General Information. alcalingua.com

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1 General Information Alcalingua-Universidad de Alcalá C/ Escritorios, Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), España Tlf: ( ) info@alcalingua.com Web Page: alcalingua.com

2 2 1. The University of Alcalá...3 Reasons to study at the University of Alcalá... 4 A World Heritage University Alcalingua...5 Alcalingua offers... 5 Foreword... 6 Our differential values... 6 Methodology... 7 Levels of Spanish... 8 Our Building Facilities (Irish College)... 8 Research... 9 Relationships with Associations and International Institutions... 9 Quality Certification Our Publications Alcalá de Henares Accommodation Our Courses Language and Culture Courses Hispanic Language and Culture Diploma Customized and In Company Courses Courses for Erasmus AVE (Online course Cervantes Institute) Other Courses DELE Exam Medical Insurance List of Normal Course Activities (Examples) Instructor Training Courses On-site Courses for Instructors Online Courses for Instructors Spanish Youth Language Program... 25

3 3 1. The University of Alcalá Welcome to the University of Alcalá, a UNESCO world heritage site. Founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, it is one of the oldest universities in Spain and boasts among its former alumni some of the major figures of Spanish history and culture: its lectures have been attended by Lope de Vega, Francisco de Quevedo, Tirso de Molina, Fray Luis de León, Ignacio de Loyola, Juan de Mariana, Arias Montano, Ginés de Sepúlveda and Gaspar de Jovellanos, to name just a few. The city of Alcalá de Henares is well known as the birthplace of Cervantes, creator of the unforgettable Don Quixote. Only thirty kilometers from the centre of Madrid, today the University of Alcalá is a modern institution which offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs adapted to the European Higher Education Area and covering all fields of knowledge, from the humanities to engineering, and from the social sciences to experimental and biomedical sciences. Around 27,000 students approximately 19,000 undergraduates and 8,000 postgraduates are currently reading for a regulated degree at the University of Alcalá. The activities of the University of Alcalá take place across its three different campuses: the humanities, architecture, the social sciences, law and economics are taught in the university s sixteenth and seventeenth-century premises in the historic heart of Alcalá; the faculties of environmental sciences, biology, pharmacy, medicine and chemistry, the schools of nursing and physiotherapy, of computing science, and the advanced polytechnic school are all located just outside Alcalá on the external campus; and the schools of teacher training, business science, nursing, building engineering and tourism are all to be found on the Guadalajara campus. Among the university s strong points are its teaching of the Spanish language and its research in the fields of biomedicine and bioengineering. It boasts four associated teaching hospitals, three multidisciplinary university institutes, two science and technology parks and numerous other installations devoted to experimental and biomedical research. As well as possessing a rich architectural and artistic patrimony, the legacy of more than five centuries of history, the University of Alcalá is also firmly committed to technological innovation, collaboration with the worlds of business and industry, and the internationalization of its studies and research as proven by the more than 2,300 international students currently pursuing degrees at our institution.

4 4 Reasons to study at the University of Alcalá Tradition and innovation Wide range of courses A friendly university Quality teaching, fully adapted to the European Higher Education Area. International and cosmopolitan atmosphere. International benchmark in Spanish teaching Varied range of cultural and sports activities High quality research Professional attention and orientation Social Commitment A World Heritage University In recognition both of its cultural importance and its impressive architectural inheritance, in 1998 the University was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5 5 2. Alcalingua Alcalingua is the center of Alcalá University in teaching Spanish Language and Culture to foreigners. It also elaborates didactic materials for the teaching of Spanish, and organizes training courses for teachers and Master s Degree in Spanish Language and Culture. Moreover, didactic materials for the third and the fourth levels of the Virtual Class of Spanish (AVE) have been elaborated in Alcalingua as well. Alcalingua has elaborated the methods Sueña, Vuela, and the collection for professional Spanish, published by the Anaya Group. It is linked to other organizations whose principal reason for existence is to spread the Spanish language: the Cervantes Institute, the Royal Spanish Academy, the academies of the language of Latin American countries, and other institutions. Alcalingua offers Teachers with broad experience in teaching Spanish and training teachers. Certificates endorsed by the University of Alcalá with college credits ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Latest technology in the classroom (whiteboard, tablet PC, Wi-Fi) combined with more innovative teaching methodology. All services available to students at the University of Alcalá. Free access to Internet.

6 6 Foreword Personalized treatment even before arrival. Official diploma of Alcalá University where the class hours are validated as European university credits (ECTS). A historic building equipped with the latest technology. A highly experienced team of teachers dedicated to your learning. A wide range of free extra-curricular activities to share various experiences and anecdotes with your classmates. Our differential values In Alcalingua we consider that there is much more to learning Spanish than attending classes. Apart from a wide range of courses designed to meet all your needs, we offer the following services: Accommodation management (family, university hall of residence, shared flats or hotel). A wide range of extra-curricular activities, most of them included in the price of the course. Access to all the services of Alcalá University: libraries, sports facilities, etc. A historic building equipped with ten classrooms (furnished with smartboards, audio and hi-fi systems), a study room, an Internet room with multimedia PCs and Wi-Fi everywhere in the building. Assistance with consulate related matters. Assistance with banking procedures. Possibility of taking part in our programs of internship or volunteer work. Advice on consular issues and visa procedures. Support to access University of Alcalá degrees and post degrees.

7 7 Methodology The aim of the courses is to enable students to communicate effectively in Spanish, both orally and in writing in contexts where they can interact (personal, social, academic or professional). The student is the protagonist: our methodology is focused on our student's needs, taking into account their objectives, context and difficulties. We understand the student is the center of the teaching-learning process. Learning to communicate: our techniques allow students to carry out the linguistic interaction, developing communication skills (oral and written expression, listening and reading). Approaching cultures: activities in classes provide cultural information and encourage the development of intercultural awareness. Courses are offered in accordance with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Alcalingua University of Alcalá will conduct a level test on the first day of classes in order to place the student in his/her appropriate Spanish group. Upon completion of the program, in addition to the continuous evaluation conducted throughout, another test will be given in order to determine the student s progress and whether or not the course goals have been met. The academic methodology is governed by criteria established by the European Higher Education regarding the award of college credits ECTS. The choice of student work as a requirement adapted to European credit system is a practical measure for transfer and system poses a significant and autonomous learning. The system distinguishes between the two methods of allocation of credits: - The attendance credits, which measure the hours of theoretical and practical classes. - Credits that measure student work are focused on learning and achieving well-defined objectives In the total hours of work that measures one ECTS credit includes not only classroom hours, theoretical and practical, but also the hours of study, the hours spent conducting seminars, individual and group work, practices or projects, solving exercises, consultation of literature, those required to prepare and conduct the evaluation tests, etc.

8 8 Levels of Spanish The different levels of Spanish offered in Alcalingua are established in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Initial levels (A1-A2): Students are able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. Students are able to communicate simple tasks requiring a simple exchange of information on familiar and routine matters as well as describe in simple terms aspects of their background and matters in areas of immediate need. Average levels (B1 - B2): Students are able understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Students are able interact with a degree of fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers. Students are able produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Advanced level (C1 - C2): Students are able understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Students are able summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Students are able to express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. Our Building Facilities (Irish College) 10 classrooms equipped with interactive smart boards, audio and video. An Internet classroom. Wi-Fi in the entire building so that anyone who desires may connect to the Internet. Study and interaction areas equipped with appropriate furniture so that the students may get together in groups to chat or to do any assigned work. An area dedicated to the Student Support Service where students can find information and advice about the following services: Academic management, housing, visa processing, extra-curricular activities, assistance with consulate procedures, assistance with bank transactions.

9 9 Moreover, our students can use the following University facilities: libraries, sports facilities, Hall of Fine Arts, Hall of music, theatre group, dance hall, choir of the University of Alcalá, Film Club, and others. Research Alcalingua is envolved in technological and methodological research and development programs alongside other European partners, state institutions as well as with the University of Alcalá. Relationships with Associations and International Institutions Alcalingua maintains agreements with International organizations, educational associations and universities worldwide. Associations: Asociación de Programas Universitarios Norteamericanos en España (APUNE) Erasmus Student Network, Asociación de Centros de Lenguas en la Enseñanza Superior (ACLES), etc. Universities: Universidad de Estudios Internacionales de Beijing (China), Bond University (Australia), Brock University (Canadá), Brigham Young University (BYU, USA), Loyola College (USA), Univerisdad de Estudios Internacionales de Xi an (China), Universidad de Estudios Extranjeros de Guangdong (China), Universidad Federal del Sur (Rusia), Universidad de Estudios Extranjeros de Hankook (Corea del Sur), Hanover College (USA), Lauder Institute (University of Pennsylvania), Macquarie University (Australia), Universidad de Lenguas Extranjeras de Yuexiu de Zhejiang (China), Mississippi State University (USA), Universidad de Comunicación de Nanjing (China), Universidad Rey Saúd (Arabia Saudí), Ritsumeikan (Japón), Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taiwán), Texas A&M University-Kingsville (USA), Universidad de Ulsan (Corea del Sur), Kanda University of International Studies (Japón), Kansai Gaidai University (Japón), University of Puget Sound (USA), University of Victoria (Canadá), Universidadd de Trípoli (Libia), Shanhai International Studies University (China), etc. Educational Institutions: EUF-Campus Europae, International School Hilversum (Holanda), IFE - Instituto de Formación Empresarial (Cámara Oficial de Comercios de Madrid). Quality Certification In furtherance of our academic excellence and the quality of our services, Alcalingua has received recognition and certification officially by accredited organizations such as:

10 10 3. Our Publications Our teaching and research team at Alcalingua is involved in the development and distribution of educational resources, including both printed and online materials. All of these teaching materials are based on the established methodologies of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Método Sueña (Anaya) Sueña is a complete Spanish course divided into four levels aimed both at a young and adult public. The complete programming of functional and linguistic content guarantees that students will make progress in the four skills, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It provides both notional/functional content, teaching students how to react in any communication situation that may arise. Curso Intensivo de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Anaya) Intensivo is a Spanish intensive course for students who wish to learn or improve their Spanish in a short period of time or that cannot take more than 2 or 3 class hours per week. The method is developed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Each level includes all the necessary materials for courses of hours. Encuentros - Manual de español para inmigrantes Encuentros is a method for teaching Spanish as a second language for immigrant language learners, which is based on the methodological principles of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Being aware of the relevance of the meeting and coexistence of cultures and peoples in our days we have created this teaching material as a way of providing a place of meeting for peoples and cultures. Ciencias de la salud- Manual de español profesional Ciencias de la salud is an innovative project that intends to meet the needs of those students who have already mastered Basic Spanish and want to further their understanding of Spanish in a certain professional field.

11 11 Negocios - Professional Spanish Guide Negocios is an innovative idea that intends to meet the needs of those students who wish to acquire the type of Spanish related to the world of business and who at the same time want to further their linguistic competence as speakers. Legal Spanish Profession Spanish Guide Legal Spanish allows students the opportunity to continue their linguistic development all while learning the required real world language of the professional environment. This textbook combines contextualized language and vocabulary with specific content with the purpose of achieving an advanced level of Spanish. Eureka and Los Navegantes: Online courses for kids and adolescents. Eureka and los Navegantes are six complete Spanish language courses divided into two stages, primary y secondary, in which provide the necessary activities and content to reach a language level A2 (primary) and B2 (secondary). Alcalingua also develops educational materials for Spanish language learners. Among them, one of the most outstanding developments, in collaboration with Telefónica, are our online interactive programs for kids and adolescents: Eureka and Navegantes:

12 12 4. Alcalá de Henares Alcalá de Henares is a medium-size city (about 200,000 citizens) located in the center of the Spain in the community of Madrid. It is 28 kilometers (about 19 miles) from Madrid city center and is hardly 15 km (about 9 miles) from the Barajas Airport. From this point, it is possible arrive to Alcalá de Henares via direct public transportation (bus) and taxi. Transit between Madrid and Alcalá de Henares via train or bus takes less than 30 minutes. Alcalá de Henares, a city with 195,000 inhabitants and only 25 km away from Madrid, offers visitors a wonderful urban area, declared World Heritage Site in 1998 by UNESCO. The historic relevance of Alcalá in Spanish culture is very remarkable, not only because it is the Cervantes, but also because of the University; a prestigious institution with more than 500 years of history. Another interesting characteristic of Alcalá is its youthful atmosphere, especially noticeable in weekends. All this, together with its proximity to Madrid, the capital and political, economic and cultural center of Spain, make Alcalá an exceptional place to live and study. Alcalá and the university offer great quality leisure opportunities, diversified in a wide range of culture and tourism. Classic Theatre Festival in Alcalá, Short Film Festival Alcine, representing Don Juan in Alcalá (declared of Regional Tourist Interest), Cervantes Week, which includes the spectacular Quijote Market (declared Regional Tourist Interest), Cervantes Prize for literature, or Holy Week (Regional Tourist Interest Festivity) are some of the most important cultural events of this city. A time for rest and relaxation for which Alcalá offers many other possibilities, ranging from a wide selection of routes, tours and sports areas to the most fun nightlife or the simple pleasure of enjoying the life that the only World Heritage city of Madrid offers.

13 13 5. Accommodation Options: Host family: students would improve their learning in a familiar environment and with people carefully selected to host our participants. University residences: they are located on the campus and they meet all the needs of comfort, services, shops, sports facilities and leisure activities. Shared apartment: students would share apartment with other students of Alcalingua. All the apartments are very close to the city center (max 10 minutes far from Alcalingua on foot). This service is managed by Aluni.net: Contact: alcala@aluni.net TYPE OF ACCOMODATION FORMAT PRICE HOST FAMILY (SINGLE ROOM) Accommodation with host families includes washing and ironing and room cleaning once a week. HOST FAMILY (DOUBLE ROOM) Accommodation with host families includes washing and ironing and room cleaning once a week. UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE (CRUSA) UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE (RESA) BREAKFAST HALF BOARD FULL BOARD BREAKFAST HALF BOARD FULL BOARD SINGLE ROOM SHARED ROOM BASED ON AVAILABILITY 20 / DAY 23 / DAY 26 / DAY 18 / DAY 20 / DAY 23 / DAY The university residences are located ten minutes outside of the city, with excellent public transportation between the city center s campus and the residence halls. It is mandatory to reserve student housing ahead of time as well as to pay in full for the length of time of the student s stay at Alcalingua. Students staying with host families will be housed 15 minutes walking distance from Alcalingua.

14 14 6. Our Courses Alcalingua offers Spanish languages courses year round for all linguistic levels, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Students will take a placement test on the first day of class in order to be placed in the most appropriate course level. Once the language course at Alcalingua has been completed, the student will undergo a series of subsequent language exams in order to obtain an official certificate given from the University of Alcalá, which will in turn allow the student to receive the appropriate academic credits (ECTS). Language and Culture Courses These courses are mainly aimed toward students who are beginning to study Spanish as well as students with a moderate to high level of Spanish who wish to have some sort of future academic or professional career in Spain. These courses are also a perfect option for those simply interested in acquiring a solid understanding of Spanish language and culture. The corresponding courses are the following: Language: Language and Communication / Written and Verbal Skills. Culture: Spanish Civilization (beginning levels)/spanish Culture (intermediate to advanced levels): art, history, film and literature.

15 15 Hispanic Language and Culture Diploma The Hispanic Language and Culture Diploma is a title unique to the University of Alcalá, taught by expert professors and specialists from the UAH and Alcalingua. This diploma is geared toward university students who have an interest in enriching their knowledge of Hispanic culture and language, and is offered in three categories: HIGHER EDUCATION IN HISPANIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE DIPLOMA (ANNUAL) EDUCATION IN HISPANIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE I DIPLOMA EDUCATION IN HISPANIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE II DIPLOMA Dates of course: September to June. Credits: 60 ECTS Dates of course: September to January. Credits: 30 ECTS Dates of course: February to June Credits: 30 ECTS To be eligible for enrolment these courses, the student must possess at least a B1 fluency level of Spanish. The courses will have a continuous evaluation process, according to the evaluation guidelines set by the UAH, and greater priority will be given to students daily performance. Attendance is mandatory and will be controlled by the instructor. General Objectives Provide a diverse and accurate scope of Hispanic culture, straying from typical stereotypes and common topics Understand Hispanic culture as more of a result of the fusion of different cultures Establish connection between one s own culture with Hispanic culture Improve expressive abilities Organized by Department of Philology, Documentation and Audiovisual Communication, the Department of Philosophy and Alcalingua.

16 16 Schedule Trimester Courses (Mon - Fri) Intensive Courses (Mon - Fri) * 09:00-10:30 Language & Communication (morning) 9:00-11:00 Language & Communication (morning) 11:00-12:30 Verbal & Written Skills (morning) 12:45-13:45 Culture (morning) 11:30-13:30 Verbal & Written Skills (morning) 14:00-15:00 Culture (afternoon) 13:45-14:45 Cultural Group (morning & afternoon) 15:15-16:45 Language & Communication (afternoon) 15:00-17:00 Language & Communication (afternoon) 17:15-18:45 Verbal & Written Skills (afternoon) 17:30-19:30 Verbal & Written Skills (afternoon)

17 17 Regular Courses FECHAS CURSOS HORAS CRÉDITOS Winter Trimester Course From the beginning of January to Mid March Spring Trimester Course From Mid March to the end of June June Intensive Course June July Intensive Course July August Intensive Course August September Intensive Course September Autumn Trimester Course From the beginning of October to the end of December Annual From the beginning of October to the end of October Language ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language 80 8 ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language 80 8 ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language 80 8 ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language 80 8 ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language ECTS Language & Culture ECTS Language ECTS Language & Culture ECTS See exact dates and prices:

18 18 Customized and In Company Courses Individual Classes: This option is ideal for students who prefer one on one instruction or a limited schedule or would simply like to improve their level of Spanish. These classes focus on the personal attention provided by the instructor along with all of the advantages that the courses offer. The course is tailored to the student s needs in order to obtain the best results possible: the number of hours, using the most appropriate material or the desired linguistic abilities that may be improved will be the core structure of the personalized course developed by the instructors at Alcalingua. Customized Group Classes: Alcalingua also organizes personalized group classes. Spanish tutors, coordinators and professors who wish that their students experience the course through the center will be able to offer a personalized program according to the specific needs and linguistic level of their individual students or group classes. On-site Company Instruction: These classes are specially designed for corporations that wish to improve the level of Spanish of their team or for companies who have team members interested in possibly learning Spanish for professional development. This option allows participants to remain onsite and saves time which would otherwise be spent on travelling to an outside learning site. In this case, the Spanish instructor travels to the company s work site. The course is designed according to the needs of both the company s employees as well as the corporation s in order to achieve the targeted language goal. Courses for Erasmus In collaboration with Alcalingua, the University of Alcalá organizes Spanish language courses for Erasmus students. In order to register for these courses, the student must first satisfy the requirement of being an Erasmus student as well as obtain a bilateral agreement between the UAH and the Erasmus student s home university. These courses follow the language levels defined by the Marco Común Europeo and the levels offered range from A2 to C2. Upon successful completion of a given course, the student will receive a certificate officially stating the language level achieved as well as the number of credits (ECTS) earned. This certificate must be presented to the student s home university for official recognition.

19 19 AVE (Online course Cervantes Institute) The Virtual Spanish Classroom (AVE) is a virtual environment designed by the Cervantes Institute for the purposes of learning Spanish as a second language via the Internet. There are two types: Non-guided Course: This course is completed individually by the student Guided Course: In this course, the student will have an instructor as a resource who may be consulted to answer any questions that the student may have. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will receive a diploma describing the student s newly attained level. Other Courses Spanish for Business: This course is designed for those who currently wish to improve their communication skills in the workplace as well as those who would like to develop these communications skills for their professional future. Throughout the course, the following aspects relating to the business world will be covered: Business organization, business planning, searching for investors, etc. Spanish for Immigrants: Thanks to the Comunidad de Madrid, the center will offer Spanish classes geared toward adult immigrants who otherwise do not possess the necessary resources to learn Spanish. The 40-hour program is free for students with the hopes of promoting further cultural integration. Summer Camp: Our Summer Camp program at Alcalingua is perfect option for youth who wish to continue their Spanish studies within an international environment. The program is fun and educational which includes several leisurely sports activities. Our participants, between the ages of 61 and 18, will participate in language and culture courses in the mornings. The afternoons will be devoted to excursions, sports activities, Workshops, parties, cultural visits and games, etc. DELE Prep Course: Alcalingua organizes prep courses for those expecting to obtain the Spanish Foreign Language Diploma (DELE). This course is specially designed to prepare the student with simulated

20 20 practice exercises and test taking strategies. These courses include 20 hours of instruction and are available in May and November. DELE Exam Spanish Foreign Language Diplomas son are official, accredited certifications language skill and competency award by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Alcalingua is one of the official centers authorized to give the exam and award the certification. 7. Medical Insurance Students that register in Alcalingua will be able to sign up for medical insurance at the time of registration. This insurance will be valid during the time that the students take classes at Alcalingua and covers general medical visits nationwide exclusively in SANITAS clinics. Students will also be able to travel with their own medical insurance if they currently have it. In this case, if a medical visit were necessary, the student would be able to go to any Social Security clinic. The clinic would then send the medical bill to the student s insurance company regarding the medical costs incurred. Although it is not mandatory that the student be covered by medical insurance, it is highly recommended. On the other hand, the costs of medical visits incurred in nonemergency cases must be paid in full by the student.

21 8. List of Normal Course Activities (Examples) "Alcalá, city of three cultures" 21 This is an individual activity. Each student must create a photo report, which will include three important monuments in Alcalá, all of which differ in cultural backgrounds which once existed in the city. The student will then write about each monument and briefly describe how its existence has influenced the city s culture. Cine-fórum Students will meet at 7:00 pm in room 4 at Alcalingua and they will watch a film or some film clips or shorts. Shortly after, the students will answer follow up questions in order to assess their comprehension of the film. Start time: 7:00 pm End time: 8:00 pm Visit to Santiago Bernabéu Students will first meet at the Alcalá de Henares train station and will go together as a Group to Bernabéu. Students will tour the Real Madrid stadium (field, panoramic views, players facilities, and benches ) Start time: 4:00 pm End time: 8:30 pm Cost: 16 + train fare (departure & return) Visit to the Palacio de Laredo Students will have the opportunity to visit the Palacio de Laredo. For this activity, students must find three portraits that they will be told about at the entrance of the museum. Once the portraits have been found, students must take note of the author s name and the time period in which each was made in order to be able to write a short summary of the portraits. Start time: 5:00 pm End time: 7:00 pm Cost: 2

22 22 Visit to the Reina Sofia Museum Students will visit the Reina Sofia Museum of 20th Century and Contemporary Art. For this activity, students must find three portraits that they will be told about at the entrance of the museum. Once the portraits have been found, students must take note of the author s name and the time period in which each was made in order to be able to write a short summary of the portraits. Start time: 4:00 pm (train station) End time: 8:30 pm. Cost: 3 + train fare (departure & return) Visit to Barrio de las Letras Students will meet at the Alcalá de Henares train station and will then go as a group to a neighbourhood in Madrid which was once the residence of the greatest writers of the 16 th and 17 th century. All students will have the opportunity to discover the important monuments and buildings of this historic area. Photo Report of "the Storks of Alcalá" Start time: 4:00 pm (train station) End time: 8:30 pm. Cost: train fare (departure & return). For this activity, each student will work individually and must create a photo report, which will include pictures of storks found in the most emblematic sites in Alcalá de Henares. Students will then write a summary about the history and cultural importance of the storks of Alcalá. Visit to El Escorial Students will take a bus leaving from the Cervante Plaza, which will take them to El Escorial. Students will visit the monastery and will have free time for the students to really get to know the city. Start time: 4:00 pm. End time: 9:00 pm (bus departs from El Escorial at 9:00 pm). Cost: 20 More activities: Alcalingua students will discover a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, most being either free or very affordable. Students will be able to visit important monuments and museums in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, and even visit other cities such as Granada, Sevilla or Barcelona.

23 23 9. Instructor Training Courses Since its beginning, the UAH s Alcalingua has focused immensely on the organization and teaching of courses as well as Master s degrees in E/LE Language Instructor Training, with the goal of helping to cover the demand for specialized instructors that is currently needed in the field of LE and L2 teaching. Our focus on Spanish language teaching has led us to specialize in the development of E/LE educational materials, based on both traditional as well as new multimedia methods, which makes us an especially qualified team. We provide our own courses along with other courses organized along side other prestigious institutions (Spanish Embassy in Washington, Ministry of Education, Cervantes Institute, and foreign universities). Among all of these, our participants emphasize our commitment, duty and enthusiasm. In order to further enrich the quality and diversity of our courses, we have University of Alcalá experts, as well as experts from other universities from different areas of knowledge (Philology, History, Art, Economics and Business) who participate in these instructor training courses. Are courses continue to hold the trusted reputation, committed to the quality of teaching and professionalism, upon which the program was originally founded. On-site Courses for Instructors Introductory Course to Spanish Language Teaching, in collaboration with the Cervantes Institute 30 hours The course is offered to those interested in teaching Spanish as a second language, which includes second language knowledge and abilities, techniques and resources for the development and enrichment of teaching and professional activities. The focus of this course centers on the following three basic aspects: methodology, teaching grammar and the development of communicative language activities. A presentation of these fundamental aspects will be followed by an analysis and reflection regarding the application of these topics carried out by course participants. Introductory Application Course to Spanish Language Teaching, 30 hours In this course, Alcalingua offers participants the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic of Spanish foreign language teaching from a classroom perspective, providing course participants with

24 24 fundamental knowledge, resources and strategies needed to begin a professional career in Spanish foreign language teaching. Furthermore, the course will outline the various professional opportunities, both domestic and international, that this field offers. Spanish Culture and its Application for ELE Students through the Spanish Embassy in Washington, 60 hours This is a useful course, specially designed for foreign instructors, in which classes and visits offer the instructor useful tools for teaching Spanish through art, film, history, literature and Spanish music. Online Courses for Instructors Online courses are best suited for: Students studying Philology, History or Humanities who wish to complement their academic training with aspects of teaching Spanish language and culture. Individuals interested in learning Spanish as a second language. Courses offered: Educational Spanish Grammar Evaluation Classroom Learning Strategies for E/LE Classroom Literature for ELE Verbal Communication Skills Written Communication Skills Spanish for Specific Purposes Sociocultural Intercultural Studies Pragmatic Classroom Approaches for E/LE Creation and Edition of Educational Materials Fundamental Methodologies for Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Styles for E/LE Information Technology

25 Spanish Youth Language Program Spanish Youth Language Program: Alcalingua, the University of Alcalá s Spanish language teaching center, offers a wide variety of language programs perfect for students of all ages. Among them, our youth programs combine an authentic Spanish language immersion learning environment, which take place within fun and exciting environments such as our University of Alcalá and summer camp facilities (Adventure and Nature Camp Programs). Summer Camp: Spanish Language and Culture, Adventure and Nature: Our main goal is that our youth participants become immersed in a safe and fun language learning environment, where youth are able to interact in the target language during different activities with other native speakers. The program includes morning Spanish language classes, along with afternoon activities, which include the following activities: sports, nature activities, excursions and cultural visits.

26 26 Group courses at the University of Alcalá The main objective of these programs is learning Spanish in a cultural environment that encourages knowledge of language, culture or Spanish customs. Cultural activities will be organized taking into account the knowledge acquired in the classroom: visits to museums, world heritage cities or other activities related to cultural features are complements to the academic purposes. On line materials four youth and children Alcalingua also develops educational materials for Spanish language learners. Among them, one of the most outstanding developments, in collaboration with Telefónica, are our online interactive programs for kids and adolescents: Eureka and Navegantes: Applications can be downloaded from the Apple Store: "Eureka" and "The Navigators". The first two units are free and the rest are incorporated periodically and can be purchased through the application. Alcalingua-Universidad de Alcalá Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), España Tlf: ( ) info@alcalingua.com Página web: Design: Gabino Boquete Martín