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Spanish Language & Culture
Alicante, Spain
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
Alicante
9/24/26 - 12/19/26
$14,895
15 - 16
Deadlines
6/1/26
7/1/26
Requirements
Eligibility
2.5
All Levels
High School Graduate
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...
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 year, approximately 1,200 students from around the world attend UA to study Spanish language and culture.
Just a short bus ride (about three miles) from Alicante’s city center, UA’s campus encompasses more than 1,000 square meters of wooded areas (70% of the campus is dedicated to green space), a beautiful lake, and facilities that include a museum, art gallery, 24-hour library, indoor and outdoor sports stadiums, restaurants, and banks.
When you study at UA, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of cultural, academic, and athletic activities, such as the intercambio language exchange program, political science seminars, and sporting activities like swimming, aerobics, and intramural sports teams.
Credit Transfer Information
University of Alicante awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from the University of Alicante upon successful completion of the program. The transcript will reflect ECTS credits and contact hours.
Accreditation
The University of Alicante is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution of higher learning.
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- UA faculty teach language courses and electives.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams are administered.
- Class attendance is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Teaching styles in Spain may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to UA’s classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- You may attend class with local students and international students from the U.S., Europe, Canada, and around the world.
Amenities
Clubs & Organizations
Student Center
Student Lounge
Study Area
Counseling Services
Student Health Center
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Tutoring
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Banks & Post Office
Copy & Mail Center
On-campus ATM
Bookstore
Lockers
Museum & Art Galleries
15-16
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.
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 host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*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 I | 100 | Sp | 20 | 1.5 |
| Spanish Conversation - Elementary II | 100 | Sp | 20 | 1.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Conversation - Elementary I | 100 | Sp | 20 | 1 |
| Spanish Conversation - Elementary II | 100 | Sp | 20 | 1 |
| 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.
Residence Hall
Available:
Semester
Summer
Short-Term
If you crave a taste of university life abroad, consider a private room in a Residence Hall. This housing option is different than the typical dorm in the United States as there are no RAs, curfews, or living restrictions. Alicante Residence Halls are designed for university students but are not part of the University of Alicante campus. Students have a lot of independence with the benefits of convenient amenities and a prime location right next to campus. Residence Halls provide a lively atmosphere and typically houses Spanish, international and North American students. If you enjoy living in a student community and hope to make friends from all over the world while also being able to practice your Spanish with local students, and would like to have a few extra amenities such as air conditioning, a pool, onsite gym, study rooms, cleaning service, and the option of having a meal plan (half or full board available and if no meal plan, access to a small kitchen), this is an excellent fit for you. The Residence Hall is located in San Vicente del Raspeig, which is the town where the University of Alicante is located. San Vicente has a variety of things to do and access to many amenities within walking distance – there’s a shopping center, coffee shops and restaurants, grocery stores, a public park, electric indoor go-karts, a trampoline park, local shops, two concert venues, and more. Public transportation is also located within a 5-minute walk.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office at the University of Alicante:10 minutes walk
- University of Alicante: 5-10 minutes walk
- Downtown San Vicente: 10-minute walk
- Downtown Alicante: 25-30 minutes by bus or metro
Meals Included
- Full Board (three meals per day, Monday – Friday) with the opportunity to request your food to go 24 hours in advance.
- Half Board (two meals per day, Monday-Friday) with the opportunity to request your food to go 24 hours in advance.
- No Meal Plan (you will have access to a small kitchen) ***This is Alicante’s Standard Housing Option, meaning there is no supplemental fee***
Roommates
- Students in the Residence Hall get a private room and bathroom, with storage space, and a desk.
- No shared bedrooms or bathrooms in the Residence Hall.
- Students may or may not be placed as “neighbors” in the Residence Hall building.
- There is no apartment-style housing, but the Residence Hall does have communal lounge areas both indoors and outdoors.
- Depending on whether or not you have a meal plan, you may have a kitchenette in your room.
Unit Amenities
- Bed linens and towels included
- Internet access
- Washer and dryer (pay-per-wash and dry)
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Onsite gym
- Cleaning service
- Outdoor pool (summer only)
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee for students who choose a meal plan. Please note that the exact amount varies based on the program length and whether a full or half meal plan is selected, but the amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Please note: The Residence Hall with no meal plan option is Alicante’s standard housing option and does not have a supplemental fee.
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer (Limited availability during May, Session I & Session II 4-week sessions)
Short-Term
Summer (Limited availability during May, Session I & Session II 4-week sessions)
Short-Term
Engage in Alicante’s vibrant culture firsthand when you live with a host family. For the culture-seeking type whose study abroad goals include improving Spanish language skills and cultural understanding, homestays provide the opportunity to dive headfirst into the daily lives of Spanish locals. Homestays are typically based in downtown Alicante and have been carefully chosen to ensure the best possible living arrangements for each student.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office at the University of Alicante: 30 minutes by bus or metro
- University of Alicante: 30 minutes by bus or metro
Meals Included
- 3 meals per day (Monday - Sunday)
Roommates
- Typically,1 student per room, but there could be the possibility of sharing a room with another CEA CAPA student
- Typically, 1-2 students per homestay, but maximum is 4
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen access. Must discuss with family.
- Private or shared bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Internet access
- Washer only
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
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 24
|
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 a hotel or their assigned housing. |
|
September 24
|
Transfer
Students will be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
September 25
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA/University of Alicante Orientation will be held. |
|
September 25
|
Welcome Reception
CEA CAPA Welcome Reception. |
|
September 28
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at the University of Alicante on this day. |
|
October 09
|
Holiday
Dia de la Comunidad Valenciana. No classes will be held. |
|
October 12
|
Holiday
Fiesta Nacional Española. No classes will be held. |
|
December 18
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the University of Alicante. |
|
December 19
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.