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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.
Excursions
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
$1,600
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.
$112
$224
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$2,319
$5,009
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.
$928
$2,783
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$557
$2,783
TOTAL EXPENSES
$17,106
$25,064
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 to their assigned housing.
September 09
Orientation
Mandatory CEA/University of Alicante Orientation will be held.
September 09
Welcome Reception
CEA Welcome Reception will be held at a local restaurant.
September 10
Excursion
Visit to the Town of Guadalest and the Algar Fountains.
September 12
Classes Begin
Classes begin at the University of Alicante on this day.
September 14
Cultural Activity
Try your hand at water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing.
All you need is a bathing suit, sunscreen, and lots of energy!
September 15
Welcome Reception
Welcome Reception for international students will be held at the Social Club I on campus.
September 17
Excursion
Visit to Tabarca Island. This natural marine reserve is a prime example of virtually undamaged Mediterranean marine life, with excellent water quality and incredible biodiversity.
September 19
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.
September 22
Orientation
Complement your academic experience by registering on-site for a wide range of cultural enrichment opportunities at the University of Alicante. Please note that an additional fee will apply to all Cultural Enrichment Series.
September 23
Drop/Add Deadline
This is the last day to drop and/or add classes at the University of Alicante.
September 26 - December 15
Intensive Language Prep Course
Students participate in a 11-week Intensive Language Prep Course at the University of Alicante.
September 27
Orientation
CEA Orientation will be held to introduce the Volunteer opportunities in Alicante.
September 27 - 29
Cultural Activity
The University of Alicante organizes a wide range of activities and social events on campus to welcome students and introduce them to the many opportunities for you to engage in the college life of our University.
September 28
Cultural Activity
Without a doubt, one of Spain?s main attractions is its world-renowned cuisine. In collaboration with the Centro Superior de Idiomas de la Universidad de Alicante, CEA is excited to offer the opportunity to immerse into Spanish culture through gastronomy. During this activity, you will learn and practice techniques to prepare authentic Spanish dishes and tapas.
September 29
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.
September 30 - October 02
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Granada.
October 03
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.
October 05
Cultural Activity
La Villa and el Museo del Chocolate La Villajoyosa, or 'La Villa' as the locals call it, means 'Jeweled Town.' This village is famous for its brightly colored houses and its outstanding chocolate.
October 10
Orientation
CEA Orientation will be held to introduce you the Language Exchange Program. Intercambios are designed for those who wish to practice the Spanish language outside the classroom.
October 12
Holiday
Fiesta nacional Española. No classes will be held.
October 19
Cultural Activity
Art lovers won?t want to miss our visit to Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (MUBAG), hosted in a historical building in the city center. You will aslo have the opportunity to visit the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante (MACA), located in front of the Basilica de Santa Maria.
October 25
Cultural Activity
Elche and El Palmeral: Elche is home to Europe's largest palm grove, with more than 11,000 palm trees, and plays host to the sacred representation of the 'Mystery of Elche', a liturgical drama that?s been enacted since the Middle Ages.
November 01
Holiday
Dia de Todos los Santos. No classes will be held.
November 08
Cultural Activity
Visit the Museo Taurino to learn about bullfighting, a well-known Spanish tradition.
November 12
Excursion
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
December 06
Holiday
Dia de la Constitucion. No classes will be held.
December 08
Holiday
Inmaculada Concepcion. No classes will be held.
December 15
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante for your language course.
December 20
Farewell Reception
CEA Farewell Reception will be held at a local restaurant.
December 21
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante for your regular courses.
December 22
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante.
December 23
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
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