Introduction
Spanish Studies in the City of Don Quixote
Live and study in a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcalá while obtaining university credits.
Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcalá has more than 30 years of experience working with international programs and students. There are so many attractive programs in Spain, but not many have the privilege and honor to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not just the city, but also the university.
Alcalá de Henares was the first city to be designed and built solely as the seat of a university and was to serve as the model for other centers of learning in Europe and the Americas. This is the medieval city of Cervantes and Don Quijote, where you can see our storks flying, have some of the best tapas, and be surrounded by history.
General Information
Eligibility: Adults over 18 years old and must be a university student. Students must be in good academic standing.
Levels: All levels. Applicants who wish to study courses in Spanish must have completed 3 semesters of Spanish at their home university or have an intermediate level of Spanish.
Placement Test: Day one
Course Materials: Not included in the price
Certificate: At the end of the course, students receive an academic report listing the coursework completed and grades achieved.
Dates: Fall Semester: September to December // Spring Semester: January to May // Summer: June or July// J-Term: Month of January
Passport/Visa Requirements: Passports must be valid until at least one month after the completion date of the program. International students in a full semester program must get a student visa.
Why Alcalá?
There are so many attractive programs in Spain, but not many have the privilege and honor to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not just the city, but also the university. Alcalá de Henares was the first city to be designed and built solely as the seat of a university and was to serve as the model for other centers of learning in Europe and the Americas.
This is the medieval city of Cervantes and Don Quijote, where you can see our storks flying around, have some of the best tapas, and be surrounded by history.
We are a gem that is only 30 minutes from the center of Madrid and 20 minutes away from the airport (our students love this). But we are a city of community and family, once you go to a cafe twice, the waiters have already memorized your order the next time you walk in. Alcalá has a buzzing international presence but still maintains its Castilian charm.
What You'll Study
In our Study Abroad Program, we offer opportunities that will help students grow professionally and personally. We offer internships, service learning, student teaching, and volunteering opportunities, as well as language content courses based on Hispanic Studies, Business, International Relations, Translation and Interpretation, Health Studies, and Education.
The student may choose 4 courses for a fixed price, all with university credits.
At each level, general, specific, and focused courses are available in order to meet the different needs of students.
Daily Life
At Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcalá, students will be studying and living in our historic center. Students will be surrounded by the beauty and history of our city and university. Alcalá has Roman ruins, medieval churches, monasteries, convents, museums, and great tapas bars.
We want you to feel at home in Alcalá so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From an informational orientation to cultural activities, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. We even offer tours of Madrid, excursions to Segovia, Toledo, and other site visits.
Academics
The Study Abroad in Spain program offers an ample diversity of areas of study suited to every student. Our program includes courses in Spanish Studies, International Relations, Business Administration and International Business, Translation, Education, Journalism and Communication and Health Sciences.
In addition to all these disciplines, students can participate in a unique Internship Program and spend a full semester working in a company of their choice.
Students will take 12 credits/4 courses per full semester program. Students may earn 6-12 credits in the Summer Programs. Courses are offered in both Spanish and English.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. A final list of course offerings will be made available on the website.
Spanish Studies:
Intermediate Spanish
Advanced Spanish
Traditions in Spain: Oral Communication
Phonetics and Oral Spanish
Cervantes: The Adventures of Don Quixote
Introduction to Spanish Literature: The Masterpieces
Introduction to Latin American Literature
Introduction to Literary Analysis
Composition and Conversation: Introduction to Reading
Contemporary Spanish Literature
Spanish Culture and Civilization
The Andalusian Legacy
Contemporary Spain through Films
Masterpieces of Spanish Literature through Films
History of Spanish Painting: The Great Painters
Spanish Art: Theory and Practice.
The Global Dimension of European Soccer
Spain and its gastronomy
Introduction to Spain
Business Courses:
Spanish for Business Professionals
Analysis of Economic Relations between Spain and the US
International Marketing
International Business: Communication and Culture
Intercultural Communication
Understanding Europe: Present and Future of the European Union
Translation:
Translation and Interpretation in a Bilingual Context
Medical Translation
Education/ Service Learning:
Service Learning in a Bilingual Context
The Spanish Education System: An Immersion Experience
Principles of Bilingual Education
Teaching Methods
Journalism & Communication:
Composition and Conversation: Spain through the Media
Intercultural Communication
Health Studies:
Spanish for Healthcare Professionals
Medical Translation
Internships
Student Teaching
Internships
Interning abroad as part of your study abroad experience will help distinguish your application for graduate school or a job opportunity in todayâs competitive market. Instituto Franklin-UAH vets each internship site and students may choose the best fit of them. Our students are interning at local businesses and organizations, as well as some placements in the city of Madrid. We want our students to be engaged with Alcalá and serve the community where they study.
Participating in an internship abroad helps you:
Add international experience to your résumé
Gain real work experience and skills
Improve your Spanish competency
Build your confidence
All of our internships are supervised and students earn university credits. You participate in a seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship.
Field Trips & Events
Students will have a minimum of 4 excursions included in their program, with no extra costs. Here are a few possible destinations.
Alcalá De Henares Walking Tour
Madrid Walking Tour
El Escorial
Toledo
Segovia
Reina Sofia Museum
El Prado Museum
Orientation
At Instituto Franklin-UAH, we pride ourselves on offering ample student support services. In the first week of the program, students will have a comprehensive orientation that introduces Instituto Franklin-UAH staff, fellow students, safety, housing, insurance and the cities of Alcalá de Henares and Madrid.
Housing
Students may choose to stay in Homestays or the Residence Hall.
Homestays- Live in Spanish homes with families. Students will have 3 meals per day for 7 days, as well as once a week laundry service.
Residence Hall- Live with other international and Spanish students from the Universidad de Alcalá. Students will have 3 meals per day for 7 days. Students will not have a free laundry service. The residence hall has an array of activities prepared for students during their stay.
Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Please see our website for costs and discounts.
Cost includes
Tuition (4 courses per semester, 2 per month in summer and 1 course during the January program)
Universidad de Alcalá credits
Homestays in families in Alcalá (three meals a day) or university dorms (meal plan)*
Orientation Sessions
University services
Health Insurance
Student card
Cultural trips
Airport pickup (on scheduled dates).
Scholarships & Aid
Please see our website.
Our Center
Instituto Franklin-UAH is located in the historic center of Alcala de Henares. We are located in the historic building of Trinitarios which was built in the 17th century by the Order of Trinitarios Descalzos Order. In 1839, it became the property of the Spanish armed forces and became an artillery barracks. In 1994, the Universidad de Alcalá recovered the building and restored it to suit their current academic activities.
High-speed wireless internet and printer access
A student lounge and garden
A library, classrooms, and offices
Student cafe
Research library and special collections
Wheel-chair accessible
