Written by: Julia Tonacatl Mones | Fall 2023
Butler Semester in Spain (Alcala)
Studying abroad was always in my plans while studying at Butler but I needed a program that would best fit my needs. I chose the Butler Semester in Spain program because it was a best fit financially and I would have other fellow classmates who could know what I’m feeling.
The semester in Spain program is set in a small town called Alcala De Henares and this program has you placed with a host family. I was lucky to get a wonderful mom and daughter duo who have been kind to me since before coming abroad. I was able to get my host mom’s number before coming to Spain which was such a huge benefit because I could get to know them a little bit and relive some of the stress my family felt being with another family for a semester. The Franklin Institute is located on a popular spot called Plaza Cervantes, where there are a ton of cafes to hit before school and even after to do some homework.
Alcala is a small town and although there are cute shops and restaurants the best nightlife is in Madrid which is only a train ride away. Luckily for me my host house is close to the train station so I can easily get on the next train headed to Madrid. Madrid is a more populated place with a lot of big stores and popular places to eat tapas and drink sangria. The school in this program has no school on Fridays which is such a big benefit to go out with friends on the weekends to enjoy a little bit of this popular city while having a small town to go back home to. Since Madrid is so big the transportation system can get a little tricky but the best bet if you’re ever lost is to ask someone. Alcala is a small place that the best way to travel is through the bus station and it’s a lot easier to meet you fellow classmates for coffee in Alcala than in a big city like Madrid.
This program has a requirement to have a certain level of 
Spanish completed because it is a complete language immersion program. You must be able to communicate with your host family, teachers, and other people you meet along the way in Spanish. Your Spanish doesn’t have to be perfect but knowing key vocabulary is important if you ever get lost. The Spanish you learn in a Butler classroom is not the same as the Spaniard slang you hear in streets. Throughout my time here in Spain I have added a couple new words in vocabulary, which is something you couldn’t learn from a classroom. Another big aspect about this program is the fact that you have classmates from Butler to always have a support system. I think studying abroad is such an important skill you can have, especially if you can have fun with friends while doing it.