Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Estudios Norteamericanos "Benjamin Franklin" Home

The Instituto Franklin organizes different trips when requested by 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. The Instituto Franklin will provide a customized itinerary and cultural and educational visits.

Students and faculty will be accompanied by our staff during the entire trip. Trips which require one or more hotel nights will include lodging in three star hotels, half board, transportation, tour guide, as well as entrances to visits.

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.

The 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 17^th Century as a convent and University College for the Trinitarios Descalzos religious order.  In 1839 the Trinitarios College passed to the Spanish armed forces and became an Artillery Headquarters serving as a military command post.  Finally in 1994 the Universidad de Alcalá recovered it and restored it to its actual academic activities.

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. 

Pick-up dates: 

The 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.

Most students accepted to the Spanish Studies Program live with families in Alcalá de Henares. We have an extended network of families who have been collaborating with us for many years. The Housing Coordinators select families, supervise student 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.