Program Dates: June 1-30, 2026
About / Important Dates / Courses / Program Costs / Itinerary / Apply Now
Pack your bags because you’re about to spend a month soaking up the language, flavor, and flair of Spain! From the buzzing boulevards of Madrid to the storybook streets of Toledo, you’ll dive headfirst into Spanish culture and earn course credit while you’re at it! You’ll live and learn in the charming town of Alcalá de Henares. Through the Franklin Institute of the University of Alcalá, you can choose from a wide variety of courses that explore Spanish literature, art, food, medicine, history, culture, and even translation. Come for credit. Stay for culture. Leave with memories.
Pre-requisites: SPAN 1001, 1002, 2001
International Travel & Health Information
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
SPAN 3950 - Studies in Hispanophone Culture: Spain Today | 2 courses in Madrid
Program Leader: Dr. John Giblin
Application Deposit: $200
Deposit Due: TBD
Program Fee: TBD (includes deposit)
Final Payment Due: TBD
Tuition & Fees: based on number of credit hours enrolled
Itinerary Subject to Change
01
JuneStudents arrive in Madrid and are welcomed at the airport with transportation provided to their host city of Alcalá de Henares. After check-in and settling into accommodations, the group has time to rest and begin acclimating to Spanish life.
02
JuneThe program begins with morning orientation sessions designed to introduce students to the university, local culture, and program expectations. Later in the day, students will take a guided tour of Alcalá de Henares, exploring its historic sites and learning about its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
03
JuneAcademic coursework begins. Students will attend classes from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, followed by a short break, and continue from 12:00 to 2:30 PM. This schedule provides structure while allowing time for cultural engagement and personal exploration in the afternoons and evenings.
04
JuneClasses continue with the same schedule: morning session from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, a break from 11:30 to 12:00, and afternoon session from 12:00 to 2:30 PM.
05
JuneThe group travels to Madrid for a full-day tour of the city. Students will explore key historical and cultural landmarks, gaining a deeper appreciation for the capital’s role in Spanish heritage and identity.
06
JuneNo formal program activities are scheduled. Students may rest, explore the local area, or participate in optional cultural activities.
07
JuneAnother free day for students to enjoy their surroundings, catch up on coursework, or travel independently.
08
JuneClasses resume following the regular schedule from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM with a mid-morning break.
09
JuneStudents continue their studies with a full day of classes following the established morning and afternoon schedule.
10
JuneAnother full academic day, with language or subject-based instruction in the morning and early afternoon.
11
JuneClasses continue as usual, helping students deepen their understanding of course material and strengthen their language skills.
12
JuneStudents embark on a full-day excursion to Segovia. They will visit the city’s Roman aqueduct, Gothic cathedral, and Alcázar palace, experiencing centuries of Spanish architecture and history.
13
JuneNo scheduled program events. Students may rest or pursue local activities on their own.
14
JuneStudents enjoy a free day to relax, study, or explore.
15
JuneClasses resume with the usual morning and early afternoon schedule.
16
JuneAnother academic day continues the program’s classroom-based learning and immersion.
17
JuneMid-term examinations take place in the morning during class hours. In the afternoon, students visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, home to some of Europe’s most treasured works of art.
18
JuneClasses continue with the standard schedule, allowing students to return to their academic routines following the mid-terms and museum visit.
19
JuneThe group travels to Toledo for a full-day excursion. Students will explore the “City of Three Cultures,” gaining insight into Spain’s multi-religious and multicultural heritage through its cathedrals, synagogues, and medieval streets.
20
JuneNo formal activities are planned. Students can use this day to rest or explore independently.
21
JuneAnother open day for relaxation, cultural experiences, or personal travel.
22
JuneClasses resume following the regular academic schedule from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
23
JuneStudents continue coursework and build on the skills and knowledge developed throughout the program.
24
JuneAnother full day of classes, offering continued academic and cultural learning.
25
JuneInstruction continues as students move toward the final days of the program.
26
JuneNo scheduled activities are listed for this day, allowing for free time or optional independent exploration.
27
JuneAnother open day to prepare for final classes, rest, or travel locally.
28
JuneStudents enjoy a free day, offering time to review course materials or experience more of the region.
29
JuneThe final academic day of the program. Students will attend their last classes and prepare for departure the following day.
30
JuneThe study abroad program officially concludes. Students will check out of their housing and depart from Spain or begin independent travel.
