Business + Culture
Unique Experiences
Visit leading hotels and tourism venues across Alicante
to learn how hospitality businesses design guest experiences, manage operations, and serve travelers from around the world
Explore the University of Alicante Science Park (Parque Científico de la UA)
to see how universities support business creation, technology transfer, and startup growth
Take part in a guided tasting of traditional Alicante products
to sample regional specialties like olive oil, local wines, and Mediterranean ingredients central to Spanish cuisine
Your Destination
Alicante is a lively Mediterranean city on Spain’s southeastern coast, known for its growing economy, beautiful beaches, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. As an important center for tourism, international trade, and entrepreneurship in the region, Alicante offers students a unique perspective on business and culture in Spain. The city’s historic sites like Santa Bárbara Castle, palm-lined promenades, bustling markets, and vibrant festivals reflect its deep cultural roots and modern energy. Alicante’s blend of history, commerce, and coastal beauty makes it a welcoming destination for studying abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Alicante will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit the Chocolates Valor factory to learn about the history, production process, and global growth of one of Spain’s most recognized confectionery brands
- Explore how Helados Alacant, one of Spain’s leading ice cream manufacturers, manages large-scale production and distribution across domestic and international markets
- Experience the traditional fish auction at El Campello’s fish market while learning about the role of fishing heritage in Mediterranean culture
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ALICANTE
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN ALICANTE Any city that sits as close to the Mediterranean as Alicante does is bound to have a culinary traditional built upon gifts from the... keep reading
Your Go-To Spain Study Abroad Packing List for Every Season
Excited to study abroad in Spain , but less excited to pack for your international adventure? We know the feeling, which is why we’ve put together a CIEE-approved, go-to study... keep reading
Top 5 Spanish Study Abroad Programs for the Summer
Summer school hasn’t always sounded the most appealing. But you’re probably thinking about it the old way: Stuck in a boring classroom while wishing you were doing anything else. Think... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Alicante offers diverse housing options to ensure that you are comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments or residence halls, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a room at a homestay or a shared apartment.
- Homestays: Students live with a Spanish-speaking family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse themselves in the city’s language and culture. Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family, but each student has an individual room, and three meals a day are provided. Host families are located in the city center, under a 30-minute commute from CIEE Alicante and the University Campus.
- Shared apartments: Students share a double room with other CIEE students with access to the kitchen, laundry, and shared common spaces. Apartments are located within 30 minutes of the city center, CIEE Alicante, and the University Campus. Meals are not included.
Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall near CIEE Alicante and the University Campus, and about 30 minutes from the city center. Students living in residence halls have kitchen access, and meals are not included. Residence Halls also boast common areas and laundry facilities. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a shared apartment with other CIEE students with access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and shared common spaces. Shared apartments are located in the city center, roughly 30 minutes from CIEE Alicante and the University Campus. Meals are not included. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Three meals per day are provided by your host
- Apartments: Meals are not included
- Residence Hall: Meals are not included
Academics
CIEE Alicante: Study on the main campus of the University of Alicante (Universidad de Alicante in San Vicente). 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.
University of Alicante: The University of Alicante (Universidad de Alicante) is a public university located in San Vicente del Raspeig, near the city of Alicante, Spain. Established in 1979, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and law. Known for its modern campus, strong international focus, and research initiatives, the university fosters innovation and collaboration in a Mediterranean setting.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
University of Alicante
Sample list of business-related courses:
- Human Resources Management
- International Corporate Strategy And Management
- Operations Management
- Organizational Design
- Strategic Business Management I & II
- Strategic Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Economic Policy
- Statistics And Introduction To Econometrics
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
Browse the range of internship opportunities available and find the experience that aligns with your academic and career goals with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Alicante offers a dynamic work scene that blends traditional and modern sectors. Its thriving tourism industry creates jobs in hospitality, while trade and logistics thrive due to its strategic port. The local culture emphasizes a balanced lifestyle, reflective of the Mediterranean way of life.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2027 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2027 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Rocío Díez
Center Director
Rocío oversees all semester and summer programs. Rocio, who joined CIEE in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...
Vanesa Ruiz
Program Manager
Vanesa was born and raised in Alicante and earned her BA in English Studies from Universidad de Alicante and a MA in Teaching. She has been working in the field...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
You might also like
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Madrid, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Seville, Spain
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!