Language + Culture
Unique Experiences
Travel to Another Amazing Spanish City
such as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Murcia, or Granada
Live With a Spanish Family
at their Alicante home and soak up the language and culture as you live like a local
Learn Alongside Peers From Spain
and other countries at Universidad de Alicante, one of Spain’s newest universities with a modern campus and an international vibe
90
Cities Reached From the Alicante International Airport
30 K
Students at Universidad de Alicante
377 K
Population of Alicante
Your Destination
With a historic cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, Alicante is one of Spain’s booming port cities best known for its miles-long beaches, award-winning museums, and beautiful year-round weather. The city’s most iconic landmark, the medieval Castle of Santa Barbara, keeps watch over all of Alicante from its central location atop Mount Benacantil.
Like other regions in Spain and Europe, Alicante is bilingual. Castilian Spanish is the primary language spoken by most residents but be on the lookout for the second most popular language, Valenciano. Additionally, you should take comfort in knowing that Alicante is considered one of the safest cities in Europe and is an excellent place to take your studies. From its large student population to its reliable public transportation network, first-class educational opportunities, green parks, and café culture, this budget-friendly city is the perfect place to live and learn abroad.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Alicante.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Enjoy weekend trips to emblematic Spanish cities
- Visit important cultural and historical landmarks in Granada, Madrid, Seville, or Valencia
- Take day trips to explore the Alicante Province or the Valencia region
- Explore sites like Guadalest Castle, the Canelobre Caves, the Algar Waterfalls, or Altea on the Mediterranean coast
- Go on walking tours of the different neighborhoods of Alicante and its surrounding villages and towns
- Play soccer and root for the local team (Hercules) to win
- Try your hand at cooking delicious authentic tapas
- Enjoy the rich local culture and partake of local traditions with local peers
Projects
Internship: A for-credit internship (in English or in Spanish) allows students the opportunity to gain practical real-world work experience in a local company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience.
Directed Independent Research: This academic project (in English or in Spanish) is designed for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by the CIEE Alicante Director and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Alicante or Spain. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with the topic of exploration and the significance of the research topic as it relates to Alicante/Spain, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.
Program Blogs
Visit to an organic farm
Our Sustainable Food Systems course visited the Cel y Sòl ("Sky and Sun" in Catalan) Farm to learn more about agriculture in Spain, and how it compares wtih the US... keep reading
Indispensable stop in Alicante: The Central Market
The Central Market of Alicante can stimulate your five senses. It is a compendium of smells and colors. Fish stalls are a good example. It is very nice to walk... keep reading
Alicante, city of culture: Teatro Principal
Today I am going to introduce the theater of Alicante, called 'Teatro Principal'. Alicante is a relatively small city, as it has at about 330.000 inhabitants. However, there are many... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Alicante offers diverse housing options to ensure that you are comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments or residence halls, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a room at a homestay or a shared apartment.
- In homestays, students live with a Spanish-speaking family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse themselves in the city’s language and culture. Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family, but each student has an individual room, and three meals a day are provided. Host families are located in the city center, under a 30-minute commute from CIEE Alicante and the University Campus.
- In shared apartments, students share a double room with other CIEE students with access to the kitchen, laundry, and shared common spaces. Apartments are located within 30 minutes of the city center, CIEE Alicante, and the University Campus. Meals are not included.
Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall near CIEE Alicante and the University Campus, and about 30 minutes from the city center. Students living in residence halls have kitchen access, and meals are not included. Residence Halls also boast common areas and laundry facilities. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a shared apartment with other CIEE students with access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and shared common spaces. Shared apartments are located in the city center, roughly 30 minutes from CIEE Alicante and the University Campus. Meals are not included. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Three meals per day are provided by your host
Apartments: Meals are not included
Residence Hall: Meals are not included
Academics
In the Language and Culture program, students will take courses (in English or Spanish) at CIEE and CIEE’s partner university, Universidad de Alicante, worth a total of 13-16 credits including a required language class.
Note for students taking Direct Enrollment courses at the University of Alicante: Students are required to stay in Alicante until they have completed their classes. Official host institutions’ fall exams are in January, and official host institutions’ spring exams are in June. However, early exams in December and May may be possible, and they should be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor at the start of the regular semester session, during the add/drop period. Please note that it is up to the discretion of each professor to allow the taking of final exams before the start of the official examination period. If it’s not offered, a proctored exam would be held on the official exam date in January/June. As it is impossible to confirm your exam schedule prior to your arrival, if your priority is to leave Alicante as soon as your university finals are finished, please book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.
Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
University of Alicante
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 4 U.S. credits unless otherwise noted.
UA Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) language courses:
- Beginner A1
- Intermediate A2
- Upper Intermediate B1
- Advanced B2
- Proficiency C1
UA Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) Spanish culture courses in English:
- Intercultural Communication in Professional Contexts
- Spanish Cultures from an Intercultural Perspective
UA Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) Spanish culture courses in Spanish:
- Español de los negocios (in Spanish) (Spanish for business). Pre-requisite: Intermediate 1 (A2).
- Turismo y cultura gastronómica española (in Spanish) (Spanish tourism and gastronomy). Pre-requisite: Intermediate 1 (A2).
- Género, lengua y poder (in Spanish) (Gender, language, and power). Pre-requisite: Upper Intermediate (B1).
- La sociedad española del siglo XX a través de la literatura (in Spanish) (The Spanish society of the 20th century through literature). Pre-requisite: Upper Intermediate (B1).
- Enseñanza del español como L2/LE (in Spanish) (Teaching Spanish as a foreign language). Pre-requisite: Advanced 1 (B2).
UA regular courses in Spanish: The number of credits varies depending on contact hours
Language Pre-requisite: It is recommended that students have a minimum of four (preferably five) previous semesters of college-level Spanish.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $18,950 |
| Program Fall 2025 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $18,950 | |
| Program Fall 2024 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $18,950 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,956**
Housing = $4,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $0†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $60
Visa Fees = $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500
Personal expenses = $260†††
Total Costs = $2,380Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Housing Fee = $750
Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,956**
Housing = $4,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $0†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $60
Visa Fees = $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500
Personal expenses = $260†††
Total Costs = $2,380Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,956**
Housing = $4,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $0†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $60
Visa Fees = $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500
Personal expenses = $260†††
Total Costs = $2,380Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Housing Fee = $750
Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***includes three meals per day for homestay students; No meals included for students who select apartments or residence halls. Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Rocío Díez
Center Director
Rocío oversees all semester and summer programs. Rocio, who joined CIEE in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...
Vanesa Ruiz
Program Manager
Vanesa was born and raised in Alicante and earned her BA in English Studies from Universidad de Alicante and a MA in Teaching. She has been working in the field...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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