1. When can I go to Alcalá-de-Henares?

You can study on the Maryland-in-Alcalá program for the spring semester, which lasts from early January to the end of April.

2. Do I need to be able to speak Spanish in order to go to Alcalá?

Yes. In order to apply to the Alcalá program, you need to have successfully completed (grade of “B” or above) two 200-level Spanish courses. You can apply if you are enrolled in your second 200-level course at the time of application.

3. What courses will I take while I’m in Alcalá?

While you are in Spain, you will take one capstone course (SPAN449) with Maryland’s Resident Faculty Director. The course looks at contemporary Spanish culture and also explores cross-cultural differences between Spain and the United States. In addition, you will take 6 credits of Spanish language at Alcalingua, the Spanish-for-Foreigners department of the Universidad de Alcalá.

In addition to this core curriculum, you will choose two of the following four optional courses:
• Spanish civilization (equivalent to SPAN333)
• Spanish cinema and theater (equivalent to SPAN409)
• Credit-bearing internship (SPAN386)
• Advanced Spanish speakers can also directly enroll in a content course at the University. The option is limited to students who have completed at least one 400-level course at Maryland.

4. Can I take other types of courses while I’m in Alcalá?

We have occasionally worked with students to help them audit or take classes at the regular university. However, this is only an option for students who have completed at least one 400-level course in Spanish (or its equivalent). You cannot enroll in a content course that conflicts with the schedule of the rest of the program.

5. Who else studies at Alcalingua?

While you are in Alcalá, you will be taking classes alongside international students from around the world! Alcalingua enrolls students from across the globe – Europe, Asia, Africa and more. The Erasmus and Socrates European exchange programs send a number of students to Alcalá each year.

6. Can I pursue an internship in Alcalá?

Yes! The Alcalá program does include a credit-bearing internship option. If you are interested in pursuing an internship, you will need to send your résumé to the program staff by November. We will also ask you to define the types of internships you would be interested in pursuing. Our contacts in Spain will arrange a placement for you in the greater Alcalá-de-Henares area. As the first two months of the program demand a very busy course schedule, internship students will begin their internships after courses at Alcalingua end (mid-to-late March). This means that internship students can concentrate on their internship during the month of April. In order to get credit for an internship, you need to complete 135 hours of work and a determined number of graded assignments for the Resident Director.

7. What is a Resident Director?

The Spanish department sends a faculty member to Alcalá every year, so you will benefit from having a Resident Director on site. The Resident Director teaches the capstone class and also organizes excursions and outings for the program. He or she will also serve as your emergency contact and your academic advisor during the program, while also acting as an intermediary between you and our partners in Spain.

8. Does the program organize any excursions?

Yes! The program fee includes at least one weekend excursion and one or two day-trips to other cities in Spain. Outings within Alcalá are also arranged by the Resident Director. Exact itineraries will be available at the pre-departure orientation. Past destinations have included Barcelona, Toledo and Salamanca.

9. Where can I live while I’m in Alcalá?

You will have the option to either live in a home stay, a university residence or in a private apartment during your time in Spain.

10. What is a home stay?

If you choose a home stay, you will be given a private room in a local house or apartment. You may live with a family, with a couple or with a single person. In all home stays, you will have full access to the shared portions of the home and will be provided with two full meals a day. You can choose to share your home stay with another participant on the Alcalá program as well.

11. What if I want to live in an apartment or a residence hall?

If you would prefer not to live in a home stay, you can choose to live in a residence hall or in a private apartment with international students. Apartments are fully furnished with all basic utilities included. Basic utilities do not include phone or internet, although we can work with students who are interested in setting up an internet account in their apartment. You may also elect to live in a residence hall where you will have a single room in a shared suite. Students choosing either option are matched with Spanish and/or international students studying in Alcalá.

12. Is the cost of my housing included in the program fee?

The program fee does not include housing, as the three housing options have different costs associated with them. Once you are accepted into the program, we will ask you to choose your housing option. You will pay your rent directly once you arrive in Spain. Housing costs for Spring 2009 are estimated as follows:
• €1,600 per semester for a private apartment
• €2,235 – 2,710 per semester for a room in a residence hall
• €3,600 per semester for a single room in a home stay
Two meals per day are included for students staying in homestays.

Note: Prices above are in Euros. See www.oanda.com for the latest currency conversion.

13. Do I pay tuition for the semester when I’m abroad?

You do not pay regular Maryland tuition while a student on the Alcalá program. Instead, you are charged the program fee as published in program materials. This fee is charged directly to your student account at Maryland, so you can pay your bill in the same way that you normally pay for tuition.

14. Can I use financial aid to fund my time in Alcalá?

Yes! You can use all of your federal, state and university aid for the Alcalá program. You can also use TERP payment plan and tuition remission. Your financial aid paperwork will be processed automatically by the Study Abroad Office.

15. Are there additional scholarships available?

Yes! All UM students who are accepted into the Maryland-in-Alcalá program have the option to apply for a Maryland-in-Alcalá partial scholarship. Scholarship applications are due on November 1. Decisions are made based on need and merit. You must have a FAFSA on file in order to apply.