The Hispanic Studies Program Instituto Universitario de Investigacion en Estudios Norteamericanos: Benjamin Franklin
3 The Hispanic Studies Program 7 Academic Information 10 Services 15 Design Your Own Program 2
Instituto B.Franklin - University of Alcalá The Hispanic Studies Program The Hispanic Studies Program came about as an initiative to facilitate collaboration between the University of Alcalá and North American universities interested in internationalizing their study programs and students. The Program was established in 1987. Throughout more than 20 years of accumulated history and experience, our institute has transformed into a reference point as a leader in Spain for specialized teaching, curriculum development, and study abroad programs. This success is greatly due to the personalized attention we give our students which enables us to maintain high evaluations of our professors and overall from our university associates. University of Alcalá The University of Alcalá, founded by the Regent of Spain, Cardinal Cisneros, in 1499 was a totally new educational project which fused the best of the traditional and innovative university European models. Its five centuries of history make it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Due to its distinctive university model, its contribution to the arts and sciences throughout history, and to the beauty and wealth of its buildings, the University of Alcalá was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site on 2 December 1998. Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 3
I have truly loved my time living and studying in Alcala. From my incredible host family to the knowledgeable professors to the endearing community, I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity and will miss it greatly. Kristin Hess Butler University Program objectives Provide students with a unique opportunity of learning, living, and traveling in Spain. Offer a study program defined by its academic excellence. levels of language competencies from beginners to near-native fluency. Our curriculum also includes courses for heritage learners paying attention to their linguistic, academic and cultural development. Provide a diversity of courses suited for students with different interests. Courses range from traditional language and culture to more specific ones such as Humanities, Cultural Studies, Political Science, International Relations, and Business Administration among others. Courses are designed for students of all Develop our students intercultural skills through different activities and cultural visits, in order to build up their attitudes, believes, communication styles and cultural competencies, and create citizens for tomorrow's society, especially between North America, Spain, and Europe. 4 Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program
Why study at the Instituto Franklin? 1. A wide variety of courses, from language courses designed for all language levels to courses of humanities, art, history, international relations, business, etc. 2. Experienced staff to assist students with all their possible needs throughout the program. We have a 24 hour emergency service. 3. The study program is complemented with an activities program designed to develop student s language and cultural competencies and skills. Students participate in different cultural activities in order to improve their cultural awareness and language abilities. 4. Alcalá de Henares is considered a relaxing and safe college town where students can get around easily and enjoy the beauty of its ancient buildings and plazas. 5. Alcalá de Henares is strategically located and easily accessible by public transportation. Madrid is just 35 minutes away by commuter train or bus. Location The City of Alcalá de Henares is a unique balance between Medieval and Modern with access to Madrid every 10 minutes by commuter trains and buses. There is a public transport system available that is comfortable and user friendly connecting all zones of the city. Alcalá has a wide variety of amenities for international students; hotels, restaurants with local and international cuisines, banks, travel agencies, shopping centers, theaters, and cinemas which make one's stay very enjoyable. There are also several medical clinics in town and a modern hospital, Prince of Asturias, in the compound on the extension campus of the University. How to get to the Instituto Franklin From the Airport The airport is located about 15 kms from Alcalá de Henares. It takes about 20-30 minutes by taxi. By Train (Cercanias) From Madrid (stations: Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, Atocha) you may take any train with destination Alcalá de Henares or Guadalajara. Get off at the station Alcalá, not Alcalá Universidad. Trinitarios building is pproximately a 15 min walk from the train station. There are commuter trains from Madrid to Alcalá every 10 minutes. By Bus From Madrid, take buses Continental Auto with destination Alcalá de Henares from Avenida de América. Trinitarios building is approximately a 15 minute walk from the bus station. There are buses from Madrid to Alcalá every 15 minutes. Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 5
I couldn t have picked a better place to be an exchange student. Alcalá de Henares was very charming and made me feel at home; the people were wonderful and very helpful. I would recommend IF to anyone and guarantee to them that their Spanish will improve here Candice Phillips University of Oklahoma 6 Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program
Academic Information The Hispanic Studies Program is a study abroad program especially designed to fulfill the requirements of American students. Courses explore contemporary Spain in all its aspects: language, culture, civilization, art, music, business, sociology among other areas. They include an interesting offer of cultural activities that compliment the classroom lectures in a practical way. There is a group of courses taught in English that explore themes from an interdisciplinary perspective in reference to current affairs in Spain and Europe. Students can study at the Instituto Franklin for one semester, one academic year, or an Intensive Summer Program. Students also have the possibility of enrolling in any of the different courses offered by the Univesity of Acalá, as long as their linguistic level is adequate and adapt to the calendar and schedules of the university. All the courses are officially accredited by the University of Alcalá and are transferable to the University of origin. The course load is generally 4 courses (12 credits) during the Fall and Spring semesters and 2-4 courses (6-12 credits) during the Summer Intensive Programs. Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 7
Courses The Hispanic Studies program provides students with a versatile interdisciplinary curricula where students may choose courses that correspond to their specific interests; pre-approval by their academic advisors in their university of origin. Our program consists of approximately 35 courses every semester in 7 different disciplines: Language, Literature, Humanities, Social Science, International Relations, Business, and English-Speaking courses in the same areas. Please see attachment I for a course list. Faculty One of the most important aspects of our study program is our faculty which includes Spanish and international professors. They are specialists in their teaching areas and their research and professional experience provides an essential added value to the program. Classes are characterized by the integration of the Spanish socio-cultural ambience through cultural activities and visits to museums, governmental organizations, political and civic institutions, and other towns and cities. Classes are taught in small groups to give students opportunities to actively participate and personal attention to improve their linguistic skills. 8 Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program
Academic Calendar Our academic calendar is divided into two semester programs (Fall & Spring) and an Intensive Summer program of one or two months (June or July, June-July). The calendar is similar to the standard academic calendar in most American universities, which allows students to continue their studies without any interruptions during the year. Students also have the opportunity to take classes at the different schools of the University of Alcalá. They should follow the Spanish academic calendar which starts at the end of September and ends in June, for yearly courses. Students can also register for semester courses; from September to February, and February to July. Please see attachment II for the semester and summer calendars. Activities One of the main objectives of our study program is to offer a wide and interesting program of cultural and academic activities which takes place throughout the semester or Summer. These activities facilitate the learning experience of students and are directly related to the content of courses. All courses include two activities which are mandatory. Students visit some cities around Madrid, government institutions, multinational companies, museums, etc. with the objective of familiarizing themselves with Spanish and European history, culture, traditions, and policy. Please see attachment III for a list of activities. Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 9
I loved the whole experience. I feel more independent and better about myself. The family was great and there was nothing wrong with this whole experience. Thank you to all IF staff. Michelle Peñuñuri University of Arizona Services Provided by Instituto Franklin Instituto Franklin has a variety of specific services dedicated to students, visiting faculty, and partner institutions to make their stay and academic and cultural experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. We have specialized and dedicated staff which helps students with any needs and concerns which may arise during their stay. We offer students orientation sessions at the beginning of each academic calendar which help them adjust to their new life in Spain. For those students who do not come in a group, Instituto Franklin provides a coordinator for direct enrolled students to assist them throughout the semester with anything they may need (academic, social, housing, medical matters, etc.) The services we offer our students are: insurance, housing, transfers from and to the airport, access to all University of Alcalá facilities, computer rooms, libraries, sports, and any other service provided by the University of Alcalá. 10 Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program
Academic Services Orientation Our orientation sessions are designed to welcome our students our students and provide them with practical, cultural and academic information to make their study abroad more enjoyable. Students will learn how to use their medical cards, public transport passes, currencies, and bank accounts. They will also learn some details about life with Spanish families and cultural differences. Students will be given a detailed breakdown of the courses offered including information about cultural activities and field trips that supplement the lectures. In order to facilitate student life in the university and its surroundings, students are taken in two tours programmed during the orientation session: 1) a city tour of Alcalá and the university to introduce students to a variety of places with historical, cultural and/or social significance; 2) a walking tour of Madrid to help orientate students around the capital as well as how to use the extensive public transport network available. Coordinator for Direct Enrolled Students Participant students of the program who do not have a faculty member accompanying them throughout the academic period, will have a Coordinator for Direct Enrolled Students who will help them adjust to life in Alcalá de Henares, and with any other issues which may arise during their stay such as housing, medical, and cultural issues among others. The coordinator will hold different meetings with students and will supervise their academic progress as well as their adjustment to the new environment. Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 11
Trips Instituto Franklin can organize different trips for interested universities. Trips can take from one to four days to visit cities around Madrid and other long distance cities like Barcelona, Sevilla or Santiago de Compostela among others. Instituto Franklin will provide a customized itinerary and cultural and educational visits. Students and faculty will be accompanyed by Instituto Franklin staff during the entire trip. Trips which require one or more hotel nights will include lodging in three start hotels, half board, transportation, tour guide, as well as entraces to visits. 12
General Services Insurance Instituto Franklin provides three types of insurance to requesting universities or students; medical insurance, third party damages, and travel insurance. Medical insurance covers illness and accidents, doctor visits, tests, x-rays and analysis, and hospitalization when needed anywhere in Spain and Europe. Upon arrival to Spain, participants will receive a Medical Insurance Card that should be carried at all times in case of emergencies. If any participant has any special condition that could affect their experience in the program, it is recommended that they get in contact directly with the Program Coordinator, Rosa María García-Barroso. Housing Most students accepted to the Hispanic Studies Program live with families in Alcalá. We have an extended network of families who have been collaborating with us for many years. The Housing Coordinators select families, supervise student s stay, and solve any problems which may arise. Housing Coordinators also have a 24 hour telephone service for emergencies. Students who prefer lodging in the University dormitories may choose from several options. Pick Up Service There is an airport pick-up service for students and accompanying faculty at the beginning of each academic period from the airport to Alcalá and at the end of the semester from Alcalá to the airport. It is very important that we are informed as soon as possible about: arrival date and time, airline company, and flight number. This transfer service will take place only on the scheduled dates and times. Instituto Franklin will not be responsible for picking-up or dropping-off students and faculty who arrive or depart at different times and dates. Facilities Instituto Franklin offices and classrooms are located in the historical downtown of Alcalá de Henares, in the Trinitarios building, built in the first half of the 17th Century as a convent and University College for the Trinitarios Descalzos religious order. Today, Trinitarios College is completely renovated and surrounded by gardens and patios, conserving its original monastic structure with modern amenities. The building has been adapted with ramps, elevators, and services to facilitate its use for handicapped people. There are eight classrooms fully equipped, a computer lab, study posts, meeting rooms for professors and researchers. There are also two libraries ; The American Studies library, and the Cervantina Library. Contact Information For more information about the Hispanic Studies Program, please contact Rosa María García-Barroso, the Program Coordinator at rosi.garciabarroso@uah.es Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 13
I loved my experience in Alcalá and at the IF. I have not only grew academically but also personally. I learned a lot about myself and was able to learn about a new and beautiful culture. Yasmina Mohan U.C. Berkeley Design Your Own Program Instituto Franklin offers partner institutions the opportunity to design their own customized program taking into consideration their student's particular interests and academic needs. We can design short programs (from one to four weeks), and other programs such as study tours created around specific topics. In the past we have organized visits to companies and conferences for business students, cultural activities and visits for non-spanish speaking students, and short academic programs and internships for education students, among others. Universities and higher education institutions can contact the Program Coordinator, Rosa María García-Barroso at rosi.garciabarroso@uah.net about customized programs which suit their particular interests and academic needs. We have more than 20 years of accumulated experience in study abroad working with American partner institutions. Accreditation Instituto Franklin, has been approved by the University of Alcalá and the Community of Madrid in the BOCAM Law in 2001. As part of the university, the Institute s regulations are established in Article 90 of the University of Alcalá by-laws. All of the academic programs that Instituto Franklin offers are officially recognized by the University of Alcalá. The transference of academic credits is facilitated by the academic agreements between the institution of origin and Instituto Franklin. Instituto B. Franklin Hispanic Studies Program 15
Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Estudios Norteamericanos: Benjamin Franklin Universidad de Alcalá Colegio de Trinitarios, C/ Trinidad, 1, 28801 - Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España Tlf.: +34 91 885 52 52 Fax.:+34 91 885 52 48 rosi.garciabarroso@uah.es http://www.institutofranklin.net