Spain has a rich cultural heritage, a majestic blend of topographies, and internationally recognized museums and cathedrals. This country has something to offer everyone, whether you want to experience the mountainous northern region of Cataluña, the rich beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the south, or the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. Its prime location in Western Europe also makes it easy to visit bordering countries like Portugal, France, and even nearby Morocco.
Salamanca is known for being one of the top locations in the world to learn the Spanish language. It is home to the oldest university in Spain and is ISA’s first program site, where our first group of students studied abroad in 1987. As a student here, you will benefit from living in a gorgeous medieval city small enough to navigate on foot, allowing you to gain an intimate understanding of the local landscape and culture. As you explore, you'll find yourself amidst the glowing sandstone buildings that have earned Salamanca the nickname “La Ciudad Dorada” (The Golden City).
Salamanca is an enticing location for service-learners who seek an immersive Spanish experience with authentic local culture. Salamanca is a small, college city that is very active during the spring and fall semesters but much quieter during the summer as many organizations and local shops are closed in August. You can find service-learning opportunities within community development, education, environment, family and youth development, and health. Our unique partnership with the Salamanca City Council opens the door to over 80 additional non-profits serving the local community. You can request a specific field during the interview and advising session, after acceptance into the program.
Housing Details
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Spanish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Uncovering the uniqueness of your neighborhood and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
Homestay
Homestays are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays provide three meals a day (except on ISA excursion days) and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may be available for an additional fee.
Student residence
The student residence (residencia in Spanish) is similar to a small dorm and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The residencia houses Spanish and international students, giving you the opportunity to meet Spaniards and practice your language skills. Three meals per day are included, as well as laundry service once per week. Students will share a room with another ISA student but have the option of paying extra to secure an individual room. A $300 housing deposit is required from students choosing this option. ISA may retain some, or all, of the housing deposit in the case of damage to property.
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Excursions & Cultural Activities
Excursions
Starting Summer 2024, full-time service-learning programs will include organized ISA excursions. Included excursions will depend on the length and dates of the program. All of our Salamanca programs include the Bridging Cultures Orientation excursion in Madrid and Toledo.
For participants enrolled in a Study + Service-Learning combo program, excursions are also included in the program fee. Excursions include transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast for all overnight excursions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are included in all programs. The ISA resident staff develops unique cultural activities throughout your program to showcase what makes their city special. These custom-designed activities invite you to learn about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Cultural activities may include city tours, museum visits, sporting events, dance classes, cooking lessons, art and cultural festivals, and more.
Please visit the ISA website for a complete list of excursions and cultural activities in Salamanca.
