Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | February 1, 2026 | February 14, 2026 | Tentative - July 1, 2026 | Tentative - July 30, 2026 |
About the Program
Program Highlights
- Learn about Spanish history and culture on site!
- Study the at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain
- Stay with a host family
- Experience hundreds of years of Spain's rich history and visit iconic sites such as the world’s largest cathedral, Sevilla, and Toledo
- Optional activity: See a flamenco show
- Roll up your sleeves and learn to cook typical dishes such as pisto manchego, paella, and tortilla de patata
- Fulfill liberal education requirements
Program Overview
Location: Salamanca, Spain and additional excursions (Andalucia and Toledo)
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to study in Spain! Spend this short-term, six-credit, month-long study abroad program exploring the beautiful World Heritage City of Salamanca and study at the prestigious, 800-year-old University of Salamanca, founded in 1218.
The history of the city dates back to the Celts and Romans and is deemed to be among the most impressive Renaissance cities in Europe. Salamanca's unique appearance is enhanced by the golden hue of its sandstone buildings. The Plaza Mayor is among the largest and loveliest in the country.
During this program, you will embark on two excursions throughout Spain and several field trips within Salamanca. All excursions are guided by professors of Hispanic Studies, Art, Art History, and European History. Destinations may include the culturally diverse Andalucía and the historical city of Toledo.
You’ll experience and learn about Spanish daily culture by living with a host family and receiving instruction from both the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Salamanca faculty. This will include daily language classes and electives. You’ll have the opportunity to attend concerts, explore exhibits and partake in daily cultural events. Get ready to immerse yourself in the Spanish language while observing local customs, enjoying delicious tapas, and strolling around the city’s Plaza Mayor. This opportunity to study abroad in Spain is surely one you’ll cherish forever!
Activities and excursions are subject to change. Final itinerary details will be provided closer to the departure date.
Academics
Enroll in the Spanish Language and Culture course for this summer study abroad program.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Four semesters of college Spanish or the completion of Intermediate II (SPAN 1202), or equivalent
Spanish Language & Culture in Salamanca, Spain (ILSA/SPAN 3894), 6 credits
Course Topics:
- Instruction by the University of Minnesota Duluth and University of Salamanca faculty (80 hours in class)
- Two hours of language instruction daily
- Additional classes in literature, history, cinema, language, and/or art history daily
- Participation at concerts, exhibits, museums, and daily cultural events
- Completing certain tasks, e.g., holding a conversation with a Spaniard about politics, ordering, and bartering at a local market, and traveling on public transportation
- Maintaining a diary/journal and submitting for credit
- Completion of a five-page paper
This course is approved to count for:
- Elective for Hispanic Studies or Spanish Studies major/minor
- Liberal Education: Global Perspective category
Cost Information
Use this cost estimate to help calculate expenses and budget for your study abroad program. This includes all program fees billed to your UMD student account and necessary out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. We will post final fees once enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Winter and Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic Year programs. This cost does not include the $50 application fee.
If more students apply, a cost reduction is likely. Final cost estimates are posted closer to the program departure; costs vary each year.*
Please note this estimate does not account for unexpected expenses such as mid-program quarantine. Students can learn more about their host country requirements by visiting the State Department website. Students should also refer to the required On Call International to see what is covered in the event a traveler needs medical attention or tests positive for COVID-19.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Scholarships are available!
- Financial aid applies! Share the cost estimate with One Stop Student Services to understand how your financial aid can contribute to your study abroad program.
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Travel Documents
Get a passport right on campus! Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks to a few months to receive one. If you already have a passport, make sure its expiration date goes at least 6 months beyond the end date of your program so it's valid the entire time you're abroad.
Contact
Program Instructors
Maureen Tobin Stanley, PhD is a Professor of Spanish Studies at UMD. She has many published works centered on Spanish language and culture and is currently developing research projects about the post war period following the Spanish Civil War.
UMD College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Dept. of World Languages & Cultures
475 Humanities
218-726-8337
[email protected]
Study Abroad Instructor-Led Program Coordinator
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Instructor-Led: Spanish Language and Culture - Summer Session;
and the - Term (e.g. Summer 2026)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
