Study

Study Abroad in Madrid with Instituto Franklin-UAH

Name: Study Abroad in Madrid with Instituto Franklin-UAH
Brand: Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcala
SKU: 219843
Rating: 4.95 (19 reviews)

Hosted by

Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcala

4.95 (19 reviews)

Good for

Students

Adventure travelers

Study Abroad in Madrid with Instituto Franklin-UAH

Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcala

4.95 · 19 reviews

Location

Spain
- Madrid

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

American Studies Architecture Art History Arts Business Communications Creative Writing Criminal Justice Cultural Studies Economics Education English European Studies Finance Global Studies Health Sciences Hispanic Studies History Humanities International Business International Relations Journalism Language Studies Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Political Science Pre-Med Public Relations Service Learning Social Sciences Theater Tourism U.S. Studies +25

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Work study

Health & Safety

Learn More

View Other Details

Program Details

Program Type

Direct Enrollment

Degree Level

Associates Bachelors Masters

Housing

Dormitory Host Family

Language

Spanish

Pricing

Price Details

Fall or Spring: € 8,995
Summer Four-week (June / July): € 3,560
Summer Eight-week (June and July): € 6,190
You get:
Tuition
Universidad de Alcalá credits
Homestays in families in Alcalá (three meals a day & once a week laundry service) or university dorms (meal plan)*
Orientation Sessions
University services
Health Insurance
Student card
Cultural trips and activities
Airport pickup (on scheduled dates).

Check out our website for student discounts!

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Meals Wifi

What's Included (Extra)

Health Insurance
3 Meals per Day (7 days a week), Once a week laundry service
Orientation
Excursions/Cultural Visits/Site Visits
Student Services
Transportation card
On campus Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare SIM cards Visa

Last Updated: May 08, 2026

Last Reviewed: May 18, 2026

Wish List

46 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Immerse yourself in the academic tradition of one of Europe’s oldest universities at Instituto Franklin–UAH. Located in the stunning UNESCO city of Alcalá de Henares, our program offers a unique blend of historical depth and modern accessibility, just 30 minutes from central Madrid. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced speaker, you can customize your semester with courses in English or Spanish, covering everything from international business to cultural studies. With 30 years of experience, we provide a safe, rigorous environment where you can earn 12-15 transferable credits.

Daily life here balances the tranquility of a historic town with the energy of the capital. You might start your morning with classes in a centuries-old building, then spend the afternoon at a local café or exploring world-class museums. Living with a local host family/dorms ensures full cultural immersion and authentic meals, making Spain feel like home.

Request Info

Program Highlights

UNESCO Heritage Location: Live and study in Alcalá de Henares, a safe and stunning World Heritage site just 30 minutes from central Madrid.
Academic Flexibility: Choose from a wide range of courses taught in either English or Spanish to fit any major or language level.
All-Inclusive Support: Simplify your stay with a fee that covers tuition, housing, full meal plans, medical insurance, and local transport.
Transferable Credits: Stay on track for graduation by earning 12-15 U.S. credits per semester at a top-ranked global university.
Professional Growth: Enhance your resume with optional internship placements or student teaching while living authentically with a local host family.

Go Beyond Fluency: Earn a Professional Spanish Certificate at the University of Alcalá

Elevate your career with a Professional Spanish Certificate from the historic University of Alcalá. Choose a specialized track in Healthcare, Law, or Business to master technical vocabulary and gain a global edge. This elite program includes 12 U.S. credits and real-world site visits, all within a UNESCO World Heritage setting just 30 minutes from Madrid. The ultimate ROI for your resume.

Go Beyond Fluency: Earn a Professional Spanish Certificate at the University of Alcalá

Video and Photos

University of Oklahoma students in our excursion to Segovia

The famous Universidad de Alcalá- UNESCO World Heritage Site

Student meeting "host mom" for the first time

Students of the “Spanish for Health Care Professionals” preparing for their hospital shadowing at University Public Hospital “Príncipe de Asturias”

Students of the “Global dimension of soccer: European clubs” practice soccer with other students and Instituto Franklin-UAH staff.

Our offices are located in a 17th century former convent!

View All Photos

Popular Programs

Student Teachers visiting a bilingual school in Alcala de Henares, Madrid.

Student Teaching in Madrid

This 8-week program is designed for future educators seeking practical international teaching experience. Students are placed in bilingual K–12 classrooms in Madrid, with the option to enroll in courses through our Study Abroad in Spain program to complement their placement. Earn up to 12 U.S. credits.

International Studies students in front of Madrid's Royal Palace during student tour.

International Studies Program

This less than 90-day program offers a unique, English-taught study abroad experience in Madrid, Spain. Designed for undergraduate students from around the world, the program combines social sciences, humanities, and professional studies with a global, transatlantic perspective—no Spanish required. Spend the spring semester just 30 minutes from Madrid, earning 12 U.S. academic credits while exploring Spanish culture, history, and life in a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Program Reviews

4.95 Rating

based on 19 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 94.74%
4 rating 5.26%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.35
Support 4.9
Fun 4.95
Housing 4.85
Safety 4.9

Good for Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 17 - 19 of 19 reviews

I studied at Instituto Franklin - UAH in Alcalá de Henares, (Madrid), Spain, during the spring semester of my sophomore year. It was the greatest language learning experience of my life. I think the three best things about Study Abroad at Instituto Franklin are the homestay program, the university classes, and the university-organized trips throughout Madrid and Spain. My Spanish host family was patient, caring, and radically hospitable. We still keep in touch to this day. Alcalá de Henares is a fairly large city within the Madrid metropolitan area. Despite its sizeable population, Alcalá still manages to have the feel of a small town. In fact, it's historic center is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, all the while being well communicated with public transport to the center of Madrid by train and by bus.

At the university, I studied some of Cervantes' masterworks. The professors at Instituto Franklin are experts not only in the content of their courses, but also at teaching Spanish to English speakers. One memorable trip we took was to visit the windmills at Consuegra. There our class reenacted one of our favorite scenes from El Quijote in Spanish, using a script that we collaborated to write.

What would you improve about this program?

It would be nice if classes included Spanish university students, and not only native English speakers. However, the benefit of having classes with all English speakers is that professors suit lessons for non-native Spanish speakers.

Alcalá de Henares, the Birth City of Miguel de Cervantes

In the past, I've told people that I lucked out with my study abroad experience, but really no luck comes into play once you choose to travel to Alcala de Henares... The entire area is everything you hope to find in a study abroad experience, host families who become your own family, teachers who are there to help and support you and an incredibly group of students who are all in the program for the right reasons.

With everything being so close to Madrid, you get the best of both worlds. Humble and honest living in Alcala and the big city online a train ride away. It also makes it very easy and affordable to travel to other cities in Spain as well as to different countries.

Classes are great, there are options that allow you to really challenge yourself, as well as classes that help you brush up on your basic skills. The entrance test is nothing to worry about it, it measures your level of Spanish and very accurately places you in classes you should be in. I took a dance and music class, Spanish history, Spanish geography and Don Quixote. I loved every single one for various reasons but especially because the learning wasn't limited to the classroom, the field trips and excursions we went on were the cherry on top.

I have nothing but great things to say about the program at Instituto Franklin and that is telling you the complete truth. I would suggest anybody who is considering this program, search people who attended Universidad de Alcala - Instituto Franklin on Facebook and send them a quick message.

What would you improve about this program?

I only wish I had more time with everyone I was with. I left having made lifelong friendships with the other students in the program, the teachers, the locals and especially my host family.

Read Don Quijote if you want to know more

I could not recommend this program more enthusiastically. First, the staff are welcoming and warm people who will help you navigate the various challenges of being abroad. I got sick while I was there and one of the professors went with me to the doctor to make sure I was okay. Second, the host family experience is a challenging and rewarding component. My host parents were so generous and supportive throughout my time in Spain. It is a great way to learn the language and the culture day in and day out. During meals, we would talk about local politics (per my own interests) and the differences between our cultures and opinions. Third, you truly cannot beat the location. Alcala is a medium-sized town that revolves around the large university. There is plenty to do and lots of people from all ages. The Don Quixote festival is the fall cannot be missed- it is gorgeous and the food is amazing. It is the largest Medieval festival in Europe! Then, you're a 40 minute train ride from Madrid, which is full of amazing museums, food, the list goes on. Plus, Madrid has a major airport to travel all over Europe! Because of this awesome location, you get an extra special classroom experience. We learned about Picasso in the classroom, then we took a field trip and saw his work in person at museums in Madrid. The program also invites students from all classes to attend the class field trips. So maybe one class is going to a museum, and you're interested but not in the class, you're welcome to attend! This program helped me expand my view of the world and soak up every second of my time abroad. All I have to say is GO!

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

Since I was young, I've always wanted to go to Spain, and being near or in a large city was important to me. The University of Alcalá partners with my school, and with this program, I was able to go with other students and a Butler professor, which made me a lot more comfortable about being abroad.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The University of Alcalá's staff assisted in housing, transportation from the airport, excursions, and of course classes and credits for my home institution. If I didn't participate in this program with my school, I would have had to organize my own flight and transportation to the airport to leave.

I organized my own personal expenses, such as public transportation and a phone plan.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take advantage of every opportunity. This program had several free excursions that they went on throughout the semester. There were some I went to, and others that I did not. Later on, I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunity to go on excursions with this program because I gain more insight on monuments, churches, and landmarks in comparison to going alone or with friends.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Classes are from Monday to Thursday, and they start at 9:30 am and end by 2 pm. The class schedule was probably one of my favorite parts of this program. With all of my classes, I went to school by 10:30 am, and I left by 2 pm. I was at 12 credit hours.

There's the opportunity for job shadowing, volunteering, and even internships, which I took advantage of while abroad.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was living with a host family.

I was a little worried about my safety, acceptance, and living situation. I was worried that my living style would be too different than theirs, but none of those the case at all. I overcame it by not forcing a relationship with them, but and talking to them as friends.

This quickly built a great relationship with my host family, and while I still understand other student's fears of the unexpected regarding host families, talking with them and making an effort to not feel like a stranger is what makes the difference.

The education system of Spain (and what I was told, Europe) is very different in comparison to the United States. There are not many assignments and very few tests. The few tests (midterm, final, final essay, etc.) count for the majority of the student's grade.

This was difficult getting used to, knowing that a single test could hurt or help your grade significantly, but it allowed me to experience a different kind of successful educational system. With my program, there weren't many student organizations to join or school sports, but the university tried to supplement that with football games and different activities throughout the semester.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My first trip to Italy was in my mid-twenties. I went with a group of friends to visit the most remarkable cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice among others. Strolling through their streets, I happened on the most beautiful buildings I ever saw. The beauty of ancient buildings traced back to Romans’ time, the art of Renaissance and charming of its people trapped my soul. Before going there, I was playing with the idea of studying art history but went I was back home I started studying art in a more professional way. I registered in the UNED.
Thanks to that experience, I am teaching the art courses at Instituto Franklin-UAH and I enjoy visiting museums and institutions with my students. I wish we could go to Italy sometime in the future. I would love to explain how Italian art has been the main source for Spanish art. Visiting cities like Pompey and Rome are crucial to understand the Roman’s arquitecture in Spain. Visiting Venice will be unforgettable trip not only for the beauty of its canals, but to understand the Greco’s technique in his paintings.
I would say that my first trip to Italy change my professional life in a way not only I started learning a different topic but I became an art teacher that I really enjoy very much.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Before working for Instituto Franklin-UAH, I had different jobs. A few of them were focused on teaching English a second language in private institutions. Others did not have much to do with my studies but I had to work to pay the mortgage of my house. Instituto Franklin-UAH gave me the chance to teach, at first, Spanish as a second language for American students. I was very happy and since then I have been working for the same institution. Along these years, I dealt with many different assignments. Not only regarding the field of teaching, but also I have the chance to participate in a conference about the Historic Links between Spain and USA in New York. I currently keep studying and working in the field that I really like and that is what makes me feel very happy at my job.

View Entire Interview

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Many students felt they are different once they are back home. Staying in a different country for a period is one of the most exciting experience they had. They are much open to the world and understand the differences of people.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

We offer several programs. However, the one I like most is Study Abroad because of the diversity of subjects offered in this program. Students can subjects related to different areas. Language, Literature, Culture, Art, Business among others. Having the chance to study different areas one can obtain a solid preparation not only for the workforce buy also as a person. One student who studies medicine can take courses in art or other fields to broad their understanding in those areas. Having different options to study will prepare our students not only in their professional field, but also, in their personal life.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Instituto Franklin-UAH is an institution that not only has programs for graduate students. There is a master program; the Teach and Learn Program where students have the option to study and work at schools as assistance teachers. There is also a phd program, the graduate programs for north American students mainly. In addition, there is an investigation section on north American studies and a line of publication. Among those departments, the Instituto Franklin-UAH gives the Camino Real award to those Spaniards who have built bridges between Spain and USA. All those field of studies and sections make The Institutio Franklin-UAH an unique institution in Spain.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Quality of the product the company sells, in our case, teaching. Having good professionals and interesting subjects, which help students succeed in their professional life are very important factors for a company to be successful. In addition, our students are to feel safe in a new environment. Living with families that have been working with American students for a lot of time are necessary to succeed in an international program like ours.

Javier Velerdas Vergel

Profesor y asistente de alojamiento (Teacher & Accomodation Assistant)

Alissa Marie Gildemann

Admissions Officer, Teach & Learn in Spain Program

Location

Location:

Madrid

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

61 F / 34 F

Apr-Jun

82 F / 43 F

Jul-Sep

90 F / 57 F

Oct-Dec

68 F / 37 F

Airports:

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas

( MAD )

A world-class European capital city steeped in art, architecture, and history, Madrid is an affordable destination for students and tourists alike. Enjoy parks, museums, and bustling nightlife in this iconic Spanish city.

About Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcala

Instituto Franklin-UAH's programs have over 30 years of experience working with international students and universities. We are a department within the Universidad de Alcala that specializes in providing programs that cater to over 500 international students per year. Instituto Franklin- Universidad de Alcalá is the only University Institute for...

Study Abroad in Madrid with Instituto Franklin-UAH

Study Abroad in Madrid with Instituto Franklin-UAH