Throughout my travels, I had met so many wonderful people from all different walks of life and loved to learn more about their own unique stories, but still found comfort in my "homebase" of Salamanca. I found much independence and liberation through solo traveling as it allowed me to choose what I wanted to do and where I was headed. That being said, traveling around Europe was not only easy but also cost-efficient. I really enjoyed being able to utilize the public transportation systems and loved the overall ability to walk everywhere. Additionally, the awareness to the environment is so much different because of public transportation, which allows less pollution in the air. Due to all the factors and aspects that I loved abroad, I am hoping to return and reside in Europe permanently, but I must complete my undergraduate degree first. However, I will admit that I am applying to masters of public health programs abroad, as another benefit of Europe is the affordable education. Overall, I think the United States could learn a thing or two from Europe, but until then, I will just continue to share my amazing experience with others, hoping that they too can experience Europe for themselves. Upon returning abroad, it was difficult to assimilate back into my old life as it was not Europe. While in Europe my mental health was amazing, I was present everyday as I was experiencing new things all the time. But here in the states life was so much different. The cost of goods was more expensive, everything was further away from each other, and public transportation was rarely utilized in my suburban community. In complete honesty, I still have trouble being back home and am looking forward to the day that I can return to the "best version of myself" while I was in Europe. I was brave, independent, excited to explore, less stressed etc. Prior to studying abroad, I have been overseas but I never. knew the full extent of the European healthcare system. As a public health major, I found this perspective of Universal Healthcare so beneficial but was also cognizant of the disadvantages that come with Universal healthcare. This opportunity to not only learn about Universal healthcare but also experience it was so fascinating to me which thus led me to question many of the systems in the United States. My long-term plan is to work with a global organization on better healthcare access and through my travels, I was able to experience the benefits and negatives, providing me with a whole new perspective.

This study abroad program was amazing. The people of Salamanca are very friendly and appreciate your eagerness to learn Spanish. The teachers are very nice and care about your learning. The students I met here were incredible. You will be put out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. This was a life changing experience.

I had a great time in Salamanca. I met friends from all around the world and got to practice my spanish in class and in my homestay. I was also able to travel a lot during my time in Spain which was such a great experience for me.