Study Abroad in Salamanca: Academics
Four levels of Spanish language courses are available to students: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Superior. Course level is determined by a placement exam given on arrival in Salamanca regardless of previous experience with the language. All classes are held in the morning. Recommended credits are shown in parentheses for 4- and 6-week programs; 15 class hours equal one semester credit.
4-week students have 3 hours of Spanish class a day, 5 days a week for a total 60 hours of class equivalent to 4 credits. The program for 6-week students consists of 4 hours daily for a total of 120 hours in 6 weeks, equivalent to 8 credits.
Once summer school has started, students have 3 days to change language level (or options for those students above elementary level). AIFS staff will liaise with the University on behalf of students. The change of level is free. There is a fee of 30 euros for the option change, which is paid directly to the University (a reminder of this will be included in the first newsletter received during the program in Salamanca).
Evaluation for these courses
60% of the final grade will be based on the result of the final exam; 20% will be based on daily active participation during class conversations. The other 20% will depend on a partial exam. The maximum number of students per classroom is 14.
Class attendance
Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the classes is required for the Certificate of the University of Salamanca.
Grades
No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.
The system of grades in Spain is different than in the U.S. The transcript will show the grade for every class in Spanish and in parentheses the equivalent U.S. grade as follows:
Spain |
U.S. |
SOBRESALIENTE |
A |
NOTABLE |
B |
APROBADO |
C |
SUSPENSO |
F |
OYENTE |
AUDIT |
NO PRESENTADO |
WITHDRAWN |
Transcripts
At the end of the program, an official transcript will be sent directly from the University of Salamanca to the address requested on the option form (to U.S. university or home address). This takes between 4 and 6 weeks.
