About the City

If sunny days, white sand beaches, café culture, and a city rich in art and history sound appealing, studying abroad in Alicante will not disappoint. Nestled on Spain's Costa Blanca, this small city offers green parks, winding streets lined with tapas bars, and first-class educational opportunities at the University of Alicante, all in a pedestrian- and student-budget-friendly setting. Reliable public transportation, including a fast-speed train and international airport, makes it easy to explore this gorgeous region, as well as other Spanish and European cities. When you study abroad in Alicante, Spanish language, internships, service learning, and volunteer opportunities are available to enrich your experience.

Student Testimonials

"I had the wonderful opportunity to be able to spend both July of 2022 and 2023 in the city of Alicante with CEA CAPA. The opportunity to study abroad and not only learn the Spanish language from where it originated, but also to get the chance to expl..."

Sam Stewart

Cornell College

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Spain

"Alicante is an amazing city! It has everything from beaches to hiking to city activities. The community feeling is strong on every corner and the welcoming nature of everyone who lives there is shining. One thing that amazed me was how safe Alicante ..."

Rhian Tramontana

Virginia Wesleyan University

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Spain

"Alicante is a fantastic town with plenty to do. The beach is beautiful, the weather is pristine, and life is very good in Alicante. The nightlife was cheap and very fun. The cost of living was very low, especially with all the Corte Ingleses in Alica..."

Ramon Galarza

Georgia State University

GoOverseas

Spring 2022, Spain

"CEA CAPA Alicante is incredible. I highly recommend studying abroad in Alicante, Spain. It's a much lesser-known city of Spain, but that makes it better. Alicante has everything I looked for and more: a good culture, a safe city, a beach, a big beaut..."

Hannah Bradford

University of Mississippi

GoOverseas

Summer 2022, Spain

"As someone going into World Language education, when it came to my education abroad experience, I knew I needed something that was going to support my goals in gaining proficiency in Spanish. The CEA CAPA program to Alicante, Spain was perfect for me..."

Taylor Niehoff

University of Oklahoma

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Spain

Programs in Alicante (5)

Show All Alicante Programs

Where You'll Study

Our Partner Institutions

What Students are Saying about Spain

Exploring Granada’s Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems
Read More

Exploring Granada’s Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems

An exploration of the cultural highlights of Granada, Spain.

What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Seville, Spain
Read More

What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Seville, Spain

Reflections on a study abroad semester in Seville, Spain, from the benefits of a homestay to what it was like to better understand the Spanish languag...

What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Madrid, Spain
Read More

What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Madrid, Spain

Reflections on a study abroad semester in Madrid and meaningful travel experiences along the way.

View more blog posts

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.

Where You'll Stay

We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.

Global Housing Standards Icon
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.

Alumni Ambassadors

Emma Laymon

Emma Laymon

University of Tennessee
Thania Inoa De Jesus

Thania Inoa De Jesus

Albright College
Eleanor Foley

Eleanor Foley

University of Tennessee
Celia Niebler

Celia Niebler

University of Tennessee
Kaitlyn Reif

Kaitlyn Reif

University of Tennessee
Bella Podmore (She/Her)

Bella Podmore (She/Her)

University of Houston

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,250 when you apply with code* by June 30, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Studying abroad in Alicante is a life changing event for many students. When you study abroad in Spain, you experience learning outside the traditional classroom setting, gain international experience, and expand your sense of cultural awareness.
Alicante is less expensive than other Spanish cities and one of the most popular beach destinations in Spain. Students consider this small, seaside city more affordable compared to other top study abroad destinations in Europe. It’s the budget-friendly place to be in Costa Blanca with reliable (and cheap) public transportation options.
Alicante is considered one of the safest cities in Europe, making it a great destination for study abroad students. The streets are filled with locals most of the time, so it doesn’t have the feel of a tourist hot spot like Barcelona and Madrid might. Just like anywhere else in the world, Alicante is not immune to petty crime like pickpocketing. So, it’s still important to be cautious when exploring this coastal city.
Alicante is a port city that sits on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca and the ultimate place to live like a local and dine alfresco. As part of the Mediterranean lifestyle, Alicante locals live most of their life outdoors and you’ll get a taste of that as a student. Nestled on Spain’s Costa Blanca, scents of the sea fill this small city with authentic Spanish ambience everyone craves. Alicante is the perfect place for students hungry to learn about a culture rich in art and history.

Academic Life & Courses

CEA CAPA offers courses in Spanish language, business, humanities, health sciences, and Mediterranean studies. Courses are held at the University of Alicante.
Yes. Many courses are taught in English, especially in business, health, and cultural studies. Spanish courses are also offered at all levels.
Yes. Credit transfer depends on each student’s home university and its academic policies. Students are responsible for confirming credit approval with their home institution before studying abroad, as transferability is determined by the home university, not by CEA CAPA.

Housing & Daily Life

Students typically live in the residence hall which is located within a short commute of the University of Alicante.
Yes. All CEA CAPA Alicante housing options include WiFi and access to a washing machine. Dryers are not common abroad, so students should plan to hang dry their clothes, which is the standard practice in Europe.
Students usually take the tram or bus, bike, or walk. The city is compact, coastal, and easy to navigate on foot.

Language & Culture

No. English is used in many classes, but learning Spanish will enhance your experience. Locals appreciate efforts to speak the language.
Alicante blends Mediterranean beach life with traditional Spanish culture. Expect festivals, siestas, fresh seafood, and a relaxed pace of life.
Yes. CEA CAPA offers language exchanges, excursions, and local activities to connect students with the community and international peers.

Travel & Exploration

Students often visit Valencia, Madrid, Granada, or coastal towns like Altea. Spain’s rail and bus networks make travel simple and affordable. Students often travel to other popular cities across Europe on weekends while studying abroad.
Excursions may include day trips to castles, coastal villages, and natural parks such as Serra Gelada. Program excursions vary by term.
Alicante has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Sunshine is abundant year-round.

Budget & Affordability

Yes. Alicante is more affordable than larger Spanish cities. Students benefit from low transportation costs and budget-friendly food and entertainment.
Yes. The Residence Hall rooms include a kitchenette. 
U.S. students generally cannot work while studying in Spain. CEA CAPA offers internships for academic credit and professional development.

Health, Safety & Support

Yes. Alicante is considered a safe city. CEA CAPA provides safety guidance, local orientation, and 24/7 emergency support.
CEA CAPA provides onsite staff, academic advising, wellness resources, and support throughout your stay in Alicante.
CEA CAPA assists students in accessing English-speaking doctors while abroad. International insurance, included in the program, covers most routine and urgent medical care.

Application, Visas & Logistics

Yes, if the program exceeds 90 days. CEA CAPA provides step-by-step support to help with the Spanish student visa process.
Students are encouraged to apply 6–9 months in advance to secure placement and allow sufficient time for housing arrangements and visa processing if applicable.
Students must provide a valid passport, student visa application, proof of insurance, program acceptance letter, and housing confirmation when applying for a study abroad visa. CEA CAPA provides a detailed checklist to guide students through the process.

Alicante Onsite Staff

Alvaro Sánchez

Alvaro Sánchez

Program Director
Victoria Sandoval

Victoria Sandoval

Program and Student Services Coordinator