Semester in Spain Program
Alcalá de Henares
Butler University's Semester in Spain program is offered each
fall. Led by a Butler professor who serves as Resident Faculty
Director, approximately 20 students spend the semester at the
University of Alcalá de Henares.
In 1998 Alcalá de Henares was designated by UNESCO as a "World
Heritage City" due to its historical and cultural significance. It
is renowned for its remarkable Renaissance architecture as well as
for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don
Quijote de la Mancha. Located just 17 miles from Madrid, this
medium-sized city (about 170,000 inhabitants) offers students the
best of both worlds. You will live and study within Alcalá's warm
small-town atmosphere, yet the vibrant cultural and social venues
of downtown Madrid are just a short commuter train ride away.
Semester In Spain Brochure
(PDF)
Classes and Activities
The Butler program is offered in collaboration with the
University of Alcalá's Institute for North American Studies (known
by its Spanish acronym, IUEN). IUEN is located in the heart of
Alcalá de Henares' historical district, in a wonderful 17th Century
building which has been recently renovated. IUEN offers a wide
array of language and culture courses, taught completely in Spanish
but designed specifically for non-native speaking students. If you
have particularly strong Spanish language skills already, you can
petition to take some of your classes with regular University of
Alcalá students. The courses you take - 12 credits for the semester
- can count toward your major, minor, or electives. All students
should consult with their academic advisor about the appropriate
classes to take while abroad.
The Butler faculty director will offer one course, usually at
the 400 level, during the semester; all students in the program are
required to take that course. The faculty director also provides
academic and student life advising and facilitates organized,
guided tours to various cities and sites of interest. Although the
excursions change from year to year, typical visits may include
Toledo, Avila, Salamanca, Segovia, Granada, Córdoba, and
Sevilla.
Costs
Except for travel expenses to Spain (between $800 and $1,000),
it should cost no more to study for a semester at Alcalá than to
study for the same semester at Butler. You will pay your regular
tuition to Butler University and will be able to apply 100% of your
institutional aid (i.e., Butler scholarships) to your tuition
costs. You will also be billed by Butler for mandatory health
insurance (about $190), and room and board (approximately $4,000).
Other expenses include a passport if you do not already have one
(about $97), a Spanish visa (about $100), books and supplies.
Optional expenses depend on how you spend your free time. Alcalá's
close proximity to Madrid offers many opportunities for travel both
within Spain and to other countries. Reasonably priced train and
bus fares ($20-$100) are available to most towns in Spain.
Bargain-priced airfares ($100-$250) are also common between Madrid
and other European cities such as Paris, Rome, London, Amsterdam,
Lisbon, and Prague. Entertainment and recreation costs in Alcalá
and Madrid are comparable to prices in Indianapolis.
Where Will I Live?
All students live with Spanish families a short walk (or a short
bus ride) away from campus. IUEN arranges these homestays, which
offer a private bedroom and three meals a day. The homestay allows
you to take advantage of the cultural and linguistic interactions
that such a living arrangement provides. Housing is an important
part of the overall experience and past participants have enjoyed
living with a Spanish family. All admitted students must complete a
housing form on which they can list their preferences and special
needs. Although the staff makes every effort to accommodate special
requests, students are encouraged to be flexible, as such requests
cannot be guaranteed.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for this program a student must have completed at
least two 300-level Spanish courses.
How Do I Apply?
Applications can be obtained from the faculty director, Dr.
Craig Auchter in the Department of Political Science (JH 347C), or
from LaTasha Malone, Associate Director of the Center for Global
Education (JH 212D). Completed applications are due to the Center
for Global Education no later than Friday, February 23, 2007.
Useful Websites
Alcalá homepage, in Spanish
More Universidad de
Alcalá information
Music from the
Alcalá tuna (campus Renaissance music group)
For More Information
Dr. Craig Auchter
Faculty Director (Fall '07) and Associate Professor of Political
Science
JH 347C
Telephone: (317) 940-9571
Email: auchter@butler.edu
Dr. Linda Willem
Faculty Director (Fall '03, '04, and '06) and Professor of
Spanish
JH 374D
Telephone: (317) 940-9251
Email: lwillem@butler.edu
Dr. Antonio Menendez
Faculty Director (Fall '05) and Associate Professor of
Sociology
JH 371B
Telephone: (317) 940-9284
Email: amenende@butler.edu
Dr. Monte Broaded
Director of the Center for Global Education
JH 212B
Telephone: (317) 940-8312
Email: mbroaded@butler.edu
Terri Carney
Facutly Director (Fall '09) and Associate Professor of
Spanish
JH378B
Telephone: (317) 940-8438
Email: tcarney@butler.edu
Jill McKinney M.A.
Associate Director Center for Global Education
Telephone: (317) 940-8473
Email: jsmckinn@butler.edu
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