Join us in Salamanca, Spain in Summer 2024!
May 11th - June 8th, 2024 (dates tentative)
NOTE: Most of the details on this webpage are from the Summer 2023 Faculty-Led Study Abroad. As you enjoy hearing from your fellow classmates on their experience in Spain, please know that we will be updating this page for the 2024 FLSA as new plans develop.
Why do I want to go to Salamanca?
It’s a beautiful, historic, college town located in northwest Spain. The population is around 160,000. It’s full of cultural activities, restaurants, museums, and churches. You’ll have three hours per day of small-group Spanish language classes, and an hour of class per day with an NMU Spanish professor. Afternoons and evenings are mostly free for exploring the city, hanging out with friends, drinking café con leche and enjoying the atmosphere. We'll also take a weekend trip. You’ll love it!
Credits
How many credits in Spanish will I earn?
Eight (8): 4 credits with an NMU professor, 4 credits of intensive Spanish taught by local instructors from the renowned Universidad de Salamanca, which was founded in 1218.
Is there a prerequisite?
Yes: Successful completion of Spanish 202 (or instructor permission.)
Will the credits count toward a Spanish major or minor?
Yes!
Fees
What is the program fee?
TBD. Previously, the program fee was in the mid $2000s and we hope it remains around that amount. NOTE: this is a very low fee, compared to other study-abroad programs at NMU.
What is included in the program fee?
- Room, meals, and laundry (!) with a family in Salamanca
- At least one day trip outside of Salamanca and two guided excursions in Salamanca
- Transport to and from the Madrid airport
What is NOT included in the program fee?
- Airfare from the US to Madrid
- Eight (8) credits of NMU tuition
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, evening tapas, etc.)
- International cell phone plan
Activities
Interested in your opportunities outside of the classroom? Check out the images + journal entries below from your fellow NMU students as they explored during their 2023 Salamanca FLSA:
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El Parque de los Jesuitas está ubicado afuera del este de Salamanca vieja y es conocido por el follaje y la tranquilidad. Este parque es un excelente lugar para dar un paseo, y también tiene otras características de interés. Durante la siesta, es el momento perfecto para leer porque es cuando el parque está en su punto más tranquilo. Incluso en ese momento todavía se puede escuchar el parloteo mecánico de los urracas. Si eres alguien que te gusta ver las personas, hay un pequeño café al aire libre donde puedes tomar una cerveza de Mahou Cinco Estrellas mientras la gente pasa. Si sucede que trajiste tú mejor amigo con cuatro patas, hasta hay un parque de perros donde los perros pueden correr sin correa o intentar la agilidad. Si eres un ornitólogo ávido, el parque es ideal para descubrir las aves locales. Además de los urracas, encontrarás palomas del tamaño de calabazas, patos Mallard, y patos Pekin. Si estás buscando cómo hacer ejercicio en poco tiempo pero no quieres pagar para entrar al gimnasio, el parque tiene su propio equipo de gimnasio que es completamente gratis para usar. Si alguna vez estás en Salamanca, toma el tiempo para pasar por El Parque de Los Jesuitas.
El Parque de los Jesuitas, or the Park of the Jesuits, located just outside the eastern side of Old Salamanca is known for its greenery and tranquility. This park is a great place to take a walk, and it also contains many other features of interest. During siesta time, it is the perfect place to read as that is when the park is at its quietest. Even then, you’ll still hear the mechanical chatter of the magpie, or el urraca to the Spainiards. If you’re a people watcher, there’s a quaint outdoor cafe where you can sip on a Mahou Cinco Estrellas cerveza as everyone passes by. If you happen to have brought your 4-legged best friend with you, there is even a dog park where dogs can run off leash or try their paws at agility. If you’re an avid ornithologist, el parque is ideal for finding the local aves. In addition to the magpies, you’ll see the squash-sized pigeons, mallard ducks, and the Pekin duck. If you’re looking for a quick workout but don’t want to pay for the gym, this park has its own workout equipment that is completely free to use! If you’re ever in Salamanca, take the time to stop by El Parque de Los Jesuitas.
-Bella
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Hoy tuvimos la oportunidad de ir al Museo de Arte en Salamanca. Era asombroso ver que no necesitas entender una idioma particular para sentir algo de arte; la expresión de arte subvierte cualquier idioma.
Today we had the opportunity to go to the Museum of Art in Salamanca. It was amazing to see that you don't need to understand a particular language to feel something from art; the expression of art subverts any language.
- Kata
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Visitamos el Convento de San estéban el Miercoles 17 de Mayo. Este convento no es como vieja como la Catedral vieja de Santa Maria de la sede de Salamanca, cual fue construido en el siglo 12. Había el primer convento en el siglo 13, luego destruido para construir este convento en 1524. La historia es que Cristobal Colón se quedó en el convento anterior antes de salir para las Americas con el apoyo de la Reina Isabella. Este convento es muy cerca de la plaza mayor, la universidad, y las dos catedrales de Salamanca. La arquitectura y el arte son tan hermosos y enfatizan el significado histórico de esta ciudad.
We visited the Convent of San Esteban on Wednesday, May 17. This convent is not as old as the old Cathedral of Santa Maria of the See of Salamanca, which was built in the 12 century. There was the first convent in the 13 century, then destroyed to build this convent in 1524. The story is that Christopher Columbus stayed in the former convent before leaving for the Americas with the support of Queen Isabella. This convent is very close to the main square, the university, and the two cathedrals of Salamanca. The architecture and art are so beautiful and emphasize the historical significance of this city.
-Kathryn
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After a faculty-led excursion, some of the students were walking through the Plaza Mayor, and former president Mariano Rajoy Brey happened to be there. They took a selfie with him!
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Para el Día Internacional de Los Museos, fuimos al Museo de Salamanca y veíamos antiguos artefactos romanos, arte histórico, y arte moderno de todo el mundo. Mi obra favorita era parte de la exposición temporal: “LA IMAGEN PROMISCU@“ y era una mezcla de arte renacentista y moderno.
For International Museum Day we went to the Museum of Salamanca and saw ancient Roman artifacts, historical art, and modern art from around the world. My favorite work of art was part of the temporary exhibition “LA IMAGEN PROMISCU@“ (THE PROMISCUOUS IMAGE) and was a combination of Renaissance and modern art.
-Gretchen
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Después de terminar nuestras clases de español para el día, tomamos una clase de baile juntos. En la clase de baile, aprendimos a bailar algunos estilos diferentes de flamenco. ¡Fue muy divertido! Después de la clase de baile, algunos de los estudiantes fueron a ver un hermoso concierto en la Catedral vieja.
After finishing our Spanish classes for the day, we took a dance class together. In the dance class, we learned to dance some different styles of flamenco. It was really fun! After the dance class, some of the students went to see a beautiful concert in the Old Cathedral.
-Emily
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El sábado viajamos a las ciudades de Cáceres y Mérida. Mérida fue nuestra primera parada donde exploramos un anfiteatro romano, vimos la primera iglesia cristiana en España y el Templo Romano de Diana. ¡Fue increíble poder retroceder en la historia! Luego nos fuimos a Cáceres, donde pudimos ver algunos de los rodajes de la serie House of Dragons.
On Saturday we traveled to the cities of Cáceres and Mérida. Mérida was our first stop where we explored a Roman amphitheater, saw the first Christian church in Spain, and the Roman Temple of Diana. It was amazing being able to step back into history! Next we were off to Cáceres where we got to see some of the filming of the show House of Dragons.
-Emma
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Hoy visitamos Ieronimus, una torre en la Catedral Vieja de Santa Maria de la Sede de Salamanca. Habíamos visitado este lugar más temprano en la semana, pero esta vez subimos unas escaleras más y encontramos vistas diferentes. ¡También, celebramos el cumpleaños de nuestra amiga, Katrina!
Today we visited Ieronimus, a tower of the Old Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede in Salamanca. We had visited the location earlier in the week, but this time we climbed more stairs and got some different views. We also celebrated the birthday of our friend, Katrina!
-Gabo
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Hoy visitamos una restaurante que se llama La Pulpería de Paco. Ahí disfrutamos pulpo y pimientos padrón. Después, visitamos La Plaza Mayor y había una escena hermosa con la lluvia y las luces.
Today we visited a restaurante called La Pulpería de Paco. There we enjoyed octopus y peppers. After, we visited the Plaza Mayor and it was beautiful with the rain and lights.
-Katrina
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Es el último fin de semana completo en Salamanca, y sin actividades de clase, eso significa que muchos estudiantes están aprovechando el extenso sistema ferroviario de pasajeros de España para explorar el resto de la península ibérica. El ferrocarril ofrece transporte económico, y también permite a la gente dejar huellas de carbono más pequeñas. (Increíbles vistas incluidas gratis.)
It’s the last full weekend in Salamanca, and with no class activities planned, that means many students are taking advantage of Spain’s extensive passenger rail system to explore the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. The railway provides affordable transportation, while also allowing individuals to leave smaller carbon footprints. (Awesome views are included free of charge.)
-Mason
Any questions? Contact us!
International Programs
ipo@nmu.edu (906) 227-2510Office Location:
203 Cohodas