Spanish Language & Culture

Alicante, Spain
Spanish Language & Culture

About the Program

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.

Requirements

Overview

Location:

Alicante

Dates:

9/1/16 - 11/26/16

Price:

$10,995

Credits:

15 - 18

Deadlines

Apply By:

Closed

Withdraw By:

7/15/16

Requirements

$95 Online Application Fee
Complete Application
Transcript - Unofficial

Eligibility

Education
Completed:

High School Graduate

Foreign Language Proficiency:

All Levels

Minimum GPA:

2.5

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500 when you apply with code* by March 15, 2025

Where You'll Study

University of Alicante

Established in 1979, the University of Alicante (UA) is one of Spain's most innovative, modern, and fast-growing universities, with an enrollment of 33,000 students and 32 degree programs. Every ye...

Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
Student Center
Student Center
Student Lounge
Student Lounge
Study Area
Study Area
15

Credits

Program Structure & Courses

Enroll in 3 language courses and 1-2 elective courses*. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits, while most elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. You have the option to add a 1-credit/20 contact hours Spanish Conversation course at an additional fee ($325). You'll earn 15 credits (up to 225 contact hours), or 16 credits with the addition of the Spanish Conversation course. In the fall semester you can choose from two different start date options (late August or late September). 

All Spanish Conversation levels are offered every month. Business, Culture, Film, Art, Tourism and Theater electives may vary by session are offered in two independent modules (I & II) that can be combined or taken separately.

* Note: If selecting a Spanish Conversation course at the Beginner level as your elective, you will be required to choose both Spanish Conversation modules. Each Spanish Conversation - Elementary module meets for 20 contact hours/1.5 semester credits.

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.

Beginner Level Course Structure

Available Levels

Courses

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.

Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
Elementary Spanish I 100 Sp 60 4
Elementary Spanish II 100 Sp 60 4
Intermediate Spanish I 200 Sp 60 4
Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
Spanish Conversation - Elementary/Intermediate 100 Sp 45 3
Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
International Internship Sp 90 0

Interested in taking your career to the next level?

Where You'll Stay

*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.

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.

What's Included in your Program

From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Alicante. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.

  • Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
  • Visa & Immigration Advising
  • Financial Advising
  • Tuition and Registration
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Onsite Orientation
  • City Tour
  • Onsite Staff Support
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance
  • Travel Medical Insurance
  • International Emergency Service Support
  • Welcome & Farewell Events
  • Centrally Located Housing
  • Wellness Activities
  • Cultural Engagement
  • Language Exchanges
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Excursions
  • Student Clubs & Organizations
  • Host Institution Services & Amenities
  • Official Transcript(s)

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.

Date Description
September 01
Arrival/Program Begins

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.

September 01
Transfer

Students will be transferred to their assigned housing.

September 02
Orientation

Mandatory CEA/University of Alicante Orientation will be held.

September 02
Orientation

University of Alicante Campus tour

September 02
Welcome Reception

CEA Welcome Reception will be held at a local restaurant.

September 05
Classes Begin

Classes begin at the University of Alicante on this day.

September 06
Orientation

Alicante intro city tour

September 10
Excursion

Visit to the town of Guadalest and the Algar fountains

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 27
Orientation

CEA Orientation will be held to introduce the Volunteer opportunities in Alicante. Volunteering abroad is a smart way to engage with your host culture and community, expand your vocabulary, and meet local Alicantinos while helping others

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

November 25
Classes End

This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante.

November 26
Program Ends/Move-Out

Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.

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.

Description Low-Cost High-Cost
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
$1,600
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.
$126
$210
Meals

Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$2,188
$4,725
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.
$875
$2,625
Travel Expenses
Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$525
$2,625
TOTAL EXPENSES $16,004 $23,550