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IES: Salamanca, Study in Salamanca (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Jamie Weaver Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Dormitory, Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.75 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate Type of Program: Direct Enrollment, Study Center
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 2 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes Click here for a definition of this term Program-Specific Scholarships: IES PSU Scholarship
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Communications, Economics, Education, Film Studies, History, Internship, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Visual Arts
Program Description:
Visit the Global Programs COVID-19 site for the most current information on Education Abroad programming.

Overview


Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.75 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program - Some local university courses may not be available to sophomores
  • 2 semesters of college-level Spanish language or equivalent
  • Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date
  • The Spanish Department no longer permit credits from Barcelona, Salamanca, or Seville study abroad to be used toward the Spanish major. If students are currently listed as a Spanish major or might consider a possible Spanish major in the future (i.e. once they return with substantial credits from abroad), they should not plan for these locations. Students minoring in Spanish are also discouraged from studying abroad at these locations.
     

Program Description 

All students take an IES Abroad-taught Spanish language course. Students with four semesters or more of college-level Spanish may opt to take all of their area studies courses in Spanish for a true language immersion experience. Students with two to three semesters of college-level Spanish may opt to take all of their area studies courses in English or to challenge themselves by taking one of these courses in Spanish. All students, regardless of prior semesters of Spanish, have the option to take English- or Spanish-taught courses at our local partner universities, the Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) and Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA).

Regardless of your major, you may combine your interests in linguistic and cultural proficiency with your academic pursuits. You can contribute to a local organization by participating in an education internship in the spring semester or, if you have advanced Spanish language skills, a service learning experience at a local not-for-profit organization in
the fall semester.

Dates

Fall: late August - mid December
Spring: mid January - mid May

Refer to the IES Abroad website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Combine the atmosphere of a university town and the charming hospitality of a small city and you have Salamanca. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Salamanca is the most important university city in Spain and is known for its contributions to Spanish language education. If exploring a bigger metropolitan city and connecting to a major international airport for travels throughout Spain and beyond interest you, travel to Madrid on the new high-speed train in just 90 minutes.

The IES Abroad Salamanca Center is located in the core of the city, near the Plaza Mayor and the historic campuses of the Universidad de Salamanca and Universidad Pontificia.

Features include:
  • Modern facility
  • Wireless Internet access
  • A student lounge and study area
  • A small library
  • A computer lab

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Communications, Economics, Education, Film Studies, History, Internship, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Visual Arts

Course Listings

To find courses on the IES Salamanca program, follow the instructions on the IES Abroad website under "Academics."

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on IES Abroad's website before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with IES Abroad

Program-specific Course Information

Students normally take 15-19 credits per semester (5-6 courses), and all IES Abroad courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. Courses are taught in both English and Spanish.

Craft your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 5 or 7 credits)
  • IES Abroad area studies courses (3 credits each)
  • IES Abroad Spanish language workshops (1 credit each)
  • Courses at partner universities in English or Spanish* (optional, 1.5-4 credits)
    • Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) courses in Spanish (1.5–4 credits)
    • Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA) courses (1.5–4 credits)
  • Education Internship placement and seminar in English or Spanish (optional, 3 credits, Spring only)
  • Service Learning placement and seminar in Spanish (optional, 3 credits, Fall only)
*If a student finds an English-taught course at either of the partner institutions that they would like to take but is not listed on IES Abroad's website, they can contact IES to request that the course's syllabus be reviewed for them to take through this program. This process takes some time, so students are encouraged to begin this process early.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 19 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A  A
A-  A-
B+  B+
B  B
B-  B-
C+  C+
C  C
D  D
F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits per course  3 credits per course 

 

Housing and Meals

Housing and Meals

Homestays
  • Live with a local resident(s) in your own private room and receive three meals a day while the program is in session.
Residence Halls
  • All rooms are singles with an en-suite bathroom and a shared kitchenette. The residence hall features a weight room, laundry facilities, computer lab, study area, and game room. IES Abroad provides you with 7 meals per week. You'll receive a meal card to use in various university dining halls. Placement in the residence hall is limited.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs*

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

*Students choosing to study for an Academic Year on an IES program will receive a tuition reduction on their spring semester bill. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

Students studying on IES Abroad programs are eligible to apply for IES funding opportunities. Learn more on IES Abroad's scholarships website.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

IES Abroad Country-Specific Diversity and Access Resources: Spain

Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. IES Abroad offers students comprehensive resources specific to their host city and country. Please visit the IES Abroad Spain - Diversity Resources website for valuable information on the following:
  • Day-to-Day Life in Spain
  • Dietary Concerns
  • Diverse Racial, Ethnic, & National Identity
  • Gender Identity, Gender Expression, & Sexual Orientation
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Disability Resources & Mental Health Support

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

Social Media

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Academic Year 2021-2022 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Fall 2021 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Spring 2022 09/10/2021
** 		Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Fall 2022 03/01/2022 03/11/2022 TBA TBA
Academic Year 2022-2023 03/01/2022 03/11/2022 TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed