CIEE Summer in Alcalá: memories for a lifetime!
I spent a summer studying abroad in Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of author Miguel de Cervantes and just a short train ride away from Madrid, Spain. This was the most memorable experience of my life, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to attend this program. CIEE staff were very supportive in my studies and always available for advice. They were easy to contact before going abroad and provided a detailed orientation upon arrival regarding safety and facilitating friendships. I took classes Monday through Thursday at the University of Alcalá, and classes were mixed with CIEE students and students from other universities and programs. I would take two classes each day and be done by siesta period to relax. I would visit local shops to get cafe con leche or freshly squeezed orange juice in between classes. The courses themselves were interesting and directly applicable to my experiences in Spain (going to Reina Sofia and El Prado and being able to analyze the artwork from the knowledge I gained in the history of the great painters class was awesome) but not overly demanding so I was never stressed about studying. My teachers were very kind and all of my classes were instructed in Spanish so I was able to use the language frequently. I gained so much confidence in speaking Spanish and now have an extensive vocabulary. CIEE also had an office space in the university so they were easily accessible and available to chat. On Friday, CIEE offered optional but exciting trips and activities. My personal favorite was our kayaking trip in a reservoir in Madrid, but others included day trips to Segovia and Toledo as well as guided museum, castle, and church tours. I felt that they genuinely cared about me having a good time while also immersing me in Spanish culture and promoting my education. I personally lived in the dormitory which was a great option as I had dining hall access and air conditioning. My room was huge with great storage, a private bathroom, and a kitchenette. There were also various study rooms, a courtyard with a soccer field, and a gym. I had to make this choice because I have food allergies, but the facility was incredibly accommodating and located only 2 minutes away from the university by walk! I made many friends in the dorm and lived with a roommate, although I have heard great things about the homestay options, too. I did not feel separated from my friends who opted to live in homestays as they were only a short bus ride away or walking distance. I was right by the Plaza de Cervantes which is surrounded by many restaurants and there is always something to do. I loved the free museums and concerts that the town offered. The easy access to Madrid allowed me to visit whenever I wanted. I felt this helped me build independence and I loved the Rastro market on Sundays. The selection of restaurants, parks, and activities is incredible, and there was always something new to explore. The menu of the day made meals with friends really affordable but still delicious - I miss the Spanish tortilla (omelet), Russian potato salad, and “broken eggs.” Further, the Atocha train station was convenient as it allowed me to travel to other places including Granada, Valencia, and San Sebastián. Public transportation was also widely accessible and made this easy to accomplish. Overall, I am so lucky to have spent the summer in Alcalá de Henares which is filled with such amazing history, beautiful sights, and close proximity to Madrid! I made many friendships that I will cherish forever and have developed a strong love for travel. I had previously never been to Europe but I am desperate to return.
