My Home in Alcalá

As a participant of the Pitt in Spain Study Abroad Program, I have been selected to stay in the dorms at La Universidad de Alcalá in the city of Alcalá de Henares. Before arriving, I wasn’t sure what to think of the smaller city located on the outskirts of Madrid, however upon arrival I could see that it was filled with plenty of history and culture. This was especially apparent after taking a tour of the city with the rest of the students in the program and learning all about the historical monuments in the area. I lived alone in a single dorm, but I had the opportunity to meet many other students in the program who were living in the dorms and native students who attend the university all year long. The dorms had many common areas to meet new people both outside and inside which made adjusting to this new home that much easier. Furthermore, there was always something going on in the Plaza de Cervantes, the main walking plaza within the city, ranging from free music festivals to marching bands and even some local street performers. Attached to this post is an image of a free concert in this plaza that displayed different bands and singers from the university who were studying at the school over the summer. Not only did this give us something to do in our free time, but it also was a great way to experience the culture around us and was only a two minute walk from our dorm. The city of Alcalá was conveniently located only 40 minutes away from the city of Madrid which was ideal due to the fact that a quick train ride over gave us the opportunity to experience the capital as well. This was especially easy to do because students could purchase a monthly metro pass that allowed free fare for not only the train system, but also use of the buses to get around the city for a mere 35 euros. The one challenge I have faced so far is trying to communicate my gluten allergy because some people did not understand what this was and I would have to travel to other restaurants in order to make sure my allergy was accommodated for. Nevertheless, my experience with this new home has been very positive and I have not had a hard time adjusting. What I love the most is the people I have met and new relationships I have formed within the program and with students from other schools that I will continue being in contact with in the future.