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Join students from across Spain, Europe, and the world as you take classes in a range of subjects, from science, economics, business, and arts to humanities, health sciences, and education. All elective courses are taught in English. You’ll also improve your language proficiency by taking a Spanish language course at your level, from beginner to advanced. This program’s flexibility allows you to take courses toward your major, choose elective courses in your area of academic or personal interest, and improve your Spanish language skills.
Located on one of Spain’s most attractive campuses, the University of Alicante allows you to attend class and activities with Spanish and other international students for an integrated experience. This innovative and dynamic public university offers modern buildings, green areas, sports facilities, a 24-hour library, a museum, and commercial galleries.
When in Alicante, you can choose CEA CAPA housing or arrange your own independent housing. Housing assignments are based on availability and confirmation date; we make every effort to match your housing requests, but we can't guarantee housing preferences.
Program Structure
Each semester, you’ll enroll in 1 Spanish language or culture course and 3 English elective courses. Language/culture courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits, and English elective courses meet for 45-60 contact hours/2-3 credits. You may earn 12-13 credits (up to 240 contact hours) per semester; academic year students may earn 24-26 credits (up to 480 contact hours).
Language/culture courses meet 2 times per week; schedules for elective courses vary and will be finalized during your first week on-site. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Before you leave for Alicante, you will select your preferred courses and take a language placement exam. You'll be enrolled into courses based on availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Spain. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
The following courses have been confirmed for this term. Please note, the host institution reserves the right to cancel or change courses without prior notification.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions
during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
Tabarca Island
From the port of Alicante, a 45-minute ferry ride carries you to Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. This natural marine reserve is a prime example of virtually undamaged Mediterranean marine life, with excellent water quality, and incredible biodiversity. During the tour, you’ll learn about the island’s history; once a pirate refuge, the island’s only village was settled by a group of Genoese sailors in 1770 after they were rescued from a shipwreck off the Tunisian coast. After touring the island, you’ll enjoy delicious paella and relax on a tranquil beach. Watch Video
Calpe y el Peñon de Ifach
No matter which way you approach the community of Calpe, it’s impossible to miss the Peñon de Ifach. Since the days of the Phoenicians, this 1,089-foot-tall rock has protected Calpe Bay from pirates and raiders. Today, this massive monolith is a nature preserve — home to more than 300 species of wildlife and many rare plants — and the largest rock in the Mediterranean. In the morning, watch the fishing boats leave the Calpe harbor in droves. They’ll return at day’s end, followed by flocks of sea birds, and sell their catch at the quayside auction house. So, head to nearby restaurants to feast on the result of a hard day’s work.
Altea
One of the Costa Blanca’s most memorable coastal towns, Altea retains its own unique Spanish charm despite its increasing popularity. This picturesque town nestles between a stunning bay and a rugged mountain range and is named for the Moorish term althaya, or “health to all”. Set on a steep hillside above the sea, Altea has long been a popular retreat for artists, sculptors, and writers. In the city center, you’ll find a treasure trove of shops, galleries, cafes, and tiny white-washed buildings adorned with flowers, all nestled in winding and cobbled medieval lanes. At the top, you’ll see the blue-domed of the Virgin de Consuelo church. The walk to the top is well-worth the hike, as the mountain and bay views are nothing less than spectacular – plus, you’ll find a square lined with tapas bars. Watch Video
Algar Fountains
Travel to the interior of Alicante province to the small town of Algar, where an abundance of water and a mild climate allow for the cultivation of Mediterranean products such as almonds and vines in traditional terraces. We’ll visit the Algar Fountains and see the springs and waterfalls of the Algar River. Hiking up the river provides the perfect opportunity to photograph the beautiful scenery. Watch Video
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Program Fee Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$11,895
$11,895
CEA Secure CEASecure™ is an optional refund plan that allows students to withdraw for any covered reason up to one week before the program’s start date
$0
$475
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$1,000
$1,500
Immigration Requirements Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$295
$295
Books, Materials and Supplies Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$161
$350
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$840
$1,680
Personal Expenses Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$672
$1,120
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$362
$966
TOTAL EXPENSES
$15,225
$18,281
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Alicante airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to a hotel or their assigned housing.
January 26
Orientation
Mandatory CEA/University of Alicante Orientation will be held.
January 26
Welcome Reception
CEA Welcome Reception will be held at a local restaurant.
January 30
Classes Begin
Classes begin at the University of Alicante on this day.
January 31
Cultural Activity
The Santa Barbara castle is located 545 feet up Mount Benacantil, this strategic fortress has overlooked the bay since the 9th century, when the Iberian Peninsula was under Arabic control.
February 01
Academic Orientation
Mandatory Academic Orientation will be held on this day.
February 02
Academic Orientation
Mandatory Academic Orientation will be held on this day.
February 06
Drop/Add Deadline
This is the last day to drop and/or add classes at the University of Alicante.
February 08
University Registration
Students must register for classes at Univerisy of Alicante by this date.
February 11
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Valencia. During our visit to Valencia, we´ll explore the Valencia´s old district, home to the Silk Market and the Mercado Central, a colorful market in a beautiful Modernist building. Later, we´ll visit the City of Arts and Sciences and the largest aquarium in Europe, El Oceanografico
February 13
Intensive Language Prep Course
Students participate in a 11-week Intensive Language Prep Course at the University of Alicante.
February 17 - 19
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Granada. Once the capital of Al-Andalus, Granada was the center of the Arab kingdom that ruled much of Spain for eight centuries. During this excursion, you will discover the city?s historic district, the Old Arab Market, and the Royal Chapel of the Catholic Monarchs by the Cathedral. Tour the Albaicin, a painter?s paradise where a gorgeous view awaits at every turn, including glimpses of the majestic Alhambra. Enjoy free time to take in a Flamenco show or relax in Tea Shops Street. Our excursion concludes with a visit to the Alhambra, Spain?s most visited monument
March 20
Holiday
San Jose. No classes will be held.
March 25
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Tabarca Island. From the port of Alicante, a 45-minute ferry ride carries you to Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. This natural marine reserve is a prime example of virtually undamaged Mediterranean marine life, with excellent water quality and incredible biodiversity. During the tour, you?ll learn about the island?s history; once a pirate refuge, the island?s only village was settled by a group of Genoese sailors in 1770 after they were rescued from a shipwreck off the Tunisian coast.
April 13 - 24
School Break
The University of Alicante is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held.
May 01
Holiday
Fiesta del Trabajo. No classes will be held.
May 04
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante for your intensive Spanish language course.
May 05
Holiday
Santa Faz. No classes will be held.
May 23
Farewell Reception
CEA Farewell Reception will be held at a local restaurant.
May 24
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante.
May 25
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
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