Alcala Fast Facts Population: 203,000 Great for languagelearners Host Families 30 mins to Madrid
City of Alcala de Henares Alcalá de Henares is located on the outskirts of Madrid, about 20 km northeast of Spain s capital. It is a smaller city, ideal for access to the night life, culture, parks and excitement of Madrid without living in the city itself. Trains and buses run to and from Madrid every 10-15 minutes. The founding of Alcalá dates back to the Roman city of Complutum which was later renamed Alcalá, the Arabic word for fortress. Its Renaissance urban design is still visible today: Sixteenth-century churches have been turned into restaurants and a 17th-century convent houses the law school and College of Economics. A visit to the Casa de Cervantes, model home of Miguel de Cervantes, is a must for anyone interested in that important Spanish author. Students that select this program will experience a wonderful town of friendly and patient people. Former OU students say that Alcala de Henares was a wonderful experience, and found the locals friendly and helpful. While many venture into nearby Madrid, Alcala itself offers beautiful parks, nightlife, and a shopping mall that keeps OU students recommending this location to family and friends.
City of Alcala de Henares in photos Urban and modern hub of the city, you can find shopping, restaurants and entertainment from this street. One of the local grocery stores in Alcala de Henares is Carrefour. Carrefour is French in origin and is similar to Walmart, although smaller in this instance. View of a fountain at one of the local parts near the Institute and the more urban portions of the city. View of the Franklin Institute. This building dates back to the 1400s and is a declared World Heritage site by UNESCO.
City of Alcala de Henares in photos You will see mentions of famous author, Miguel de Cervantes, all over town. The top left is a mural depicting the quintessential scene from his most famous work, Don Quixote. The top center photo is the museum remodel of his home. The other photos featured show some of the delightful Spanish architecture that makes Alcala de Henares a charming and inviting town.
Hallway of main staff at the Institute The Benjamin Franklin Institute for North American Studies What will I study? Track 1: Spanish Studies Program (summer, semester, AY)--this is the most common program for OU students, particularly those going over the summer or to finish their Spanish minor. This track focuses on language learning and culture classes. Students take a placement exam, live with host families, and participate on various excursions as part of their required coursework. *Special courses with internships offered for pre-med/health care minded students, or students interested in the intersection between soccer and politics in Spain. Ask your adviser for more details! Full course list offered can be found here: http://www.institutofranklin.net/en/academicprograms/spanish-studies/courses-and-schedules. Track 2: University of Alcala (semester, AY)--this track is for intermediate to advanced speakers, and is generally recommended only for students who will spend an academic year in Alcala. Students can pick from courses in a variety of departments and disciplines, all of which is facilitated by the Institute. Track 3: Master s in International Education (1 year)--students wishing to earn a Master s in INternational Education while also teaching English should consider this program. Tuition is free, plus you receive a stipend in exchange for teaching 17-24 hours/week in local schools.
Program Offerings The Franklin Institute offers a variety of ways to help you get settled and involved while in Alcala, learn more about these options below. Orientation: 2 days during summer (1 in Madrid) Topics: Cultural adjustment Access to computers (see below) Public transportation: 10-trip tickets: you can buy them @ bus/train stations, 7-8 Euro (etc.) Recommended hospitals Forms (housing norms, disciplinary, etc.) signed Wifi/Computer Lab: during orientation students receive their computer card (50 euros if lost) for the computer lab. At the computer lab students insert card, type password and username, and log on. They can also use wifi, however the connection is not strong because of thickness of building walls. Library: there are also libraries available for students. Volunteer Program: Available to semester/year students. Placements: Mostly in schools: help teachers with English, after school programs, etc. Red Cross (must do online course first), tourism, environmental programs and other education programs. Airport Pickup: Service available for summer, semester and AY programs. The process and calendar are as follows: Submit arrival forms electronically through OU Study Abroad Adviser Day 1: pickup at Madrid Barajas (typically terminal 1), and drop off at Cervantes square where families are waiting Extra-curricular Options: University choir Athletic Teams/Clubs Excursions that are not part of coursework Inter-cambios: Inter-cambios are language exchanges, wherein students are paired with a local student to practice speaking. Part of the session you speak Spanish and the other part you speak English.
Housing Options Homestay: most students who go to Alcala de Henares will utilize the host family system. As they are primarily in class with other North American students, the Institute strongly recommends the host family environment so that the language skills of students are strengthened. Students are also exposed to Spanish daily life and culture more this way. Selection Process: students complete an extensive housing questionnaire before arrival and send along with application materials. Families never see housing request forms, rather Theresa is in charge of housing and visits each home and makes placements Expectations: All rooms have: wifi, bed, wardrobe, desk, safe with key, and natural light. Family does all laundry with the exception of delicates and dry cleaning. 3 meals a day including field trip days. Distance from Institute varies: 10-30 mins walk Not a hotel, students are expected to become part of a family asked to respect costs of utilities, dining customs etc. Asked to speak in Spanish and often included in family trips and customs. All students have own room, may have 2 students/home Student Dorms: Dorms not recommended by the Institute, but are available in small numbers. For more housing pictures see studyabroad. ou.edu.