CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Alcala de Henares, Spain

  Spain

• All Other Areas: 
Alcala de Henares

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 15 or 23 weeks: late August-mid-December or mid-February; Spring 16 or 23 weeks: early January-early May or late June/early July; Academic Year 34 or 41 weeks: late August-early May or late June/early July

Description: The program goals are to solidify the informal and academic language skills of high-intermediate and advanced students of Spanish and to develop an understanding of issues relevant to contemporary Spain and its people. These are accomplished through daily interaction with the social and academic communities of Alcalá, University coursework, living alongside Spanish students in residential 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 Alcalá 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 Alcalá with Spanish students.

Academic Culture
The Institute is housed in a 17th century convent, which has been renovated to preserve the buildings beauty and charm while providing modern office and classroom space. Class size ranges from ten to twenty- three 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-February. Fall semester students interested in enrolling in regular university courses must be prepared to stay until the end of the examination period in mid-February.

In the spring semester, Institute courses begin in early January and run through the first week of May. Regular university courses begin in mid-February with exams usually scheduled in late June/early July.

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
  
• Get to know Alcalá 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
  
• Take part in excursions to various cities to learn about regional cultures

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)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

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.

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
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

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. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947