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Is this program right for you?

This one or two session summer program at the CIEE Study Center in Alcalá de Henares provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced language skills and increase their knowledge of Spanish language and culture through coursework in Spanish language and area studies, and a series of excursions.

Program Snapshot

  • Live in a provincial city near the large metropolis of Madrid
  • Choose from a wide range of Spanish-taught courses
  • Participate in frequent excursions that take advantage of the rich cultural happenings in Alcalá and Madrid during the summer, as well as in short excursions to nearby sites of historical interest such as Toledo, Segovia, and Cuenca
  • Enjoy one longer excursion to Andalusia, la Zona de Levante, or León

Subject Areas

  • Art History
  • Business
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Political Science
  • Spanish Language

About Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá de Henares, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998, is located 30 minutes northeast of Madrid. Alcalá is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote de la Mancha. It has a population of 300,000, including approximately 16,000 university students, and a growing number of immigrant groups from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Alcalá’s historic center is a mix of harmonious streets, noble architecture dating back to the 16th Century, convents, shops, restaurants, tapas bars, and graceful storks that nest atop buildings.

Where You'll Study

Universidad de Alcalá - summer

The Universidad de Alcalá was founded in 1499. In 1836, the University transferred to the nearby capital of Madrid, leaving its historic facilities in Alcalá unused until 1977, when the University was re-established. The Instituto Benjamin Franklin offers academic programs in Hispanic Studies for U.S. students. It is where CIEE students take classes.

Thoughts From Abroad

I look forward to welcoming you to Alcalá de Henares. Alcalá is a unique place that offers you insight into the history and traditions that continue to shape contemporary Spain. Within minutes of Madrid, the geographical center of Spain, Alcalá is a wonderful location in which to study language, literature, humanities, and social sciences at one of the oldest universities in the country. Come and learn why the dreams of Don Quixote and the life of Miguel de Cervantes are a key influence in today’s Spain; come and enjoy this vibrant, beautiful city where you can interact with many young Spaniards; and finally, come and live in Alcalá, and learn how its rich historical past makes it a cherished jewel of Spain!

— Cristina Blanco, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Cristina Blanco, Resident Director, earned her B.A. degree in Filología Hispánica y Educación Infantil and graduate degrees at the Universidad de Alcalá, where she focused on Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. Cristina taught at Middlebury College in Vermont, Kobe Gaidai University in Japan, and the International Trade Institute in Taiwan’s Ministry of Commerce. She is the coauthor of a textbook on Spanish for foreigners and another about nonverbal communication.

The CIEE Resident Director is assisted on-site by a student intern, often a former CIEE participant, who helps with administrative and day-to-day matters.

Recommended Credit

one session: 6 semester/9 quarter hours
two sessions: 12 semester/18 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 3.0 GPA in most recent Spanish class
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

Program Dates

Summer 2009
Session I		5/28/2009 - 6/26/2009
Summer 2009
Session II		6/29/2009 - 7/29/2009
Summer 2009
Sessions I + II		5/28/2009 - 7/29/2009
Summer 2010
Session I		Available: 2/15/2010
Summer 2010
Session II		Available: 2/15/2010
Summer 2010
Sessions I + II		Available: 2/15/2010

Application Deadlines

Summer 2009
Session I		4/1/2009
Summer 2009
Session II		4/1/2009
Summer 2009
Sessions I + II		4/1/2009
Summer 2010
Session I		4/1/2010
Summer 2010
Session II		4/1/2010
Summer 2010
Sessions I + II		4/1/2010

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Summer 2009
Session I		4.5 weeks
late May - late June
Summer 2009
Session II		4.5 weeks
late June - late July
Summer 2009
Sessions I + II		9 weeks
late May - late July
Summer 2010
Session I		4.5 weeks
late May - late June
Summer 2010
Session II		4.5 weeks
late June - late July
Summer 2010
Sessions I + II		9 weeks
late May - late July

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Summer 2009 - Session I $4,400
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Housing and Meals$1,150
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$3,176
    Total$4,400

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,250
    Personal Expenses$750
    Books and Supplies$75
    Local Transportation$200
    Total$2,275


  • Summer 2009 - Session II $4,400
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$3,176
    Housing and Meals$1,150
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$4,400

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Local Transportation$200
    Books and Supplies$75
    Personal Expenses$750
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,250
    Total$2,275


  • Summer 2009 - Sessions I + II $8,600
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.  

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Housing and Meals$2,300
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$6,226
    Total$8,600

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.  



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,250
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Books and Supplies$150
    Local Transportation$400
    Total$3,300


  • Summer 2010 - Session I Available 12/15/2009

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Available 12/15/2009



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Available 12/15/2009


  • Summer 2010 - Session II Available 12/15/2009

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Available 12/15/2009



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Available 12/15/2009


  • Summer 2010 - Sessions I + II Available 12/15/2009

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Available 12/15/2009



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Available 12/15/2009


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.