University of Salamanca

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Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s B1 Spanish recommended

Agreement Scope Sociology

Exchange Places 2 full year places for 2026/27

University of Salamanca Exchange students webpage

Events and information sessions

Overview

About: Considered the oldest University in Spain and one of the oldest anywhere in the world, being founded in 1218, for eight centuries the University has sat at the heart of the city. The University is spread across 9 seperate sites in and around the city, including the historic site in the UNESCO Heritage town centre. With over 315 degree programmes taken by over 27,000 students, it is a major part of the academic landscape in Spain.

Highlights: The University reached its maximum splendour in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when it became the centre of a worldwide debate on human rights. Its Senate argued about Columbus’s project, and once America had been discovered, it argued about the right of indigenous peoples to have their rights fully recognized. It also had among its students what were probably the first female university students in the world, one of whom was the first to teach in a university.

Location: The University is spread across 4 different nearby towns in addition to the main historic campus in the centre of the city. Salamanca is only 200km west from Madrid, in the province of Castilla y Leon. You can easily reach Madrid from Salamanca by Bus or Train, and from there connect onwards to flights or High Speed Rail across Spain and beyond.

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

The University of Salamanca has programme guides you can use to get module information. Access the guides.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.

The University of Salamanca uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods:

The University of Salamanca has two semesters. One runs from the start of September to February, the other from February to June.

Once accepted, your Department coordinator will be in touch if they require you to be present before the start of the semester for induction activities.

Language: The language of instruction at the University of Salamanca is Spanish. The University of Salamanca have recommended a minimum level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Referencing Languages (CEFR).

The University offers intensive language courses at the start of each semester for an additional cost, with each course consisting of 30 hours across 3 weeks.

You can find more information on the Exchange Students Webpage.

Student experiences

Imogen, Year Abroad in Spain (2019/20)

"My experience in Madrid was incredible, I have managed to meet so many people and different types of people that I hadn't interacted with before. I also integrated myself into Spanish life, and have learnt a lot about the culture and the way of life of the people there. I have definitely gained many new experiences, not only linguistically but also in terms of experiences that I could not have experienced in England."

Kate, Year Abroad in Spain (2019/20)

"I think the experience has changed me, both in terms of my language skills but also in terms of personal growth. I think it has made me a lot more confident, not just in terms of speaking Spanish, but also speaking to people in general. I really noticed this when I came home for Christmas and was much more outgoing than I usually am- probably because I was just excited to be speaking my native language again! I think this experience has been challenging and sometimes isolating, and I'm really proud of myself for being resilient and pushing through, even when I was missing home, or had a knock to my confidence. I really learned how to bounce back after setbacks such as having a lesson where I didn't really understand anything and I felt like I had taken a step back instead of forward, and I don't think I would have experienced it in York."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Top Tips for Studying in Spain

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in Spain - Global Opportunties recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking:

Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.

Staying Connected:

Phone contracts: You can buy a pay-as-you-go SIM from most phone shops; the main providers are Orange, Movistar, Vodafone, and Yoigo plus there are also a number of smaller providers
Making plans:
- Erasmus events are a great way to meet people initially. There are often ESN Facebook pages for your destination where you can be updated with any events happening in your local area
- Going to language exchanges, meeting friends of friends, going out and learning to find your way around, talking to people who are local/previous Erasmus students/people who have been working there a few years.
- Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone either, you will thank yourself for it later.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.

Food:

Food shopping: There are several nearby supermarkets (such as Mercandona) and also hundreds of bars and restaurants and food markets in the city
On-campus: The University also offer canteen meals

Paperwork and bureaucracy:

Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible. Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help. If you are struggling with your the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host institution are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Try to relax and just ask people if you are unsure.

What I wished I'd known...

Public holidays: there are many national holidays in Spain. So be prepared as shops and transport will likely be affected on these days
Lifestyle: People in Spain tend to eat very late in the evenings, but it is because there is a siesta period in the afternoon so, shops close in the mid-afternoon

Useful links

Contact the Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

Fact Sheet Erasmus 2024-25 - USAL.pdf

Student life

Accommodation:

The University does not provide or organise any accommodation for incoming exchange students. There are both University Halls of Residence and private accommodation options within the city at various price points.

More information about the University Halls of Residence.

More information about Private Accommodation in Salamanca.

Orientation / Welcome week:

Your department will have a variety of orientation activites. You will find out more about these from the relevant centre upon induction.

Support Services:

The University has a variety of support services in place, ranging from Guidance and Cultural Activities to Going Green and Cultural Activities. You can find details for these in the Information guide on the exchange students webpage as well as information on the initial departmental meetings.

ESN Salamanca is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to help international students and collaborate in their integration.

Visas:

You may need a visa to study in Spain. If you are a UK National you must refer to the UK Government Travel Advice Page and its Living in Spain guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

There is more information on visas in the Information Guide for International Students, which you can find on the exchange students webpage.

Travel insurance:

If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.

Health insurance:

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Mobility Insurance:

The University of Salamanca has its own mandatory insurance for incoming exchange students that must be purchased, regardless of your own cover or that of the University of York. You will be sent payment instructions in your acceptance letter.

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