Universidad de Alcalá - Alcalá de Henares, Spain

The University of Alcala was founded by the Regent of Spain, Cardinal Cisneros, in 1499. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the University of Alcala became the pre-eminent center of academic excellence in Spain and was the model university for universities opened in the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the mid-nineteenth century, the university was moved to Madrid and was re-opened again in Alcala in 1977 after Spain’s transition to democracy.

Today's University of Alcala preserves its traditional humanities faculties, a testimony to the University's special efforts to promote and diffuse the Spanish language, as well as new degree subjects in scientific fields such as health sciences or engineering. The University of Alcala is considered one of the top 10 universities in Spain and is the university where the King of Spain annually awards the Cervantes Prize for excellence in Spanish literature.

Accreditation

The University of Alcala is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning.

Teaching Model

Study abroad students are hosted at the Institute for North American Studies in Trinitarios College. The institution provides fully transcripted host institution language and content courses designed for North American students. Students with Superior language skills can also attend regular University of Alcala courses.

Programs Hosted

Alcala study abroad programs

Host City Description

The city of Alcala combines the best of small and big city living for a student study abroad experience. Alcala itself is a manageable, friendly, classic planned college town, where students can easily integrate with the community and develop their Spanish skills. On the other hand, when students desire the amenities of one of the most vibrant cities in the world, downtown Madrid is accessible in 25 minutes by commuter train.

The city of Alcala has been a World Heritage Site since 1998 due to its beautiful architecture and historical importance. Alcala was also the home of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote.