Study Abroad | Salamanca

Housing

Included

Homestay

Living with one of our long-standing and reliable homestays is the best way to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain. The homestay experience is usually our students’ most rewarding part of their stay abroad.

• Double room
• 3 meals per day
• Weekly laundry service

Optional

Single Room in Homestay ($1,000 Spring 2025 / $TBA Fall 2025/Spring 2026)

This supplement is for the semester. Students choosing a single room in the homestay for the Early Start Program will pay an additional housing supplement of $TBA (on top of the Early Start Program fee). Please note that the availability of single rooms is limited, so students who want this option are advised to apply early.

Optional

New! STUDENT RESIDENCE (Supplement $1,595 Spring 2025/Fall 2025 and $TBA Spring 2026)

For an additional fee, you can choose to live in a co-ed student residence with Spanish and other international students, located a short walk from the AIFS office and the Cursos Internacionales university building where you’ll take classes.

Details/included services:

• Single room with private bathroom
• Weekly room cleaning
• Bedding is provided and changed weekly
• A/C and heat
• Full board (3 meals/day) with homemade food prepared on the premises
• Common areas: cafeteria, social room, study room, game room, TV room, etc.
• 24-hour reception

Room availability at the student residence is limited so students who want this option are advised to apply early.

The supplement listed is for the semester. Students wishing to live in the student residence during the Early Start Program will pay an additional housing supplement of $330 (for Spring 2025.  $TBA for Fall 2025/Spring 2026) to the above supplement (on top of the Early Start Program fee).

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Salamanca

City Facts

Geography

Salamanca is an ancient university town situated in the west of Spain in the Autonomous Community of Castilla and León.

History

It is a UNESCO World Heritage City and is home to The University of Salamanca., which dates back to 1218, and is the oldest university in Spain, and third oldest university in Europe.

Cuisine

Salamanca is known for it’s local cuisine and is considered one of Spain’s best cities for a “tapeo” or a feast of small bites and drinks.

Site Staff

AIFS in Salamanca Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Gaye Michaels

¡Hola! I have coordinated study abroad programs at the University of Salamanca since 1987 and have been working as AIFS Program Director since 1993. I received a BA from the State University of New York at Cortland, and I spent my junior and senior years of undergraduate study at the University of Salamanca. Having been a student here myself, I can truly empathize with you as Program Director and I have a genuine interest in your daily trials and tribulations, discoveries, and excitement.

The best parts of studying abroad are the self-discovery and personal growth gained by having to adjust to other traditions and cultures. I love assisting you with the adjustments — not only to your new environment but to your new selves! 

Students here are fascinated and thrilled to discover how walkable Salamanca is, how quickly they feel at home here, the golden color that the city takes on at dusk (Salamanca is referred to as the Ciudad Dorada/the Golden City), how “old” everything is, and the incredibly dynamic street life of this college town! 

So, challenge yourself. Expand your horizons. Come to Salamanca for a life-altering experience that will open your mind and will make you more self-confidant and independent! I can’t wait to guide and support you on your journey!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of activities and social events is included in your program fee. Typical activities include:

• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Guided tour of Salamanca with entrance to the cathedrals
• Tapas bar tour
• Climb the Cathedral tower
• Intercambios with Spanish students
• Spanish cooking classes
• Local fair activities in September
• Chocolate con churros
• Thanksgiving dinner
• Visits and activities of historical and cultural interest

You will also have access to the university’s own program of events and activities including films, flamenco lessons, horseback riding and hiking (for a small fee) and will have free use of the university sports facilities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Give back to the community and add a new perspective to your study abroad experience by joining our Salamanca volunteer program and helping school children to improve their English by giving English language workshops. At the end of the semester participating students will receive a certificate.