Dates and Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Program Description
Need Help? Contact an advisor at 1-203-396-8028
Come build a strong and broad foundation in the Spanish language in a beautiful Mediterranean coastal city. With an emphasis on becoming communicative as quickly as possible, this study abroad program in Alicante combines intensive language study with English-language elective courses, a conversation exchange program, and cultural activities which allow you to improve your language skills while immersing yourself in local culture. Study abroad in Spain and you will:
During the mandatory, three-day, on-site orientation, you'll be introduced to the country, culture, and academic program, and are provided with practical information about living in Alicante. The orientation seeks to inform students of issues relevant to their experience and help them make a gradual transition to Spanish life. A range of topics including housing and family life, cultural differences, health and safety, academic and social goals, gender and race issues, academics, and academic policies are covered. The orientation includes both structured cultural activities and independent sightseeing. Ongoing support is provided on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
- Take Universidad de Alicante business courses and/or CIEE area studies courses in English; courses in Spanish are available for Intermediate I Spanish Students
- Become a member of a Spanish family or live in the dorms with Spanish and international students
- Enjoy extracurricular visits to museums, films, theaters, outdoor markets, and sporting events accompanied by CIEE student helpers Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. The pre-departure orientation will be conducted at the end of April for the fall term abroad and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
During the mandatory, three-day, on-site orientation, you'll be introduced to the country, culture, and academic program, and are provided with practical information about living in Alicante. The orientation seeks to inform students of issues relevant to their experience and help them make a gradual transition to Spanish life. A range of topics including housing and family life, cultural differences, health and safety, academic and social goals, gender and race issues, academics, and academic policies are covered. The orientation includes both structured cultural activities and independent sightseeing. Ongoing support is provided on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
Home to 350,000 residents, the 3,500-year-old port city sits midway on Spain’s dazzling Mediterranean coast. From the emblematic medieval Castle of Santa Barbara high on Benacantil Mountain, to the lovely palm-lined marble tiled Explanda de España, Alicante is full of distinctive Spanish flavor, balanced with cosmopolitan flair and multicultural presence.
Like other regions in Spain and Europe, Alicante is bilingual. Castilian Spanish is the primary language of most residents, but be on the lookout to encounter the second language, Valenciano.
Like other regions in Spain and Europe, Alicante is bilingual. Castilian Spanish is the primary language of most residents, but be on the lookout to encounter the second language, Valenciano.
Prerequisites: Overall GPA 2.5 and for CIEE content courses in Spanish, 0-2 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
Your introductory Spanish language classes at CIEE focus on building reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, in order to get you communicating as quickly as possible. Elective content courses are taught in English, both at CIEE and at Universidad de Alicante, where you can choose from a wide range of academic topics. Students should have completed no more than two semesters of university-level instruction in Spanish.
Placement in the intensive course is based on a diagnostic language exam taken before students arrive in Alicante. Results of the intensive course determine the student’s language level for semester language classes. Orientation to cultural, social, and academic issues complements language study during the intensive session. Please see here for more information.
Course Credit
SHU approved courses taken at CIEE in Alicante will count towards your general graduation total. Courses will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail).
Teaching methods in CIEE courses combine lecture and interactive styles, and daily homework is assigned. Each instructor distributes a detailed syllabus indicating what material is covered, when exams are held, and what is expected from each student. It is important to understand that the program takes place at a Spanish University with native Spanish instructors, and therefore students may notice differences in teaching styles. CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Friday.
Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student’s overall European experience, attendance in class is mandatory and absences affect final grades. Early departure for, or late return from, vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the study abroad program, during the semester break, or upon completion of the program. Travel plans should not be made before receiving the academic calendar on site.
Universidad de Alicante courses are lecture-style. Teaching methods in the Spanish university system are different from those in the United States. Professors provide students with an extensive bibliography in the course syllabus, and it is expected that students make reference to these readings in their exams. It is the students’ responsibility to demonstrate that they can intelligently analyze and discuss themes mentioned in class lectures, in addition to citing secondary sources and outside readings recommended by the professor.
Your introductory Spanish language classes at CIEE focus on building reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, in order to get you communicating as quickly as possible. Elective content courses are taught in English, both at CIEE and at Universidad de Alicante, where you can choose from a wide range of academic topics. Students should have completed no more than two semesters of university-level instruction in Spanish.
Placement in the intensive course is based on a diagnostic language exam taken before students arrive in Alicante. Results of the intensive course determine the student’s language level for semester language classes. Orientation to cultural, social, and academic issues complements language study during the intensive session. Please see here for more information.
Course Credit
SHU approved courses taken at CIEE in Alicante will count towards your general graduation total. Courses will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail).
Teaching methods in CIEE courses combine lecture and interactive styles, and daily homework is assigned. Each instructor distributes a detailed syllabus indicating what material is covered, when exams are held, and what is expected from each student. It is important to understand that the program takes place at a Spanish University with native Spanish instructors, and therefore students may notice differences in teaching styles. CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Friday.
Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student’s overall European experience, attendance in class is mandatory and absences affect final grades. Early departure for, or late return from, vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the study abroad program, during the semester break, or upon completion of the program. Travel plans should not be made before receiving the academic calendar on site.
Universidad de Alicante courses are lecture-style. Teaching methods in the Spanish university system are different from those in the United States. Professors provide students with an extensive bibliography in the course syllabus, and it is expected that students make reference to these readings in their exams. It is the students’ responsibility to demonstrate that they can intelligently analyze and discuss themes mentioned in class lectures, in addition to citing secondary sources and outside readings recommended by the professor.
You will pay all fees for housing and meals DIRECTLY to CIEE. You will not be billed by SHU.
CIEE students have two housing options: a Spanish homestay or an off-campus residence hall with other international and Spanish students.
study abroad in spain.
Homestays—Live with a Spanish-speaking family (with or without another CIEE student) and immerse yourself in the local language and culture. As a visiting student, you will be treated like a member of the family. Stay in the downtown metro area – no more than a 25-30-minute commute from the UA campus. Expect to use public transportation two times per day.
Residence Hall—If you choose an off-campus residence hall at Universidad de Alicante in San Vicente, you’ll live among Spanish and other international students. Plan on walking to campus, and taking a 25-30-minute bus ride to get in and out of Alicante.
Meals are NOT included as part of your SHU study abroad program fees. Please visit CIEE's website here for more information on meal costs not included in housing fees.
CIEE students have two housing options: a Spanish homestay or an off-campus residence hall with other international and Spanish students.
study abroad in spain.
Homestays—Live with a Spanish-speaking family (with or without another CIEE student) and immerse yourself in the local language and culture. As a visiting student, you will be treated like a member of the family. Stay in the downtown metro area – no more than a 25-30-minute commute from the UA campus. Expect to use public transportation two times per day.
Residence Hall—If you choose an off-campus residence hall at Universidad de Alicante in San Vicente, you’ll live among Spanish and other international students. Plan on walking to campus, and taking a 25-30-minute bus ride to get in and out of Alicante.
Meals are NOT included as part of your SHU study abroad program fees. Please visit CIEE's website here for more information on meal costs not included in housing fees.
Excursions
Language Immersion
- Put your coursework in context with visits to museums, theaters, and cultural sites.
- Explore beyond the city with one-day trips to provincial highlights like the Algar Waterfalls, Canelobre Caves, and Guadalest Castle, or to Valencian Autonomous Community.
- Discover another beautiful Spanish city, such as Granada, Madrid or Valencia.
- Take your pick of nonstop activities offered weekly by both CIEE and the University Language Center – hiking, sports, cinema, bowling, cooking, dance classes, escape rooms, and guided tours – boredom is not an option!
Language Immersion
- As students gain proficiency, they’re encouraged to reinforce their new skills by practicing in everyday situations.
- Opt to live with a host family to fast-track language acquisition.
- Join a conversion exchange program at Universidad de Alicante, and practice with Spanish students.
- Catch up on the latest Spanish pop music and colloquial sayings, and practice speaking in Spanish outside the classroom with Cultural Workshops and Language Café sessions.
*Please note: Full Time Undergraduate Tuition Rate is Subject to Change for Academic Year 2019 - 2020*
Please note: all costs subject to change.
Fees Include: Program orientation, arrival airport transfer, and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees DO NOT Include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, on-site course fees, visa/ resident permit fees, program materials, or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information:
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Global Affairs prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
Please contact the Office of Global Affairs directly for further information.
Please note: all costs subject to change.
Fees Include: Program orientation, arrival airport transfer, and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees DO NOT Include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, on-site course fees, visa/ resident permit fees, program materials, or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information:
- All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Global Affairs prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
- If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.
Please contact the Office of Global Affairs directly for further information.
Last year, CIEE awarded more than 1,000 scholarships per term for a total of $5 million, helping more students get on planes and live their dreams in faraway places than any other organization. Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website here.
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible. Access more information about Scholarships and Financial Aid here.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website here.
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible. Access more information about Scholarships and Financial Aid here.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Fall 2019
August 22, 2019 - December 13, 2019
Fall 2018
August 23, 2018 - December 14, 2018
All dates are subject to change. Do not book your flight until you have been accepted by the university and the academic dates have been confirmed. Please refer to CIEE's website for final program dates.
August 22, 2019 - December 13, 2019
Fall 2018
August 23, 2018 - December 14, 2018
All dates are subject to change. Do not book your flight until you have been accepted by the university and the academic dates have been confirmed. Please refer to CIEE's website for final program dates.
- "My study abroad experience has made me the individual I am today. Through my semester I learned not only how to be culturally adaptive, but I also learned many things about myself. In a new place, you are forced to explore the unknown and I found that exploring the unknown also allows you to explore the unknowns of yourself. Living with a family allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and also really try some authentic yummy food. They provided me with a support system and people I could always turn to. They say you never stop traveling, oh how true that is." - Alison Hoag, Spanish major
