Spanish Language & Culture
Why Choose This Program?
Live the Language
Experience authentic immersion in the Spanish language and culture.
Network
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Jump up a level in Spanish. Shine on college applications.
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 the Mediterranean Sea, find musicians and street performers as you shop for unique, handmade crafts.
Sample Itinerary
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.
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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 |
Ready to change your life?
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 WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
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...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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