Study Abroad in Salamanca: Academics

No previous Spanish study is required for the Elementary Level program in the fall. For all other programs, a minimum of 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 in orientation levels will be determined by a 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. Students at the elementary (fall only), intermediate and advanced level take classes in the Cursos Internacionales department of the University of Salamanca with other international students in a diverse, multicultural environment. (Spanish students do not take 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 level students not in the superior level may enroll in up to two regular University courses with the approval of the academic advisor 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.

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.

Classes

Classes meet approximately 12 weeks during the fall; 15 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 Level Program (fall only)

Orientation   3
Spanish 204 (required) Spanish grammar.   6
Electives (maximum)   9
Total   18 credits

Intermediate and advanced-Modular Program

Orientation   3
Electives (maximum)   15
Total   18 credits

Intermediate and advanced-Spanish Language and Culture Program (fall only)

Orientation   3
Spanish 311/321/405(required)
Spanish grammar		   6
Electives (maximum)   9
Total   18 credits

Superior level, Honors Program or Concentrations

Orientation   3
Spanish 417 (required) Academic Writing
or, if Spanish 417 is not open, Advanced Spanish 403 		  3
Electives (maximum)   12
Total   18 credits

Computer and Internet access

The AIFS office has a student computer lab and a wireless connection. Students also have free computer and Internet access as well as a wireless connection at the University of Salamanca. Additionally, the AIFS office provides students with a cybercafé supplement of 15 hours per month to allow computer access in the evenings and over the weekends when the AIFS office and the University are closed.

Student advising

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