Study Abroad in Alcalá de Henares
College Study Abroad
Explore Alcalá de Henares with CIEE
Step into the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and study abroad in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 35 minutes from central Madrid. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, the city blends centuries of history with a vibrant student atmosphere. Stroll down Calle Mayor, where Cervantes was born, enjoy churros con chocolate at a local café, or catch a performance at the Corral de Comedias, one of Spain’s oldest theaters. From lively tapas nights in Plaza de Cervantes to exploring the city's historic architecture and cultural landmarks, Alcalá de Henares study abroad offers an authentic introduction to Spanish life in a place that helped shape the country’s literary and cultural identity.
While abroad, choose from a variety of study abroad programs in Alcalá de Henares designed to support your academic goals across subjects like Spanish language, literature, history, culture, and the humanities. Whether you're strengthening your language skills, exploring Spain’s rich cultural heritage, or experiencing daily life in a historic university town, Alcalá de Henares study abroad provides a meaningful and immersive experience that combines academic growth with authentic cultural connection.
Top Activities in Alcalá de Henares with CIEE
Every CIEE Alcalá de Henares study abroad program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Alcalá de Henares, past excursions have included:
- Step into history with exclusive visits to world-renowned museums and cultural landmarks, including the breathtaking UNESCO-listed city center
- Explore beyond the city on a captivating day trip to the opulent Golden Age Palace and the majestic Monastery of El Escorial
- Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a scenic group hike through the stunning Guadarrama Mountains, followed by a relaxing picnic in nature’s embrace
Academics in Alcalá de Henares
CIEE Alcalá de Henares
Explore this historic university town while you stay at CIEE Alcalá de Henares, which is situated in the charming and walkable city center.
Universidad de Alcalá (UAH)
At the Instituto Benjamin Franklin, students study at the institute’s beautiful and modern home. Founded in 1499, the University of Alcalá hosts about 29,000 students in the city center where they study in renovated 16th and 17th century buildings.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Community Impact Initiative in Alcalá de Henares
CIEE's Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with your host city by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building meaningful relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to efforts that create lasting, positive change. Through these immersive, hands-on experiences, you’ll engage with your surroundings while supporting initiatives that matter most to your host community.
While in Alcalá de Henares, your service work will align with broader initiatives focused on:
- Food Security
- Community Development + Public Health
- Youth Development + Education Initiatives
Study Abroad Programs in Alcalá de Henares
- Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to Alcalá de Henares
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages in Alcala de Henares
Spanish
Available Transportation
Bus, train, taxi
Famous Local
Daniel Diges – famous Spanish singer, pianist, composer, and actor
Climate
Warm, dry summers with an average temperature of 84°F; cold winters with an average temperature of 59°F
Places to Explore
Cervantes Birthplace Museum – famous family home of Miguel de Cervantes, writer of novel Don Quixote
Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Social Norms
With Spain’s large coffee culture, it’s not uncommon to drink multiple cups of coffee throughout the day
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions
Known for its medieval architecture, historical significance, and charm, Alcalá de Henares is a good place to study abroad for students looking to explore a smaller city outside of Madrid. Alcalá de Henares offers students an excellent opportunity to practice their Spanish and gain experience living abroad in Spain.
Alcalá de Henares is known to be a safe city with a very low level of crime. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.
Alcalá de Henares is considered a suburb of Madrid and is known for having a quieter, more student-centered atmosphere full of historic buildings. Just a short bus ride away, Madrid, the one of the biggest cities in continental Europe, is known for its famous European art museums, exciting sports events, and political and cultural significance. Alcalá de Henares may be a better fit for students looking for a small-town feel in a historic city, while Madrid may be the better option for students looking for a more urban, lively lifestyle.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Alcalá de Henares.
For more detailed information on diversity in Alcalá de Henares, visit our Diversity in Alcalá de Henares page.
The cost of studying abroad in Alcala de Hernares varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Alcala de Hernares study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Alcalá de Henares. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Alcalá de Henares to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Alcala de Henares Blog Posts
The 10 Best Summer Study Abroad Programs for 2026
You could go home this summer. Or stay on campus. But what if you went abroad instead? Go BIG this summer with our list of the 10 b est summer... keep reading
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ALCALÁ DE HENARES
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN ALCALÁ DE HENARES Alcalá de Henares is known for its sweets and rosquillas de Alcalá are one of the city’s most famous pastries. Rosquillas de... keep reading
Your Go-To Spain Study Abroad Packing List for Every Season
Excited to study abroad in Spain , but less excited to pack for your international adventure? We know the feeling, which is why we’ve put together a CIEE-approved, go-to study... keep reading
Safety at CIEE Alcalá de Henares
At CIEE, your health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority, so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience. From trained on-site staff who are local community experts to 24/7 support for students and families at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839), we’re here whenever you need us. Every program location is carefully reviewed for health, safety, and academic quality. Our global teams continuously monitor local conditions and stay connected with trusted partners, government officials, and U.S. embassies around the world. With guidance, resources, and real people ready to help every step of the way, you can feel confident living, learning, and exploring abroad with CIEE.
Student Housing in Alcalá de Henares
CIEE Alcalá de Henares offers a variety of housing options for you to choose from. Our Alcalá de Henares housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Available housing options vary by program.