Study Abroad in Salamanca: Academics

Four levels of Spanish are available to students: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Superior. Course level is determined by a placement exam given on arrival in Salamanca regardless of previous experience with the language. All classes are held in the morning. Recommended credits are shown in parentheses for 4- and 6-week programs; 15 class hours equal one semester credit.

4-week students have 3 hours of Spanish class a day, 5 days a week for a total 60 hours of class equivalent to 4 credits. The program for 6-week students consists of 4 hours daily for a total of 120 hours in 6 weeks, equivalent to 8 credits.

Once summer school has started, students have 3 days to change language level (or options for those students above elementary level). AIFS staff will liaise with the University on behalf of students. The change of level is free. There is a fee of 45 euros for the option change, which is paid directly to the University (a reminder of this will be included in the first newsletter received during the program in Salamanca).

Class attendance

Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the classes is required for the Certificate of the University of Salamanca.

Evaluation

60% of the final grade will be based on the result of the final exam; 20% will be based on daily active participation during class conversations. The other 20% will depend on a partial exam. The maximum number of students per classroom is 14.

Grades

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

The system of grades in Spain is different than in the U.S. The transcript will show the grade for every class in Spanish and in parentheses the equivalent U.S. grade as follows:

Spain
U.S.
SOBRESALIENTE
A
NOTABLE
B
APROBADO
C
SUSPENSO
F
OYENTE
AUDIT
NO PRESENTADO
WITHDRAWN

Transcripts

Transcripts are issued by the University of Salamanca and are sent directly to the student’s home institution at the end of the program. This takes between 4 and 6 weeks.