Study Abroad in Salamanca: Academics

This program is open to students in good standing (2.5 minimum GPA). 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 levels will be determined by a university language test.

AIFS students at the University can participate in all aspects of University life. Courses at all levels are given by University professors in Spanish unless otherwise indicated. During the fall semester, elementary students study in the Cursos Internacionales department of the University which offers courses at beginning levels. In the fall, students at the intermediate and advanced level can choose either the Modular Program or the Spanish Lanaguage and Culture Program. In the spring, students at the intermediate and advanced level take the Modular Program. Both academic programs are prepared by the Cursos Internacionales Department of the University of Salamanca. Spanish students do not attend these classes. Superior level students can take many courses offered at the University with Spanish students. See the sample list of courses at the end of this chapter.

Advanced students not in the superior level may enroll in a regular University course or two with the approval of the academic coordinator based on language ability and space availability. Please note, however, that spring semester students enrolled in regular University courses are required by the University to stay until the end of May to take their final exams.

Assessment/transcripts

All students take exams at the end of each semester. Students receive a transcript issued by the University of Salamanca with courses taken, hours and grades received.

Classes

Classes meet approximately 12 weeks during the fall; 16 during the spring. There is no exam week. Most courses meet 45 contact hours. Fall semester courses meet more hours per week so students have the same total number of hours and credits per course as spring semester students.

Course load

Between 10 and 15 credits plus orientation is recommended.

Elementary (fall only)

Orientation		4
Spanish grammar (required)		6
Three electives (maximum)		9
Total		19 credits

Intermediate and advanced

Orientation		3 (spring) or 4 (fall)
Electives (maximum)		15
Total		18 (spring) or 19 (fall) credits

Superior Level, Honors Program, or Concentrations

Orientation		3 (spring) or 4 (fall)
Spanish 417: Academic Writing (required) or, if SPA 417 is not open, Advanced Spanish 403		3
Electives (maximum)		12
Total		18 (spring) or 19 (fall) credits

January Term

For an additional fee, full year students may stay in Salamanca and study in January 2009 at the University. Since fall semester ends in December 2008, and spring semester begins at the end of January 2009, full year students may want to take this opportunity to gain three extra credits and have their housing and meals provided for them. Interested students should contact their AIFS Admissions Officer at (800) 727-2437 for details and fee. (Note: Students who chose accomodations in the student residence will be subject to space availablility.)

Literature 308: Salamanca in Literary Texts		15 hours/1 credit
Sociology 318: The Arab World in Hispanic Culture		15 hours/1 credit
Art 305: Spanish and Spanish American Cinema		15 hours/1 credit
Dance 301: Spanish Dance		15 hours/1 credit
Sociology 305: Popular Culture		15 hours/1 credit
Independent study (course number to be assigned)		45 hours/3 credits

Student advising

AIFS has sponsored an academic year program in Salamanca since 1968 and has a close relationship with the University. The AIFS academic coordinator is responsible for curriculum issues and assists students with academic counseling, exams, credit transfer and other academic matters.