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 Universidad de 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.
.
Classes and Activities
The Butler program is offered in collaboration with the
University of Alcalá's Instituto Franklin, which is located in a
recently renovated 17th Century building in the heart of
Alcalá de Henares historical district. Instituto Franklin
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, at the 400
level, during the semester; all students in the program are
required to take that course. This is the only 400-level
course students are allowed to earn while studying
abroad. 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, or Sevilla.
Costs
You will pay your regular tuition to Butler University
and will be able to apply 100% of your institutional aid (i.e.,
tuition-related Butler scholarships) to your tuition
costs. You will also be billed by Butler for mandatory
health insurance (about $250), and room and board (approximately
$4,500). Other expenses include international travel to Spain
(between $900 - $1100) a passport if you do not already have one
(about $110), a Spanish visa (about $105), 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. Instituto Franklin 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 a minimum
3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed at least two 300-level
Spanish courses, preferably one in literature or civilization.
How Do I Apply?
Applications can be obtained from the Department of Modern
Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (JH374D) or from the
Center for Global Education (JH212). Completed applications are due
to the Center for Global Education no later than February 1,
2012.
Useful Websites
More information about Insituto Franklin: http://www.institutofranklin.net
Alcalá homepage, in Spanish: http://www.uah.es
For More Information
Dr. Irune del Rio Gabiola, Faculty Director
(Fall '12) and Assistant Professor of Spanish, tel 940-6952;
igabiola@butler.edu
Dr. Gabriela Muniz, Faculty Director (Fall '11)
and Assistant Professor of Spanish, JH378B, tel 940-6469,
gmuniz@butler.edu
Dr. Linda Willem, Faculty Director (Fall '03,
'04, '06, '08 &'10) and Professor of Spanish, JH 374D;
tel. 940-9251;
lwillem@butler.edu
Dr. Monte Broaded, Director of the Center for
Global Education, JH 212B; tel. 940-8312;
mbroaded@butler.edu
Jill McKinney M.A., Associate Director Center
for Global Education; tel. 940-8473;
jsmckinn@butler.edu
Sarah Robinson, Study Abroad Advisor, tel.
940-8272;
smrobins@butler.edu