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Description

The Liberal Arts program is designed to help solidify the informal and academic language skills of high-intermediate and advanced students of Spanish and to help them develop an understanding of issues relevant to contemporary Spain and its people. Program objectives are accomplished through daily interaction with the social and academic communities of Alcala, University coursework, living alongside Spanish students in residencias or with Spanish-speaking families, class-related excursions to Madrid and other areas of Spain, and organized activities with Spanish students.

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 10 to 23 students. Instruction is in Spanish. Classes at the Institute meet Monday through Thursday for 90 minutes twice a week. 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 late September through mid-January. Fall semester students interested in enrolling in regular University courses must be prepared to stay until the end of the examination period in mid to late January.

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

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's 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
  
• Get to know Alcala de Henares and Madrid, each with its own culture
  
• Choose between living in a Spanish homestay or a shared room at the University residencia with Spanish and other international students
  
• Enjoy cultural visits to museums, theaters, and fairs; day trips to Toledo, Segovia, and Cuenca; and overnights to Andalusia, Asturias, León, and Extremadura

Other cultural activities designed to bring together American and Spanish University students are conversation exchanges, theater performances, and many other clubs and activities sponsored by the Universidad de Alcalá.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Cost Include Description:

The CIEE fees for 2010-11 include an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, housing, all meals in homestays or a monthly meal stipend in University residencias, orientation, organized cultural activities, full-day excursions, overnight field trips, pre-departure advising, comprehensive student handbook, 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
• Spring applicants: 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Dormitory

Participants Travel to Spain

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