Spanish Language & Culture
Summer '25 Applications Open
The Take-Aways
Language Growth and Cultural Competence
Come home with a higher level of Spanish and a greater understanding of Spanish culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.
College Credits
Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
60
Hours of instruction with a native Spanish teacher
4
College credits
1
Life-changing experience
The Destination
Welcome to Alicante, bathed in historic landmarks, pristine beaches, and endless sunshine.
Nestled on the Costa Blanca coastline, Alicante’s history stretches back thousands of years. The first inhabitants arrived from Central Europe around the 3rd millennium B.C., settling on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, where the Santa Barbara Castle stands today. In the centuries that followed, Greeks, Romans, and Moors took turns ruling the area. At the MARQ archeology museum, one of your excursions, you’ll discover how these ancient civilizations shaped the city!
With its 330 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. There’s plenty to enjoy—from the ancient ruins to the stunning beaches of San Juan and Postiguet and the tasty local flavors, like paella alicantina, horchata, and local fruit: nísperos, granadas, and cerezas. As you stroll the Explanada de España, the city's palm-lined, half-mile-long promenade, you'll be stepping on 6.5 million marble floor tiles that mimic ocean waves. Here, walking along Mediterranean Sea, find musicians and street performers as you shop for unique, handmade crafts.
Weekly Learning Goals
Program Blogs
A Weekend with our Host Families
Over the weekend our students spent some time with their host families. Some people went to see the fireworks that take place after the Hogueras festival, many went to the... keep reading
Ocean Race Museum
We are always so busy with fun activities in the afternoon such as when we went to the Ocean Race Museum in Alicante. The Ocean Race started in 1973 and... keep reading
New friends and an afternoon at the beach!
Our Global Navigators lived it up this weekend while they enjoyed time with their host families celebrating the famous San Juan Festival here in Alicante. They enjoyed the beautiful sights of the massive creations, witnessed an incredible firework show on the beach and stayed up late to watch the structures be burned at midnight, the most iconic moment of the Hogueras festival. Their weekend was jam packed with activities and late nights so after class on Tuesday we went to the beach to meet some local Spanish teens and enjoy new friendships and sunshine while celebrating linguistic fellowship.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Explore the Santa Barbara Castle, one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses and Alicante’s most important monument.
- Cook authentic Spanish dishes with your friends and make traditional ceramics with a local artist.
- Paddleboard or kayak across the clear waters of Playa de San Juan. See the most beautiful areas of the bay.
- Hike up the village of Guadalest to reach the ruins of Castle of L'Alcozaiba, perched on the edge of the mountain.
- Shake and stomp your way through a flamenco dancing class. Have fun with your friends learning the basics of this iconic Spanish dance!
- Take an overnight trip to Madrid, the Spanish capital, to see some of the best art galleries and museums in Europe (or, some say, the world!).
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Spanish language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$150
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,550 | |
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,550 |
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to Local Phone and WIFI
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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...