Liberal Arts
Unique Experiences
Travel to Another Amazing Spanish City
such as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Murcia, or Granada
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
Communicate With Spanish Students Through Intercambios
a linguistic exchange program with Universidad de Alicante students that makes it easy to practice what you are learning and become a part of Spanish student life
330
Days of Sunshine per Year
90
Cities Reached From the Alicante International Airport
32,000
Students at Universidad de 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.
Considered one of the safest cities in Europe, Alicante 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
- Tour Santa Bárbara Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Alicante
- Visit important cultural and historical landmarks in Granada, Madrid, Seville, or Valencia
- 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 watch the local team (Hercules) win
- Try your hand at cooking tapas to partake in Alicante’s traditions with local peers
Language Immersion
- Increase fluency faster with the CIEE Community Language Commitment – a promise that keeps you speaking nothing but Spanish in order to perfect your skills
- Take it a step further with new Spanish friends in linguistic activities, where you’ll practice your Spanish language skills
- Participate in a for-credit internship to gain practical work experience and sharpen your Spanish skills abroad
Projects
- Internship. Prepare for life after college with a for-credit internship at a national company, a nonprofit, or an NGO; learn more about the local culture as you gain real-world global work experience.
- Volunteer. Get to know the people of Alicante better and say gracias for your stay by volunteering in the local community.
Program Blogs
A different Valentine's Day
Last week, we wanted our students to get to know this party more in depth, so all the teachers at the centre wanted to participate in the activity and organized... keep reading
First days in Spain
The students of the new course arrived two weeks ago and are still adapting to the change and living with the new families. During these days they have had an... keep reading
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ALICANTE
EAT Any city that sits as close to the Mediterranean as Alicante does is bound to have a culinary traditional built upon gifts from the sea. Enter Arròs a banda... 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
The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who seek to increase their language skills while taking courses in Spanish across academic areas from both CIEE Alicante and Universidad de Alicante. These courses can be a combination of CIEE and host institution courses at Universidad de Alicante. A Spanish language-learning course is recommended.
Universidad de Alicante was founded in 1979 and offers more than 50 degrees. It is located just three miles north of the city in San Vincente and hosts more than 35,000 students. It offers a rich array of opportunities for students to get involved on campus.
CIEE Alicante is conveniently located on the campus of Universidad de Alicante.
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.
Course Information
All host institution courses are offered in Spanish for 4 credits (unless otherwise noted).
For students taking regular Universidad de Alicante classes, official final exams take place in early January (fall term) and June (spring term). However, students can generally arrange their final exams for late December/May, respectively. Otherwise, proctored exams are facilitated by Universidad de Alicante.
Academic Projects
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 4 U.S. credits unless otherwise noted.
UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) language courses
- Upper Intermediate B1
- Advanced B2
- Higher Advanced C1
UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE 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).
UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE regular courses in Spanish (number of credits vary 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).
Students can explore the Universidad de Alicante course offerings at www.ua.es. Please note that Universidad de Alicante offers semester and year-long courses. The following is a selection of subject areas.
- Arts and Humanities: Arabic and Islamic Studies, English, French, History, Humanities, Spanish, Translation/Interpretation
- Engineering and Architecture: Architecture, Building Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Multimedia Engineering, Sound and Image Engineering
- Health Sciences: Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Nursing, Optics and Optometry
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Marine Studies, Mathematics
- Social Sciences and Law Studies: Business Administration and Management, Criminology, Economics, Geography and Territory Organization, Labor Relations and Human Resources, Law, Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Pre-school Specialty, Primary School Specialty, Public Management and Administration, Publicity and Public Relations, Social Work, Sociology, Tourism
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Alicante offers a dynamic work scene that blends traditional and modern sectors. Its thriving tourism industry creates jobs in hospitality, while trade and logistics thrive due to its strategic port. The local culture emphasizes a balanced lifestyle, reflective of the Mediterranean way of life.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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 |
| Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $36,950 |
*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
***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 = $27,456**
Housing = $9,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $36,950Estimated 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
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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