Letra Hispánica
School of Spanish language and hispanic cultures.

In the last two years (2008 and 2009), out of the 19 students who took the DELE, 15 of them passed (79%).

Accredited or Associate Centers:

• Meet certain quality standards in the teaching of Spanish.
• Meet the legal requirements for carrying out teaching activities.
• Have adequate teaching resources.
• Have a properly qualified and trained teaching team.
• Have a teaching plan guaranteeing satisfactory progress.
• Advertise only services that are genuinely offered.
• Set a maximum number of students per class.
• Issue certificates.
• Outline course and supplementary services fees clearly.
• Address complaints.

The Instituto Cervantes carries out periodic inspections and renews accreditation permits every two years. Only Accredited and Associate Centers may use Instituto Cervantes logos:

Letra Hispánica is Accredited Center by the Instituto Cervantes.

Inviting Salamanca. With a population of 170,000, Salamanca is a safe and peaceful city. The old city can be traversed from one side to the other in 30 minutes, where you will encounter an open and friendly local population. As Cervantes, who knew the city well, wrote: “Everyone who experiences the peace of Salamanca is enchanted, and must return to her.”

Collegiate Salamanca and Salamanca by night. Known as "the Athens of Castile” and "Little Rome,” Salamanca has three universities with more than 40,000 students. The public university was founded in 1218, and has grown to encompass a city full of libraries, theatres, cinemas, galleries and much more. The city at night is a hive of student activity, which continues into the early hours of the morning with “la marcha” moving into its many clubs and bars. For a more tranquil experience there are the “la tuna” players serenading the beautiful Castilian women on their balconies, and moonlit walks through the historic Old City.

Monumental Salamanca. Salamanca’s variety and multitude of historic buildings has earned it the title of ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site.’ The local sandstone, from which the city is built, gives the name: “Salamanca, the Golden City.” Of particular interest are the magnificent Plaza Mayor, the two Cathedrals, and the innumerable convents, palaces, churches and private houses.

Salamanca and the Humanities. From the Songs of Alfonso the Wise of Castile, to Nebrija’s celebrated first Spanish Grammar, Salamanca has consistently brought Spanish letters and language together. Her streets ring with the steps and voices of Fray Luis de Leon, Fernando de Rojas, Garcilaso, the unknown author of Lazarillo del Tormes, Góngora, Esproncedo and Unamuno, Carmen Martín Gaite and Torrente Ballester, among many, many others.

The founding council, faculty and collaborators.
Are all fully qualified with a minimum bachelor’s degree and in many cases hold a Doctorate. All teaching staff are fully trained and certified in ELE, with many years teaching experience, including syllabus design and co-ordination, as well as organizing cultural events and programs for foreign students.

Founding council:

• Ada Calvo Robles, Licensed in Spanish Philology (Spanish Language & Literature), University of Extremadura. Graduate in Social Work at the University of Salamanca. Director of Cultural Activities and Professor of Public Administration.
• Alvaro García-Miguel García-Rosado, Doctor of Fine Arts, University of Salamanca. Painter and sculptor.

Collaborators:

• Francisco Bautista Pérez, Phd. Spanish literature and language. Professor of the Dept. of Spanish and Hispanic Literature, University of Salamanca. Essayist.
• José Luis Dader García, Phd. Information Science, University of Navarra, Professor, Universidad Complutense, Madrid. Essayist.
• Andrés Catalán, B.A. Spanish Philology, University of Salamanca. Poet y teacher.
• Abel B. Franco, Phd. Philosopy, University of Salamanca, B.A. French Philology, University of Salamanca, Asst. Professor, Philosophy dept., California state University. Essayist.
• David Escanilla, BFA University of Salamanca. Art and Design teacher. Artist.
• Keith Payne, M.Phil., Trinity College, Dublin. Poet and translator.
• Amelia Gamoneda Lanza. Professor, Dept. of French Philology, University of Salamanca. Essayist.
• Fernando Gil Sinaga, Phd. Fine Arts, University of Salamanca. Professor, University of Salamanca. Sculptor.
• José Miguel López Novoa, Biology lecturer, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Professor of Philosophy, University of Salamanca. Author of numerous scientific journals and essays.
• Esteban Pujals Gesalí, Phd. English philology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Professor, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid. Essayist.
• Pedro Emanuel Rosa Grincho Serra, Phd., Portuguese philology, University of Salamanca. Professor of Portuguese literature and language, University of Salamanca. Director of Arts and Letters magazine Ciberkiosk. Essayist.
• Fernando Rodríguez de la Flor, Phd. Information Science, Universidad Complutense, Madrid. Professor Spanish literature, University of Salamanca. Essayist.
• Amalia Rodríguez Monroy, Phd. English philology, University of Salamanca, Professor of Theory of Translation, Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. Essayist and Translator.
• Paolo Tanganelli, Phd. Spanish philology, University of Salamanca. Professor, Universidad de Ferrara, Italy. Essayist.
• Iris M. Zavala, Phd. Philosopy and Letters, University of Salamanca. Professor in various U.S. and European Universities. Philosopher.
• Ilse Borchard, B.A. German studies. B.A. Social Sciences, University of Hannover. Sociologist.
• Manuela B. de Mena, B.A. Classcial philology, B.A. Spanish philology, University of Salamanca. Teacher of Spanish as a foreign language.
• Leonor Benito de la Lastra, BFA, University of Salamanca. Photographer.
• Victorino García Calderón, BFA, University of Seville. Photogrpaher and Painter.
• Miguel Ángel García Velasco, MD, University of Salamanca. B.A. Musicology, University of Salamanca. Expert in Spanish music. Musician.
• Florencio Maíllo Cascón, BFA University of Salamanca. Professor, Escuela Universitaria. Painter.
• Antonio Marcos Sánchez, B.A. Information science. Phd. Fine Arts, University of Salamanca. Journalist. Expert in Spanish cinema and art.
  Felipe Núñez Santos, B.A. Philosophy and Educational Science, University of Salamanca. Poet and Essayist.
• Azucena Sánchez Domínguez, B.A. Philosophy and Letters, Information Science and Journalism, Universidad Complutense, Madrid. High School teacher.
• Julián San Valero Hernández, B.A. Geography and Art History, Univesity of Salamanca.
• Pilar Vázquez Álvarez, B.A. French philology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Translator.

We offer a wide range of programs, activities, classes (language, literature and different cultural aspects such as film, art and history), workshops, cultural trips, seminars and conferences (please see: courses).

For foreign institutions interested in a Study Abroad program, we can organize courses according to your specific needs. If you are interested in such a course, ("Letra Mensajera"), please contact us with your needs for a detailed syllabus and price list.

Follow this link for calendar of courses and prices.

These are special classes where the students put into practice some aspect of Hispanic culture, develop their creative capacities and have fun working in a group setting.

• ¡Acción!: Stage adaptation of a play.
• ¡Flash!: Photography workshop and creating a photo album.
• ¡Conócelos!: Literature workshop on well-known Spanish  writers.
• ¡Ponte al día!: Latest news.
• ¡Vaya, vaya, aquí no hay playa!: History of Spanish culture through song.
• ¡No te enteras, Contreras!: Study of the values of Spanish society a look at culture shock for visitors to Spain.

Letras en Letra: escuela de escritura.

These include activities outside the classroom where the student can learn more about and enjoy Spanish culture.

• Paradise: Welcome party, Farewell party. Traditional Salamancan celebrations.
• City of Wonders: Literary tours (Azucena’s unusual Salamanca) and visits to the city museums (Casa Lys, splendid collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Film Museum, DA2 and others), galleries and art exhibits.
• Hallmarks of Identity: Introduction to Salamancan folklore and cuisine.
• Joys and Shadows: Afternoon in the Salamancan countryside and a bullfight. "Running of the Bulls " in nearby Ciudad Rodrigo. Easter Week processions.

Cineforum is an exciting element of Letra Hispánica’s teaching methods. We show and discuss films from some of Spain’s greatest directors:

Cycles include:

• Luis Buñuel (Tierra sin pan, El ángel exterminador, Simón del desierto, Nazarín, Tristana, Viridiana, etc.)
• Pedro Almodóvar (Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto, La ley del deseo, Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios, ¡Átame!, Todo sobre mi madre, etc.)
• "Black humour" (El cochecito, Plácido, El verdugo, Faustino, un asesino de la tercera edad, etc.)
• Social realism (El pisito, El sacerdote, El diputado, Los santos inocentes, Cartas de Alou, Alas de mariposa, Familia, Barrio, Solas, etc.).

Letra Hispánica has fostered an excellent working relationship with Salamanca’s local population. We offer the chance to meet with native speakers for linguistic and cultural exchanges. If your stay is for at least one month, we will pair you with a native speaker for informal language exchanges.

We have created an aesthetic environment that is conducive to the enjoyment and discussion of the arts. You will notice upon entering an array of artworks from our exhibitions of contemporary Spanish artists.

We also host book launches and readings by our collaborators and other local poets and novelists. And finally, our “Ocean of Nectar” room is a meeting point for the friends of Letra Hispánica.

As part of the workshop program, students will have the opportunity to pruduce a Spanish language magazine during their stay.

Whether lodging with a family or in a residence, all your accommodation needs are carefully considered by our expert staff at Letra Hispánica. We also offer the option of sourcing a flat or other private residence for you.

As part of our service to group and overseas colleges, we offer group leaders/teachers the opportunity to participate in their own course; “Con Mayúsculas;” .

Every student attending Letra Hispánica recieves:

• Certificate of Attendance at Letra Hispánica: When a student has attended 90% of his/her classes.
• Certificate of Proficiency: When a student passes the final exam.
• Official D.E.L.E. title: In the case of completing the requisite coursework and final exam.

Credits valid in foreign universities: Once we have made an agreement with your university/college. We will be pleased to talk to your advisor so that he/she can supervise course work and determine class numbers. For more details about the validity of credits, please contact Ada Calvo.