Study Abroad in Alcalá de Henares
College Study Abroad
Explore Alcalá de Henares, Spain
The small-town charm of Alcalá de Henares (Alcalá) blends with the classes in the old convent classrooms of the University of Alcalá. Located roughly 22 miles east of Spain’s capital city, Madrid, Alcalá de Henares offers easy transport options to Madrid and the rest of Spain. Perhaps most well-known as the birthplace of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, studying abroad in Alcalá de Henares allows students to experience a “secret” historic city center with centuries-old buildings.
Summer is ideal for enjoying tapas, drinks, and lively social scenes in various cafés and terraces that surround Alcalá´s historic square, Plaza Cervantes. Soak up the vibrant food and tapas spots in and around the medieval walls and streets by the Calle Mayor. Alcalá’s compact size and walkable layout make it easy to navigate conveniently on foot. With everything close by, you can enjoy spontaneous plans and quick meetups. In addition, you can find green spaces like Parque O'Donnell and trails along the Henares River, where Alcalá de Henares study abroad students can easily escape to nature for picnics, running sports, or outdoor studying.
Alcalá de Henares is also home to Spain’s largest colony of storks, making the city even more unique. These majestic birds nest on the rooftops of buildings in the city center and in the trees along the river, offering an unforgettable sight during the spring and summer months. Storks have become a symbol of Alcalá, and their presence adds to the town’s charm and rich natural diversity.
When you study abroad in Alcalá de Henares, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Spain’s second-largest city in the community of Madrid. Whether you’re looking to enjoy Spain’s signature tapas plates, make new friends, take in medieval architecture, or improve your Spanish language skills, Alcalá de Henares is one of the best-kept secrets in study abroad that offers something authentic and culturally enriching that every student can enjoy.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Alcalá de Henares
Every CIEE program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Alcalá de Henares, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Visits to famous museums and cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site city center
- Explore beyond the city with one-day trips to the Golden Age Palace and Monastery of El Escorial
- Take a group hike and picnic in the National Park of the Guadarrama Mountains
If you’re a student looking to study abroad in Alcalá de Henares, CIEE’s tours and excursions allow you to experience the culture, history, and language of this beautiful city. From eating various sweets and rosquillas de Alcalá to exploring 16th-century history with a tour of the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, Alcalá de Henares is a study abroad destination that any student can enjoy!
Where Students Study
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.
Study Abroad Programs in Alcalá de Henares
- Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Study Program
With small classes, a local family host, and plenty of peer interaction, your already strong Spanish skills will further progress as the weeks fly by.
- Host Institution
- Small City
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.
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Talk To A Student Who's Lived It...
Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Alcalá de Henares, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.
