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Gain Spanish proficiency while complementing your language studies with elective courses focused on art, tourism, cinema and more...taught in Spanish and designed to help you learn about Spanish culture. Language courses at your level focus on oral comprehension and expression, listening comprehension, and grammar. Semesters are divided into three 4-week blocks; you’ll be tested at the end of each block and may move up into a higher language level. Electives help hone your fluency and communication skills and, combined with your immersion experience in Alicante, allow you to advance your language skills at an accelerated pace.
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
Enroll in 3 language courses and 1 elective course. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits, while elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. You'll earn 15 credits (up to 225 contact hours). In the fall semester you can choose from two different start date options (late August or late September).
Language courses meet for 3 hours per day, Monday-Friday. Elective courses meet for an hour per day, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
For an additional fee, you may enroll in an optional, non-credit internship to further your language skills while gaining valuable experience with a local company or organization. This internship will help hone your fluency and communication skills, as well as deepen your understanding of Spanish culture. CEA CAPA will work with the University of Alicante to find you a meaningful placement.
Contact hours will be arranged with your internship placement. Work schedules vary, but expect to work at your internship no less than 10 hours per week. Internships are available for students at every language level; however, some placements will only be available to students at higher levels.
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 their 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 university 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.
Students receive a transcript from University of Alicante upon completion of their program.
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.
$10,995
$10,995
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.
$135
$135
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.
$147
$238
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$578
$1,155
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.
$462
$770
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$263
$700
TOTAL EXPENSES
$13,580
$15,968
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 05
Orientation
Mandatory CEA/University of Alicante Orientation on Health & Safety and Academics will be held.
January 06
Holiday
Hepifania del Señor. No classes will be held.
January 09
Classes Begin
Classes begin at the Univesrity of Alicante on this day.
January 09
Orientation
Mandatory CEA/Univeristy of Alicante Orientation and campus tour will be held.
January 10
Orientation
Mandatory CEA/Univeristy of Alicante will be held to review the guidelines and calendar of activities to complement your academic program
January 11
Cultural Activity
As part of the cultural activities organized during your first days in Alicante, we?ll hike to Santa Barbara Castle. 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.
January 16
Orientation
CEA Orientation will be held to review sports & monthly phisical activities on campus. Practicing sports is a great way to stay in shape while expanding your relationships with locals.
January 17
Orientation
CEA Orientation will be held to introduce you the hiking routes offered by the University. Practicipating in these optional routes is a great way to discover new places and stay in shape while expanding your relationships with locals.
January 18
Cultural Activity
During our visit to the Archeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ), you´ll learn about the history and legacy of the city and the region from prehistory to today.
February 11
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Valencia. During our visit, 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 one of the largest aquarium in Europe, El Oceanografico
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
February 25
Holiday
Carnaval
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 01
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
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