������911

Application Deadline

March 15, 2025

Tentative Dates

Jun 16 - Jul 14, 2025

4 weeks

Costs

$4,850 See Full Breakdown

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

April 1, 2025

Tentative Dates

May 19 - Jul 14, 2025

8 weeks

Costs

$8,730 See Full Breakdown

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

March 15, 2025

Dates

Jul 1 - 30, 2024

4 weeks

Costs

$4,750 See Full Breakdown

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Learn more about scholarships

Say hello to Alcalá, a small Spanish city located in the heart of Spain. From its 16th-century buildings that house UNESCO World Heritage site Universidad de Alcalá to the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes (who penned "Don Quixote"), Alcalá oozes history and culture, making it a wonderful place to study abroad.

Bring your advanced Spanish language skills to Alcalá, where you'll take courses in literature, art history, phonetics, medical Spanish, history, and more - all delivered in fluent Spanish. Local instructors will teach your lessons in CIEE's partner school, Universidad de Alcalá, in intentionally small classes to polish your Spanish and give you in-depth insight into Spain's rich history and culture. Outside the classroom, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Magisterial Cathedral, eat your fill of tapas, and see Spain's largest urban colony of storks that live atop numerous classical buildings around Alcalá's main square.

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE HISTORICAL TREASURES

In this UNESCO World Heritage City and birthplace of literary great Miguel de Cervantes

STAY WITH A SPANISH FAMILY

at their Alcalá home – and soak up the language as you live like a local

PERFECT YOUR SPOKEN SPANISH

by taking courses taught in Spanish that include multiple co-curricular visits

180

WHITE STORKS RETURN TO NEST ANNUALLY ON THE CITY’S ROOFTOPS

1499

DATE UNIVERSIDAD DE ALCALÁ WAS FOUNDED

22

MILES FROM MADRID

Your Destination

Like the city’s famous white storks, you’ll be tempted to return every year. With very few English speakers residing in this small city, Alcalá is a great location for practicing your Spanish in the local community, ordering food in the many restaurants and tapas bars, talking to shop attendants, or conversing with one of the many elderly locals sitting on a park bench. The program is located at the Instituto Benjamin Franklin (IBF), part of the University’s historic campus offering direct access to a study lounge and a library during the week. Medieval at its core, the well-preserved city center includes Muslim, Jewish, and Christian quarters, and is dotted with historical significance. No wonder the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rail and bus lines give easy access to other regions, and of course, nearby Madrid.

��911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local ��911staff have provided details about that students with specific identities might encounter in Alcala De Henares.

The Culture

FEATURED EXCURSION

Venture into Madrid, Spain’s capital city, for a guided walking tour of the Moncloa district and West Park, where you learn about the history of the Spanish Civil War and the antifascist resistance under the Franco Dictatorship. Discover the war-torn building remnants still standing from the front lines of the Civil War in the 1930s, as well as the role of US citizens in the battles and the imperialist style of Francoist architecture from the postwar reconstruction era. Students enjoy a magnificent view of the city from the Madrid Faro tower and explore the nearby university campus area.

student with statues highfive alcala spain

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Put your coursework in context with museum visits.
Explore beyond the city with one-day trips to World Heritage sites such as medieval Toledo city, the Golden Age Palace and Monastery of El Escorial, the Roman settlements of Segovia, or similar.
If you prefer the outdoors, enjoy kayaking and a group picnic in the National Park of the Guadarrama mountains.
Dip in some of the public swimming pools in Alcalá or Madrid
Indulge in Spanish sweets, such as chocolates con churros, roasted almonds, and fresh cakes, all meticulously prepared and artfully presented.

students classroom learning spanish alcala spain

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

By agreeing to speak Spanish during the program, your language proficiency will progress rapidly.
Meals with your homestay are an ideal time to practice new vocabulary.
With all classes in Spanish, you’ll benefit from full immersion, every day.

Program Blogs

Academics Abroad in Spain

By Isabella V.

While academics were a big motivator for me going abroad, they did not take over my entire experience and I was able to embrace immersion and travel. The courses that... keep reading

Preparing to Study Abroad: What You Need to Know

By Isabella V.

Before studying abroad in Spain this past summer, I prepared extensively to make sure everything went smoothly during my travels and upon arrival. It is important to own your abroad... keep reading

Best ��911Excursions in Spain

By Isabella V.

My experience abroad with ��911was made most memorable by the organized excursions and activities. I studied in Alcalá de Henares, Spain and my class schedule revolved around the siesta... keep reading

What People are Saying

"The activities and excursions that ��911plans for its students were really fun and interesting. The staff was kind and helpful."

Claire W., Tufts University
"They are extremely welcoming and friendly people who are very approachable."

Kylie B., Indiana University-Bloomington

HOUSING & MEALS

HOUSING

Housing for ��911students is organized via the Universidad de Alcalá´s housing department.

��ǳ��ٲ��: Students can live with local hosts – a great way to absorb maximum language and culture and create lasting friendships. Hosts range from families to individuals, and for summer 2023 they welcome one ��911student only. Each student has a private bedroom, WiFi access and laundry facilities. Students have their own individual room. Homestays are near the Instituto Benjamin Franklin at Universidad de Alcalá, where ��911students take classes.

Student Residence: There is one privately-operated student residence in Alcalá with limited space during the summer. This modern-style, WiFi enabled accommodation typically houses students in single or double bedrooms. Residence halls are close to supermarkets, restaurants, public transport. Coin laundry service is available at an additional expense. The residence includes a study lounge, small gym, and a student cafeteria with vegetarian, halal, kosher and vegan options.

Housing decisions are at the sole discretion of the host university, Universidad de Alcala. If our host partner can’t accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.

MEALS

Three meals are provided at your homestay and at the student residence cafeteria.

Getting Around: Students under 26 years old receive a Madrid Youth Transport Card, which allows unlimited use of the Alcalá and Madrid public bus system, commuter trains, and the local train to Madrid, which is about a 35-minute ride.

alcala de henares homestay ciee study abroad

Academics

Students take two courses across a range of academic areas, including art, film, gastronomy, government, history, literature, Spanish for healthcare professionals, translations, and more. Courses are taught in Spanish by faculty from the Universidad de Alcalá and other teaching professionals. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

Before the start of the program, students must complete four semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) and have a 3.0 GPA in the most recently completed Spanish class.

Universidad de Alcalá is one of the longest standing European universities, dating back to 1293. Several of its buildings have been declared part of a UNESCO World Heritage site after the university was re-founded in 1977. Courses are held at Instituto Benjamin Franklin (Instituto), a renovated 16th century convent that’s both modern and beautiful.

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
3.0 GPA in most recently completed Spanish class

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ��911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and ��911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students must enroll in 2 courses at the Universidad de Alcalá Instituto Benjamin Franklin per session.

Program Credit

Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits per session

Course Credit

Universidad de Alcalá Instituto Benjamin Franklin courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Academic Culture

Classes are held Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, students participate in class activities, excursions, and field trips to supplement what they learn in class. Attendance is required.

Class Format

Small classes of five to 25 students from U.S. colleges and universities allow for personal attention and interaction.

Grading

Students are graded based on results of quizzes, exams, oral presentations, homework assignments, and class participation, much like in the U.S.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Course Information

��911students may only enroll in courses taught in Spanish.

Instituto Benjamin Franklin at the Universidad de Alcalá

Not all courses listed are offered every session, and some courses have prerequisites and/or conflicting schedules. A final list of Instituto courses is available a few months prior to the start of the program. Students should refer to the course registration form in their acceptance materials for a final list of courses. For more information, visit the .

Advanced Spanish
Business Spanish
Cervantes: The Adventures of Don Quixote
Composition and Conversation: Spain through the Media
Contemporary Spain through Films
Contemporary Spanish Literature
History of Spanish Painting: The Great Painters
Introduction to Latin American Literature
Introduction to Literary Analysis
Masterpieces of the Spanish Literature through Film
Phonetics and Oral Spanish
Spain and its Gastronomy
Spanish Art: Theory and Practice
Spanish Culture and Civilization
Traditions in Spain: Oral Communication
Translation and Interpretation in a Bilingual Context
Understanding Europe: Present and Future of the EU

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between ��911and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple ��911sites.

Scholarships & Grants

��911offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
��911Gilman Go Global Grant
MSI Grant
��911STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the ��911Scholarships & Grants application within your ��911program application.

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program	Application Due	Start Date	End Date	Fees & Housing
Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks	March 15, 2025	Start Date May 19, 2025 ^*	End Date June 16, 2025 ^*	Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks	April 1, 2025	Start Date June 16, 2025 ^*	End Date July 14, 2025 ^*	Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks	March 15, 2025	Start Date May 19, 2025 ^*	End Date July 14, 2025 ^*	Fees & Housing $8,730
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date July 1, 2024	End Date July 30, 2024	Fees & Housing $4,750

^*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

��911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and ��911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300^*

Educational Costs = $3,280^**

Housing = $1,070^***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0^†

International Airfare = $540^†�Ġ

Local Transportation = $0^†�Ġ†

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $150^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}

Total Costs = $700

Financial Aid

��911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

^*non-refundable

^**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

^***includes all meals

^†All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

^†�ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

^†�Ġ†Local public transport card included in program fee

^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation = $300^*

Educational Costs = $3,280^**

Housing = $1,070^***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0^†

International Airfare = $540^†�Ġ

Local Transportation = $0^†�Ġ†

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $150^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}

Total Costs = $700

Financial Aid

^*non-refundable

^**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

^***includes all meals

^†All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

^†�ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

^†�Ġ†Local public transport card included in program fee

^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation = $300^*

Educational Costs = $6,090^**

Housing = $2,140^***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,730

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0^†

International Airfare = $540^†�Ġ

Local Transportation = $0^†�Ġ†

Books & Supplies = $20

Personal expenses = $300^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}

Total Costs = $860

Financial Aid

^*non-refundable

^**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

^***includes all meals

^†All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

^†�ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

^†�Ġ†Local public transport included in program fee

^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation = $300^*

Educational Costs = $3,183^**

Housing = $1,070^***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0^†

International Airfare = $540^†�Ġ

Local Transportation = $0^†�Ġ†

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $150

Total Costs = $700

Financial Aid