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

Living in Alcalá is very different than living in Tucson, AZ or my home town in Maine. The daily schedule of the people here is the oposite. It is quite an experience living here and experiencing the Spanish lifestyle. I enjoyed exploring the mountatins around Alcalá. The studyin was fine here, pretty low stress and enjoyable. The Institute Franklin Program is very good at showing North Americans what Spain is all about. 

I have absolutely loved my experience here in Alcalá. This place has really felt like a home to me, and I couldn't have asked for more. My family was extraordinary and their apartment was conveniently located. the classes were very beneficial and interesting and the Spahish people were so open and friendly. I felt safe and the happiest I have been in a while.

I really enjoyed living and studying here in Alcalá. The city is the perfect size with things to do and is close to Madrid for some big city experience. My family was wonderful and very helpful. Studying here definitely helped improve my Spanish and I got to learn a lot about Spanish history and culture which is not very available at my home school. Overall it was a great experience and I would have loved to spend longer than a month here.

Living with a host family greatly increased my proficiency in speaking the Spanish language. The families welcome you into their homes with open arms and treat you like one of their children. Alcalá is a beautiful safe city with plenty of activity to keep you busy after you finish your homework.

I have enjoyed living in Spain for the most part and feel I have learned a lot about Spanish culture, Spanish language and Sapanish life through my professors, friends, and classes. I've greatly enjoyed traveling and gotten to experience Spain first hand.

Spain has been a humbling experience. I learned a lot about Spanish culture, good things and not so good things. Living here with a family really teaches you about how different cultures are. The food, family relations, outlook on life, it is all new and different. It takes a while to get used to, but once I did, I feel like I have grown as a person and am very happy that I participated in the study abroad.

I enjoyed living, studying in Alcalá, I especially enjoyed my host family. Classes were a bit harder thatn expected but I  have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in activities.

Studying abroad has been an amazing learning experience for me. Not only did I learn Spanish in my classes but was also immersed in the Spanish lifestyle since I lived with other Spaniards. Since it is my first time to Europe , meeting others in the program and travelling throughout Spain has been absolutely unforgettable. Not even pictures can capture the beauty of Spain and the adventures we´ve had.

This time in Spain has been the most incredible experience of my life. Being able to live in a different country, meet new people, experience the culture first hand and travel to other countries open my Horizons. I truly feel I´m a different person and have grown as an individual.

Overall my experience at IUIEN was great. The courses were informative and fun and living in a foreign country added to the experience. Weekend trips were possible and I practiced my Spanish daily. I have more confidence in my speaking ability now and will always remember this experience as a great summer.