Description

Choose the Liberal Arts study abroad program in Alcala de Henares, Spain if you are a highly motivated student with a minimum of two and one half years of college-level Spanish and a particular interest in cultural, economic, and social issues relevant to contemporary Spain and its capital, Madrid. If you are ready for the challenge of using Spanish as your primary language of communication; if you want the opportunity to study alongside native Spanish students at a historic university; if you want to live in a small university town with few other American students in residence, yet have every cultural and leisure activity imaginable available in Madrid just 35 minutes away; then, this program is right for you.

Academic Program
Established in 1999, the CIEE Study Center at the Universidad de Alcala provides an academic program for students with a high-intermediate to advanced level of Spanish. The academic offering consists of a combination of CIEE Study Center language courses and courses offered through the Institute (Hispanic Studies for U.S. students). Students with the necessary prerequisites are encouraged to enroll in one or two courses at the Universidad de Alcala and learn alongside Spanish students.

Academic Culture
The Institute is housed in a 17th century convent which has been renovated to preserve the building's beauty and charm, while providing modern office and classroom space. Class size ranges from five to 21 American students. Instruction is in Spanish. Classes at the Institute meet twice a week for 90 minutes, Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for class-related activities, weekend excursions, and field trips to Madrid and surrounding areas.

In the fall semester, Institute courses start the first week in September and end in mid-December. Regular University courses run from September through late January. While some professors allow early exams in December prior to the holiday break, CIEE cannot guarantee this for all courses; during pre-departure registration, CIEE will provide a list of classes for which early exams are possible. All semester students interested in enrolling in all other regular University courses must be prepared to stay until the end of the examination period in late January.

In the spring semester, Institute courses begin in early January and run through late April or early May. Regular University courses begin in early February with exams usually scheduled in June.

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the students' overall study abroad experience, attendance in class is paramount. An early departure for or a late return from vacation is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights

• Perfect your Spanish skills: learn formal Spanish in the classroom and colloquial Spanish in the community; participate in conversation exchanges, Intercambios
  
• Enroll directly in Universidad de Alcala courses alongside Spanish students
  
• Choose between living in a Spanish homestay or a shared room at the University residencia with Spanish and other international students
  
• Enjoy free cultural visits to museums, theaters, and fairs in Alcala de Henares and Madrid; day trips to Toledo, Segovia, Cuenca, and Castilla Castles; and two overnight CIEE trips to Andalusia, Asturias, Leon, and Extremadura

Other cultural activities designed to bring together American and Spanish University students are conversation exchanges, theater performances, and many clubs (chorus, book club, dance class, etc.) and activities sponsored by the Universidad de Alcala.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, housing, all meals in homestays or a monthly meal stipend in university residencias, orientation, host institution insurance, organized cultural activities, full-day excursions, overnight field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 3.0 GPA in most recent Spanish class
• Fall applicants: 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947