I have just finished my time in Salamanca University Programo de Estudios Hispanicos, a 7 month program of academic content and linguistics classes. It was interesting, and an excellent semester, or two semester break from regular university. It also teaches a higher than average level of spanish, as all the courses are taught IN spanish.

So,if you're thinking about this course, and you read in the literature they send you that they expect a good level of spanish already, they MEAN it. They'll put you in the classes, if your level is adecuate, but you'll struggle if you don't have a good grasp of at least some spoken fluent Spanish.Or,you'll learn. If you pick up languages quickly, this could be for you.

Its not at all a course that replaces university Spanish courses, but a form of Spanish language education for people who want to do more than grammar exercises, since the classes are taught in spanish, and essays are expected in many courses. especially literature, which could easily be the hardest of the courses. depending on the teacher, as always.You will learn geography of spain, spanish literature, partially, history, history of art... etc. If you're lucky the teacher will take into account that spanish isn't your first language. If you're not, they'll talk down to you like idiots or not modify their language at all, just teaching content as if we were first language speakers. I experienced all THREE types.

Not that I'm complaining about the lack of difficulty sometimes. Wow..I never knew a country could have so many coups, revolutions, or leaders. The details can definitely sink you, and as I said, if you don't study continuously, you msy find yourself with that sinking feeling at exam time. Linguistics is one course where you MUST keep up on assignments, and if you don't, well, good luck.

If you feel fluent in Spanish, and your language tests agree with it, theres an Integrated studies program that lets you take regular University content in Spanish. You will probably get more academic value out of it,and more pride of self for having braved the fires. There is a caveat in all this. Its one thing to take abreviated content in a foriegn language, and another to take a full academic content course in a foriegn language. If your language skills are not very good, you'll be drowned in a hurry. You can't really expect great grades unless you really have mastered academic spanish, both written and spoken. Most of the people in my program could NOT have handled a real academic load in the full university. Their reading and vocabulary skills were well, a little lacking.

Another note: In this school, they don't grade on a curve. If the entire class fails, thats just too bad. I've seen some course listings on the boards where approbado, or 60's were in the majority, with only a few rare A's. So, don't expect an easy ride, or to bring back A's to your 4.0 gpa unless your spanish truly is fluent.

Be warned, if you're from the States, their systems of teaching are a little different. They don't give much homework, BUT they expect you to be just as ready for the final exams. So, if you take the courses and play too much, you're sunk. Its a far more independent learning experience in one aspect.

So, if you have any questions, PM me.

yours,

Tortuga traveller.