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SALAMANCA PROGRAM ONSITE HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FACULTY & STAFF        1

THE WFU “CENTRO”        2

PERSONAL SAFETY & CONDUCT        2

ACADEMICS        3

MEETINGS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES        5

ACADEMIC GROUP TRAVEL        5

PERSONAL TRAVEL        6

HEALTH INSURANCE        6

LIVING WITH HOST FAMILIES        7

RESIDENCE HALLS / DORMS        8

SMARTPHONES        9

IMPORTANT OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS        10

MAP OF SALAMANCA        11

FACULTY & STAFF

Studying abroad is exciting but it’s also very challenging. There are three onsite staff/faculty to help you throughout the semester:

  • Javier García Garrido, Onsite Director
  • Fernando Díaz Gil, Cultural Director
  • Irma Alarcón, Resident Professor (Fall 2025)

Key information:

  • The Onsite Director manages logistical aspects of the program, including housing, trips, the WFU Center, and internship placements.
  • The Cultural Director co-teaches SPA 304 and leads cultural aspects of the Program, including academic tours, co-curricular activities, and tutoring.
  • The Resident Professor (RP) co-teaches SPA 304 and directs the academic aspects of the Program, including classes and internships.

Tips

  • If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to the onsite faculty and staff promptly. They are familiar with the difficulties you may face, and they can help you understand cultural differences.
  • If you get tired and lapse into English, expect faculty and staff to help you back into Spanish. They´re here to support your immersion.

Policies

  1. Onsite faculty and staff need to sleep. Call after hours (11pm-7:30am) only in a true emergency.
  2. Direct any parental concerns to David Taylor or Jessica Francis (Office of GPS).

THE WFU “CENTRO”

The Wake Forest Centro is a private academic space reserved for members of the WFU community for the purpose of studying, Spanish immersion, and social connection. More information can be found here.

Key information:

  • Hours: Open weekdays from 9:00am-9:00pm. Closed on weekends and Spanish Holidays (October 12, November 1, December 6 & 8, Spring Break, April 23, May 1, June 12). A reminder bell to leave the Centro will begin sounding at 8:40 p.m.
  • Internet: Connect to “Eduroam” and login using your WFU credentials.
  • Printer: Find at  https://salamanca.wfu.edu/printer The printer won't work if you are connected with a VPN (Cisco anyconnect or others).
  • Entering: Use the TEDEE app to unlock the door. The TEDEE app logs entries.

Tips

  • Print papers in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute.
  • Plan ahead your study for finals since the Centro is closed on weekends and keep your planner up to date.
  • Make an effort to spend time outside of the Centro.
  • Take care of the space. Turn off lights and make sure the air conditioning is turned off before leaving for the weekend.

Policies

  1. Use of English in the Centro is prohibited. With one warning, Centro privileges will be suspended for one week. With two warnings, Centro privileges will be suspended for a month. With three warnings, Centro privileges will be suspended permanently. During suspended privileges, students will be allowed to enter the WFU Center to attend classes or mandatory meetings.
  2. Doors must be kept open at all times. Exceptions: the silent study room or other rooms when a video is being screened in the living room.
  3. The kitchen may be used for preparing tea and coffee, but not for cooking food.
  4. Sleeping, smoking, drinking or storing alcoholic beverages in the Centro is prohibited.
  5. Admittance to the Centro is limited to WF students and their family members.
  6. Students are responsible for any damage that might occur in the Centro due to negligence.

PERSONAL SAFETY & CONDUCT

Salamanca is a mid-sized university city with a low crime rate. In bigger cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla, you are more susceptible to petty crimes and robbery. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of your safety and surroundings at all times and keep your wits about you.

Key Information

  • Safety Apps: The Wake Safe App gives you easy access to Campus Police: https://police.wfu.edu/safety/wake-safe-app/. WFU also partners with Crisis24 Horizon to provide responsive risk mitigation services. Download and install the Crisis24 Horizon mobile app on your smartphone.
  • WFU’s 24/7 Hotline Number is 1-312-894-3199.
  • Additional important phone numbers and addresses, including those of onsite faculty and staff, the doctor, the American Embassy, a taxi service, and Sanitas health insurance, can be found at this link and right in your WhatsApp group information.

Tips

  • Store the Hotline number (1-312-894-3199) in your phone.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash/credit cards on your person or wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Don’t carry cash or your wallet in your back pocket. Opt for a crossbody bag that can be worn diagonally from shoulder to hip.
  • For identification, carry your student ID or a photocopy of your passport. Leave your original passport in your baggage, secured safely in your hotel, dorm, or homestay.
  • Refrain from walking or running alone after dark. If you find yourself alone at night, take a cab. They are inexpensive in Salamanca (5-10€).
  • Drink responsibly. Know your limits and stick to them.
  • Practice active consent. The absence of a “no” does not mean “yes.”
  • Ignore beggars or gypsies who try to give you things. Distraction leaves you open to theft.

Policies

  1. Social drinking is legal. Alcohol misbehavior is not. With a first warning, GPS and your parents will be notified. With a second warning, you will be dismissed from the Program.
  2. Drug possession is completely prohibited. Campus and Spanish laws apply. Find WFU policy at https://studentconduct.wfu.edu/honor-system-wfu/.
  3. Do not participate in high-risk events like running with the bulls. Death or permanent injury could result, and medical expenses may not be fully covered by your medical insurance.
  4. Sexual misconduct is also prohibited. Find the Student Guide to Sexual Assault & Harassment Abroad here.

The following additional resources are available to you at all times as a WFU student abroad:

Safe Office: [Confidential]
Helpline 24/7: (336) 758-5285, Benson Center 317

Student Health Service: [Confidential]

(336) 758-5218, Lower Level of Reynolds Gymnasium

University Counseling Center: [Confidential]

(336) 758-5273 After hours, contact Student Health, Reynolda 118

PREPARE Student Advocates: [Confidential]

Helpline 24/7: (336) 671-7075

Office of the Chaplain: [Confidential]

(336) 758-5017, Reynolda Hall 22

To report sexual assault in Spain


Wake Forest University Title IX Office

(336) 758-7258, Reynolda Hall 2

WFU University Police
24/7 Main Office Line: (336) 758-5591

Dean of Students: (336) 758-5226, Benson Center 139

ACADEMICS

Key Information

  • Books: WFU pays for all books. When courses begin, you will be told where to pick them up.
  • WIFI: All USAL buildings require you to connect to the EDUROAM network using your WFU account.
  • Evaluation:
  • The grading scale in Salamanca is the same as the Spanish Department’s on Wake Forest Campus:

93-100 = A

90-92 = A-

88-9 = B+

83-87 = B

80-82 = B-

78-9 = C+

73-77 = C

70-72 = C-

68-69 = D+

63-67 = D

60-62 = D-

< 60 = F

  • Evaluations of class participation will consider your class behavior and attitude (see class participation rubrics).
  • Daily homework checks and quizzes are less common in Spanish university courses than in American ones. The norm is a midterm, a final, and several essays.

  • Your USAL account username will be your email address (example: i_c000000@usal.es; you can find yours below your picture on your USAL ID card).
  • Your passport number will be your password.
  • Use your USAL credentials to access the USAL Canvas, called STUDIUM can be accessed here with http://studium.usal.es/
  • Make sure that you log into your USAL account to activate it. It must be done at least once before classes start. Please let us know immediately if you are unable to log in.

Tips

  • To avoid plagiarizing, cite your sources when quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing works (print or online) by other authors.
  • To avoid cheating and deception, do not use tutors, friends, collaborators, contractors, translators, grammar checks, or artificial intelligence generators for work that must be your own.
  • Please review the Planned Activities sheet (see last page) and kindly add the dates to your calendar.

Policies

  • Courses are offered on an as-needed basis. Add/drop, once registered in WIN, is generally not permitted.
  • Enrollment in on-campus online (English language) courses is not permitted.
  • Accommodations will be made once documentation is provided from CLASS.  Please note that not all CLASS/WFU accommodations can be met while abroad. Speak early and often with your RP about any new CLASS accommodations.
  • The Salamanca Program follows the Class Attendance policy listed in the WF Bulletin:
  • Regular attendance is vital in a language immersion program.
  • While attendance is mandatory, in recognition of the fact that you may occasionally suffer minor illness or other conflicts, a maximum of two absences from classes, extracurricular activities, or academic trip days (whether partial or full) are permitted without any reduction in your grade.
  • Each absence after the second will bring your attendance below 100% and will result in a decrease of two points on the final grade for the class.
  • ONLY In the case of a HOSPITALIZATION or SERIOUS PROLONGED ILLNESS, the professor may provide accommodation. Send documentation of hospitalization / doctor’s multiple-day bed rest orders to your semester RP, who will communicate with your professors.
  • Tardiness may be considered absenteeism.
  • Internships require full participation through the last day of classes.
  • Students missing 20% or more of total course hours may be removed from the course or the program (reviewed on a case-by-case basis).

  • Deadlines and times are firm. Late papers, presentations, missed exams, will be marked down 30% per day late.
  • Changes will not be made to the final exam schedule.
  • The Wake Forest Undergraduate Honor Code prohibits “plagiarism, stealing, cheating, and deception.” In academic terms, this means turning in, as your own, wording, text, or ideas that are not your own. Plagiarism (presenting, as your own, wording or ideas that are not your own) will result in a grade of 0. Any sign of plagiarism, stealing, cheating or deception will be regarded as a violation of the Honor Code and will be awarded a grade of 0 and submission to the Judicial Council.
  • Assistance from tutors or other native speakers is permitted but they are not to help you do assignments to be turned in for a grade. Doing so will constitute an infraction of the Honor Code.
  • Students may be asked to explain or reproduce, in person, any assignment that they turn in. Failure to do so may result in sanctions, including a grade of zero or reporting to the Honor Council.
  • Academic Complaints must follow WFU process.
  • Complaints must be filed by students, not parents. Complaints must be directed first to the professor, then to the RP/Program director, then to CAA.
  • Parental complaints may only be directed to David Taylor or Jessica Francis (Office of GPS)

MEETINGS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Throughout the semester, there will be several required meetings and several cultural activities in and around Salamanca. Some are already scheduled; others will be announced at a later date. Some of the activities will help to get you in contact with native speakers.

Key Information:

  • Email/WhatsApp: This is how Salamanca Program information, meetings, and activities will be communicated to you.

Tips

  • Check your email and WhatsApp regularly and respond promptly.
  • Use the program Google Calendar to view the planned activities. We will provide real-time updates.

Policies

  1. Punctuality is required. The group will depart after 10 minutes (also on group trips). If you fail to appear on time, you will need to find a way to join the group on your own and at your own expense.

ACADEMIC GROUP TRAVEL

SPA 304 includes mandatory trips to other parts of Spain. These trips serve as the basis for an important component of the course, which is a series of cultural reflection assignments.

Key Information

  • Trip Dates: Check out your program schedule here.
  • Hotel Roommates: The roommate you choose for the first trip will remain your roommate on subsequent trips.
  • WIFI: The program has a backup 4g router. To connect to its “Deacon-Beacon” network use this password: WFUov3rs3as.
  • Take your original passport with you.

Tips

  • Copy the trip dates to your calendar and plan any personal trips around academic trip dates.
  • Remember to bring your passport, USAL ID card, and your Covid-19 vaccination card.
  • Only take your passport out of your secured luggage if you need it. Use a photocopy instead if possible.

Policies

  1. SPA 304 sets the attendance policy for the trips.
  2. Private travel to or from the academic start or endpoint of a group trip is permitted. Students should be sure to fill out a WFU Independent Travel Form.
  3. Non-program participants are not permitted on WFU group transportation or on WFU group tours or programmed activities.
  4. Bus departure times are firm. The end-of-program shuttle from Salamanca to the airport in Madrid must depart as scheduled even if flight times change.

PERSONAL TRAVEL

Students are permitted to travel independently on dates that do not interfere with classes or Program academic trips.

Key Information

  • Take your original passport with you every time you leave Salamanca.
  • Only take your passport out of your secured luggage if you need it. Use a photocopy instead if possible.

Tips

  • You can conveniently find the independent Travel form link in the group Whatsapp information tab.
  • Remember to bring your passport and your Covid-19 vaccination card. 
  • If you lose your passport, contact the US embassy immediately.
  • Ask Fernando or Javier for travel recommendations. Their experience across Europe is vast!
  • Check out the interesting, short trips in Spain on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wfsalamanca/.

Policies

  1. Don’t plan personal trips during program academic trips.
  2. WFU requires students to share their personal travel itinerary in advance when spending the night away from program housing in the independent Travel form. Every student traveling is required to fill out this form as soon as possible, but always before leaving.

HEALTH INSURANCE


WFU issues GeoBlue International Insurance (https://members.geobluestudents.com/) for students abroad.

Key Information

  • Coverage: All general medical expenses are covered by GeoBlue insurance. No copay! Visit the Student member guide for more information.
  • Always ask for an appointment through WhatsApp in English https://wa.me/+34620284142 or call them:
    +34-620-28-41-42 (Santísima Trinidad Hospital – Paseo de Carmelitas, 84).
  • 24/7 Insurance Coordination with GeoBlue for you. You will avoid all the paperwork.
  • Personalized Medical Assistance
  • Continuous Medical Follow-up
  • On-site interpreters
  • In-House Medical Service
  • Some Salamanca students may have shadowing medical internships with Dr. Cuadrado. He is very talented and has treated many WFU students over the years. It is recommended to visit this doctor whenever possible (Mon-Thu: 4.30-7.30pm) located in Clinica Mencía (Calle Ronda del Corpus, 41) and is also included in GeoBlue.
  • There are several public hospitals and clinics in Salamanca that are not covered without an appointment and direct pay set up with GeoBlue. If you go to one of these hospitals or clinics, make sure to call GeoBlue first or you will need to pay in front.
  • Telehealth: Through GeoBlue, individuals can request a phone call or video consultation remotely with a provider, with most requests occurring the same day or within 24 hours, at no cost. Mental health professionals are also available through this service. Most providers can prescribe needed medications to a local pharmacy, where covered individuals can pay up front and submit a claim to GeoBlue for reimbursement. Some prescriptions from Telehealth may not be accepted in Spanish pharmacies. Check the GeoBlue app!
  • Emergencies on site: As with general consultations, If you need to go to the Emergency room at the Hospital Santisima Trinidad it’s easier to contact them first through WhatsApp in English https://wa.me/+34620284142 or call them +34-620-28-41-42. They will be of great help, and it’s completely free for you:
  • Non-Emergencies on site: GeoBlue: Contact GeoBlue agents to locate an in-network healthcare provider with direct pay by GeoBlue: https://wa.me/+34620284142 
  • Assistance with culture shock or mental health: If you are experiencing cultural shock and need a mental health professional, we encourage you to

The worst thing you can do when going through culture shock is to isolate yourself. We are here for you too.

Tips

  • If you’re feeling sick, you don’t need a doctor’s appointment to visit Doctor Cuadrado. Seek help when you need it.
  • If you need immediate health assistance WhatsApp the GeoBlue agent at the hospital: https://wa.me/+34620284142  
  • Tag your GeoBlue insurance info in your email.
  • Keep the information provided on the Health Form up-to-date. If you need to add information about your health, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
  • All the health information that you provided on the Health Form will be treated confidentially. If for any reason we need to review that form, we expect it to be reliable and updated.
  • Jet lag, fatigue, and new food schedules can lead to gastroenteritis, also called the ‘stomach bug’. It is a very contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, fever and stomach pain.
  • The symptoms are usually mild and are not life threatening. They usually resolve in about 24h.
  • If you develop symptoms rest your stomach (nothing to eat or drink) until at least an hour has passed since you last vomited/diarrhea.
  • Once your stomach is ready, follow a bland diet, avoiding anything spicy or greasy, limiting citrus or tomato-based foods, and avoiding alcohol or other substances.
  • Students experiencing persistent, severe vomiting or diarrhea should seek medical care.
  • With gastroenteritis, the most effective way to stop the spread is to practice good handwashing and personal hygiene. Do not share food or beverage with others. Get adequate rest and hydration.”

LIVING WITH HOST FAMILIES

Key Information

  • Daily contact with your Spanish family will be one of the most important parts of your immersion in the language and culture. Here are some tips for a good relationship, some courtesy reminders, and some expectations you should hold.

Tips

  • Talk to your family members from the very beginning. Get to know their dynamic and their ways of doing things.
  • If you don’t understand something, ask them to repeat. They’re used to non-native speakers.
  • Avoid comparing your own host family with those of your peers. Every family is different.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to become part of your host family. They’re hoping you will.

  • Courtesies for Living with a Host Family
  • Turn lights off when you are not using them. Electricity in Spain is very expensive.
  • Take short showers. Water is also expensive, and Spain often suffers from drought.
  • Help your family out by separating your laundry into colors and whites.
  • Try any dish at least once. If you don’t like it, tell your family – otherwise, they will keep preparing it for you. If you do like it, tell your family! They’ll be very glad to fix it for you again.
  • Work out a plan to take turns showering. Homes may only have one bathroom.
  • Let your host family know if you plan to miss a meal.
  • Your family will clean your room. If you prefer not to have your things handled, let them know and clean it yourself.
  • Ask permission before inviting visitors. Spaniards don’t typically invite friends into their homes. They socialize outside of the home.
  • Wear slippers around the house. Spaniards don’t generally go barefoot indoors.
  • No alcohol will be permitted in your host homes unless offered by your family.

Policies

  1. Visitors are not allowed to spend the night.
  2. Having/keeping/hiding alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs in your room is prohibited.
  3. You are not allowed to invite anyone to any meal at your homestay.
  4. Expectations of Your Host Family
  • The family will not house other English-speaking students.
  • The family will provide you with a private room.
  • There should be no smoking indoors if you asked for a non-smoking family.
  • Any dietary needs you specified on your housing form will be met.
  • Internet service will be available 24/7.
  1. Issues
  • If any problems arise, inform Javier as soon as possible. Problems are often caused by misunderstandings that can be easily solved by communicating. In rare instances, a change may be made in your accommodations. Changes may only be made with the permission of the program director. All accommodations must be properly approved.

RESIDENCE HALLS / DORMS

The residence hall includes a cafeteria, an exercise room, laundry facilities, a game and social room, study space, and more.

Key Information

  • Laundry: Students are responsible for their own laundry. There will be coin washing machines and dryers in the residence halls at your disposal. Irons and ironing boards can also be found in the washrooms.
  • WIFI: Residence Halls have free WIFI and a personal landline in each room. Residents will be charged at the end of every month for the calls they make.
  • Linens: The Residence Halls will provide sheets, blankets, and pillows, but students will need to provide their own towels.
  • Meal Plans: Included in the Immersion program. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided. At each meal, there will be three options, but these choices are not guaranteed to meet all special dietary needs and preferences. Each meal will consist of two courses, bread, dessert and water. Students are not to share meal plans.
  • Example of meals schedule (double check the meal times in your dorm):
  • Breakfast: Monday-Friday: 7:30-9:30 AM / Saturdays: 8:30-11:00 AM / Sundays and festivities:   9:00-11:00 AM
  • Lunch: Monday-Friday: 1:30-3:30 PM / Weekends: 2:00-3:30 PM
  • Dinner: 9:00-10:30 PM
  • Room Appliances: Small toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers are permitted.
  • Cleaning Service: Some dorms include a cleaning service. Students can refuse to have their rooms cleaned for a maximum of 3 days.

Policies

  1. Residents must respect dorm quiet hours (usually 12:00 AM - 7:30 AM)
  2. The following are strictly prohibited in the Residence Halls:
  1. Use and possession of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
  2. Parties
  3. Pets
  4. Loud noise and music
  5. Blocking windows or doors
  6. Pushpins and wall adhesives
  7. switching assigned rooms
  1. Damage to the Dorm and its property will be charged to the responsible student(s).
  2. Dorms are to be locked upon exiting. Students are responsible for their own belongings.
  3. To enter the room of another student while s/he is away, you must have written permission or be accompanied by a dorm authority.
  4. Appropriate dress is required in the dorm. Pajamas/underwear are not permitted outside of the room.
  5. Outside visitors may not spend the night or stay for meals.
  6. Breaking the Residence Hall Rules will result in disciplinary action by the University of Salamanca in which WFU cannot intervene.

SMARTPHONES

The Center for Global Programs and Studies requires that you have a cellphone while abroad. It must, at minimum, be capable of receiving text messages and making/receiving phone calls in case of emergencies.

Key Information

  • Cell Phone Plans: Non-nationals rarely are allowed to have a Spanish cell phone contract or data plan, so your options are limited to a prepaid phone/data plan. If you keep your American phone number, you are forcing Spanish callers to pay a much higher fee to contact you without WhatsApp.
  • Spanish Cell Providers for SIMs with data for purchase in Spain: You2Call, FreedomPop, Simyo, Suop, Tuenti
  • Making International Calls:
  • To Spain: Dial the international access code of the country you’re in (011 or + from the US or Canada, 00 or + if you’re calling from Europe), then Spain’s country code (34) and the local number. To call the WFU Center (923 21 24 66) from the US, you would dial “011- 34 - 923 21 24 66” or just “+34 - 923-21 24 66”
  • From Spain: Dial the international code (“00” or “+” from Spain), then the country code of the country you’re calling (1 for USA), then the number you’re calling. To call the WF Center for Global Studies (336-758-5938) from Spain, dial “00 -1 - 336 - 758 - 5938” or just “+1 - 336 - 758 - 5938”

Tips

  • Sign up for a data plan. A data plan will enable you to use WhatsApp, the best way in Spain for you to communicate with the program directors and other students if you keep your US number.
  • Familiarize yourself with the fees that you can be charged for international calls. These are dependent upon your phone company and your personal plan.
  • Look into international plans – most phone companies in the US can offer you special plans for your stay in Europe at very reasonable prices.
  • Remember, receiving calls in Spain on a Spanish phone number is always free.

Policies

  1. Students must keep their smartphones on and be attentive to calls and messages.

IMPORTANT OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Key information:

 https://salamanca.wfu.edu/official-documents 

Important Documents:

MAP OF SALAMANCA