alicante spain port view ocean buildings

Study Abroad in Alicante

College Study Abroad

Click to scroll down and read more

lisbon study abroad

Explore Alicante, Spain

When you study abroad in Alicante, you’ll be in one of Spain’s booming port cities known for its beaches, award-winning museums, and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. With a large student population, Alicante is a great study abroad destination in Spain for students looking to explore a new culture and immerse themselves in the Spanish way of life.

Nestled on the dazzling Mediterranean Sea, Alicante is rich in Spanish flavor. The city boasts a Gothic castle, a colorful old quarter, and a palm tree-lined promenade, La Explanada de España, which is paved with 6.6 million tricolored tiles and is an important gathering place for locals.

  • red pin alicante spain map
  • students biking abroad in alicante spain sunny day
  • side street in alicante sunny

Study Tours & Cultural Excursions

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Alicante, past study tours and excursions have included:

  • Visits to the Algar Waterfalls, Canelobre Caves, and Guadalest Castle 
  • Trips to beautiful Spanish cities such as Granada, Madrid, or Valencia 
  • Guided tours of Santa Bárbara Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Alicante 

If you’re a student looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Alicante, our cultural excursions and tours allow you to do just that! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, practice your Spanish, or visit famous sites, studying abroad in Alicante offers something for everyone. 
 

ciee alicante spain center lesson

Where Students Study

CIEE Alicante
Conveniently located on the main campus of the University of Alicante (Universidad de Alicante in San Vincente), CIEE Alicante is situated in the northwestern region of the city, roughly 20 minutes from top sites like the Santa Barbara Castle and Parc de l’Ereta.

Universidad de Alicante
Established in 1979, the main campus is located in San Vicente del Raspeig/Sant Vicent del Raspeig, bordering the city of Alicante to the north. The University of Alicante welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures in a campus considered one of the best in Europe. 

Alicante Study Abroad Programs

Alicante
  • Alicante, Spain
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. 

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
alicante postiguet beach dusk
  • Alicante, Spain
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

Spend your summer living and learning in the coastal, vibrant Spanish port city of Alicante!

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
alicante marina promenade
  • Alicante, Spain
New for January '25
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break living and learning in one of Spain’s most beautiful port cities, Alicante! Designed for students from all academic backgrounds.

Program Interests
  • Homestay
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
alicante boats on beach
  • Alicante, Spain
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

Spend eight weeks of your summer improving and advancing your Spanish language skills in the beautiful coastal city of Alicante!

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Language Immersion
  • Life by the Sea
Alicante harbor view
  • Alicante, Spain
  • Study Program

Find endless opportunities to rapidly improve your Spanish

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
Palm trees in Alicante, Spain
  • Alicante, Spain
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Put your Spanish skills to use during this immersive program in sunny Alicante while earning credits towards your degree.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Language Immersion
  • Life by the Sea
  • Volunteering
Pocket Guide to Alicante

Currency 
Euro

Spoken Languages 
Spanish

Available Transportation 
Bus, tram, taxi, and car

Famous Local 
Carlos Arniches – respected playwright whose work dominated Spanish comic theatre in the early 20th century

Climate 
Hot, muggy, clear summers with an average temperature of 82°F; cool, windy, and partly cloudy winters with an average temperature of 50°F

Local Attraction 
Santa Bárbara Castle – a 9th-century hilltop Muslim castle with a historic museum

Airport 
Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)

Social Norms 
Always say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment

What to Pack 
Breathable footwear, bug repellent, and sunscreen

Frequently Asked Questions

Known for its sprawling beaches, booming restaurant scene, lively nightlife, and 7,000-year history, Alicante study abroad should be on every student’s list! This historic Mediterranean port city offers students the chance to build upon their Spanish language skills while living abroad in one of Spain’s less touristy cities.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Alicante

Alicante is a very safe city to live in, with one of the lowest crime rates in all of Spain. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.

Known for its rich history, interesting museums, perfect beaches, excellent food, and vibrant culture, Alicante is a popular destination among tourists and students alike. This seaside gem is widely considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities with no shortage of things to do, see, and study. Discover why Alicante is so popular for yourself!

Alicante and Barcelona are both coastal cities brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, world-class landmarks, interesting museums, delicious food, and authentic charm, so choosing between the two can be quite challenging. If you’re struggling to figure out which city to study abroad in, consider these two factors: population size and financial investment.  

In terms of greater city limits, Alicante is (perhaps surprisingly) twice the size of Barcelona but boasts a population of merely 300,000 (compared to Barcelona’s 1.4 million!). Given that Barcelona is Spain’s second-most populous city, its streets are often crowded and dense. For those who don’t mind the crowds, Barcelona is a great choice! For those who do, Alicante is likely a better fit. 

As for financial investment, it should be noted Barcelona is more expensive than Alicante. This is true when it comes to food, shopping, and more. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Alicante is a better choice. However, Barcelona is still reasonably affordable for most international students.  
 

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

alicante student sunglasses city overlook

Apply in 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Alicante. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Alicante to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
side street alicante spain sunny day

Study Abroad Scholarships

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

@ciee_alicante on Instagram

 
 

Alicante Study Abroad Reviews

  • "The staff and people there are amazing"

    Alexis B., Meredith College

  • "CIEE has the complete study abroad experience - between the host family, the level of classes, and the activities planned outside of class.

    Rob M., CIEE Language + Culture in Alicante, Spain