Spanish Studies

study abroad program in spainuniversity of alcalá

instituto universitario de investigación en estudios norteamericanos: benjamin franklin

2 study abroad program in spain


the university of alcalá (p.2)

instituto franklin (p.2) Types of Programs (p.3)

Academic Calendar (p.4)

Sample Course Offerings (p.5)

Academic Support: Instructional-Technology, Low Student-Teacher

Ratio, and Free Tutoring (p.6)

Instituto Franklin - Led Excursions (p.6)

University of Alcalá Regular Enrollment (p.7)

TEACH & LEARN MASTERS DEGREE!

(Special Opportunity Given to our Study-Abroad Students,

Free Tuition Plus Stipend) (p.7)

college student life in alcalá (p.7)

Internships and Volunteering Opportunities (p.7)

Live and Learn with Spaniards (p.8)

Homestays & Home Cooking! (p.8)

Engaging in the Local Community (p.8)

Study with Other Spaniards... (p.8)

Language Exchanges (p.8)

Alcalá de Henares: Medieval Town with Modern Amenities (p.8)

Athletics, Fitness and Health (p.10)

Festivals and Celebrations (p.11)

instituto franklin services (p.12)

Orientation (p.12)

Airport Pickup (p.13)

24 Hour Emergency Service (p.13)

Facilities (Computer Lab, Libraries, Smart Classrooms) (p.13)


the university of alcaláThe University of Alcalá was founded in 1499. Thanks to its fi ve centuries of history

it ranks as one of the oldest universities in Europe. Due to its university model of a

planned university town and the beauty and wealth of its buildings, it was declared a

World Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 2nd, 1998.

The University of Alcalá boasts a highly international student body and faculty. It has

a student population of 28,909, of which 17.8% are foreign students, and 290 foreign

professors.

instituto franklin Instituto Franklin celebrates its 25th anniversary as a major center for study abroad programs in Spain!

In 2012, the Instituto Franklin will celebrate its 25th anniversary of offering study

abroad programs. Thousands of college students from all over the United States have

experienced transformative semesters living and learning in Alcalá de Henares at the

Instituto Franklin-University of Alcalá. Students perfect their Spanish, forge lifelong

friendships with Spaniards and other Americans, and have even launched careers here.


Types of Programs

spanish studies (for undergraduate students)

session credits

faculty led Fall, Spring, all year roundSummer

12-15 per semester6-12 Summer

directly enrolled students

Fall, Spring, all year roundSummer

12-15 per semester6-12 Summer

short-term All year round Varies

customized All year round Varies

teach and learn program (for graduate students)

session credits

Sep - Jun 60 ECTS

Mission of our Study Abroad Programs

• To provide students with a unique opportunity for

learning, living, and traveling in Spain.

• To offer academic programs defi ned by high academic

standards.

• To provide a variety of courses suited for students with

different interests. Courses range from the traditional

focus on Humanities (language and culture) to the

interdisciplinary: Political Science, International

Relations, Business Administration. Courses are designed

for students of all levels of language competencies, from

beginners to near-native fl uency. Bilingual students can

matriculate directly into the University of Alcalá.

• To develop our students´ intercultural competencies and

Spanish fl uency.


Academic Calendar

spring summer fall

dates Jan-MayJune or July (one month)June-July (two months)

Sep-Dec

credits earned 12-15 credits 6 per month 12-15 credits

uah regular courses Feb-end of June NA End of Sep-Feb

Our academic calendar is designed to fi t the traditional US academic calendar. Students

can study at the Instituto Franklin for the semester, the academic year, or the Summer

Intensive program.


Sample Course Offerings

Lengua española

• Español elemental

• Español intermedio

• Español avanzado

• Español superior

• Composición y conversación: Técnicas de escritura

• Composición y conversación: Iconos y tradiciones de España

• Composición y conversación: España a través de los medios

Negocios y economía

• Negocios internacionales: comunicación y cultura

• La globalización y la economía española

Relaciones Internacionales y Política Exterior

• España y la Unión Europea

• Comparación de EE.UU. y España: cultura, política y estructura social

Cultura y sociedad española

• Cultura y civilización del mundo hispánico

• España en imágenes: la sociedad española en el cine

We also offer some courses for Heritage Learners and a few courses for beginners

that are taught in English, such as “Spanish for Heritage Learners” and “Spanish

Culture and Civilization” in English.


Academic Support: Instructional-Technology, Low Student-Teacher

Ratio, and Free Tutoring

• Smart classrooms

• Small size classes which maximize student participation and Spanish oral

practice. Student-teacher ratio: 10-1

• One on one tutoring: students can meet individually throughout the

academic period with our Spanish tutor who will resolve questions about

Spanish grammar, assignments and any other issues related to their

academic work

Instituto Franklin - Led Excursions

All courses include out of the classroom activities and/or excursions. Students

visit cities like Toledo, Segovia, Cuenca, the Spanish Parliament and Senate,

multinational companies and museums with the objective of familiarizing

themselves with Spanish and European history, culture, business, and society.


University of Alcalá Regular Enrollment

Students have the option of enrolling in Instituto Franklin´s courses and near fl uent

Spanish speaking students can also enroll in most of the courses offered by the University

of Alcalá. The Spanish academic calendar runs diffently; fi rst semester, from September

to February; second semester, February to the end of June.

TEACH & LEARN MASTERS DEGREE! (Special Opportunity

Given to our Study-Abroad Students, Free Tuition Plus Stipend)

Upon graduation from their home universities, students who have participated in the

Spanish Studies program become eligible to apply for a Master´s program which includes

free tuition, insurance plus stipend and teaching experience as English language

assistants in schools in of the Community of Madrid. Students spend a whole academic

year studying, working and experiencing life in Madrid.

college student life in alcaláInternships and Volunteering Opportunities

• Students enrolled at Instituto Franklin for a full academic year have the

option of participating in an internship. Students must speak Spanish

(intermediate level).

• Students can participate in different volunteering opportunities,

which help them support the local community, integrate more into

Spanish society and increase their cultural awareness and skills. In the

orientation sessions students are informed about different possibilities

(environmental activities, assisting teachers in schools, special education

volunteering…).


Live and Learn with Spaniards

Homestays & Home Cooking!

Most students live with host families in Alcalá. We have an extended network of

families who have been collaborating with us for many years, and if you like you

can even try to cook some typical Spanish food!! Housing coordinators supervise

students´stay and ensure mutual satisfaction.

Students who prefer lodging in the university dormitories may choose from several

options.

Engaging in the Local Community

Students engage in the local community by volunteering in schools teaching

English to primary students, exchanging conversations English-Spanish with other

Spaniards, participating in environmental activities organized by NGOs…

Study with Other Spaniards…

…and Erasmus students History, Spanish, Business and other courses offered by the

University of Alcalá.

Language Exchanges

Students can participate in this activity organized by our Student Coordinator

who matches them with other locals who want to exchange English-Spanish

conversations. This is a great way to meet new people and improve their language

and intercultural skills.

Alcalá de Henares: Medieval Town with Modern Amenities

The city of Alcalá de Henares combines the best of a medieval and modern town. Alcalá

has a full range of modern amenities for international students: hotels, restaurants

with local and international cuisine, banks, travel agencies, shopping centers, theaters

and cinemas which make one´s stay very enjoyable. There are also several medical

clinics and a hospital.


Places to Visit and Events in Alcalá:

Corral de Comedias. Oldest open air (corral de comedias) theather in Europe (1601).

Cervantes house-museum. Go back to the 16th century and visit the house where Cervantes

was born in 1547.

Casa de Hippolytus. This house located in the outskirts of Alcalá de Henares was built in

the 2nd century B.C as “Colegio de los Jóvenes” (School for the youngsters). Today, its

remains are from what was left of its renovation on the 6th century.

The King of Spain presents the Cervantes Prize. Each April, the King of Spain presents one

of the most prestigious awards for Spanish Literature, the Cervantes Prize, in the

university´s main hall, on the anniversary of the writer´s death.


Advantages of Alcalá de Henares for College Students:

• Alcalá is considered an attractive and safe college town where students can

get around easily and enjoy the beauty of its historic buildings and plazas.

• It is centrally located and easily accesible by public transportation. Madrid

is just 35 minutes away by commuter train or bus. Trains for Madrid depart

every 7 minutes. Its public transport system offers comfortable and user-

friendly service connecting all zones of the city.

• Barajas International airport is 15 km (10 miles) from Alcalá.

• Travel low cost while in Alcalá. There are about 13 low cost airlines at

Barajas airport which fl y national and internacional fl ights such as

EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Aer Lingus, Air Berlin, Air Transat, Blue Air,

Brussels Airlines, Condor, GermanWings among others.

Athletics, Fitness and Health

There are many opportunities to practice several sports and participate in competitions

and activities in Alcalá.

There are several sports facilities and swiming pools in Alcalá: El Ensanche, Espartales,

El Val, O´Donnell, El Juncal.

Free Bike Riding

Students can borrow free bikes at the Town Hall in Alcalá.

Natural Park “Los Cerros”

Several walking routes extend throughout this natural park: Tarays Route, Puerta

Verde and Camino del Retén Route, Alcalá La Vieja Route and Ecce Homo Route

characterized by its geology, archeology, fl ora and fauna.

In the access to the park there is a permanent exhibition which explains the

characteristics of the park and the walking routes.


Medical Care: Insurance, Clinics & Hospitals

Instituto Franklin offers three types of insurance: medical, third party damages,

and travel insurance. All types of medical tests and medicines are included as well as

medical visits in Spain and Europe. Students can use different clinics and hospitals

in the region of Madrid.

Festivals and Celebrations

Celebrations and festivals take place throughout the year in the Comunity of Madrid.

In Alcalá de Henares:

“Abril de Cervantes”. The month of April is dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes with

celebrations such as a book fair and the Cervantes Prize on April 23th.

“Semana Santa”, or Holly Week in March-April. Religious processions run along the

streets of Alcalá.

“Clásicos en Alcalá” in June. Festival of classical theater. Works by such great

playwrights as Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Moliére, and Shakespeare are performed

in our premiere local theater, el Corral de Comedias, the oldest theater in Europe.

“Semana Cervantina” in October to commemorate Cervantes´ birthday. The Medieval

Market which takes place in Pza. Cervantes is one of the biggest in Europe.


“Don Juan en Alcalá”. This play is performed on the streets of Alcalá in November

every year.

“ALCINE” in November there is an international movie festival.

In Madrid:

“2 de Mayo”, is a May festival of the Community of Madrid, which includes concerts,

open-air dancing, sporting events, and bullfi ghts.

“Fiestas de San Isidro” in May which honors the patron saint of Madrid.

“The day of San Antonio” on June 13th, young women rendezvous at the hermitage of

San Antonio de la Florida.

instituto franklin servicesOrientation

Our orientation sessions are designed to welcome our students and provide them with

practical, cultural and academic information.

Students learn how to use health insurance cards, public transportation, services and

facilities offered by the University of Alcalá. They also learn about life with Spanish

families and cultural differences. They are given a detailed breakdown of the courses

offered and the co-curricular trips and activities offered beyond the classroom.


Students are taken on two tours during orientation: a city tour of Alcalá de Henares and

a walking tour of Madrid to help orient them in their new home and to learn how to use

the public transport network.

Airport Pickup

The Institute offers airport ground transportation for students and luggage: both pick-

up service on the fi rst day of the program and drop-off on the last day. We personally

introduce each student to his/her host family and the families accompany students

to-and from the Institute on the fi rst day so students become familiar with the route.

24 Hour Emergency Service

Housing Coordinators have a 24 hour telephone service for emergencies.

Facilities (Computer Lab, Libraries, Smart Classrooms)

Instituto Franklin offi ces and classrooms are located in the historical center of Alcalá

de Henares, in the Trinitarios Building, built in the fi rst half of the 17th century as a

convent and University College for the Trinitarios Descalzos religious order. Today it

is completely renovated and surrounded by gardens and patios conserving its original

medieval charm. It includes:

• Smart classrooms

• Ramps, elevator and services to facilitate handicap use

• Computer labs

• Study spaces

• Offi ces for faculty

• Two libraries and borrowing privileges for students and faculty

instituto universitario de investigación

en estudios norteamericanos:

benjamin franklin

university of alcalá

Colegio de Trinitarios

c/ Trinidad, 1

28801 - Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España

Tel.: +34 91 885 52 52

Fax: +34 91 885 52 48

[email protected]

www.institutofranklin.net

Documents

Spanish Studies