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Alicante harbor view
Alicante, Spain

Language + Culture

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

$18,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

13 - 16 semester hours

19.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

$16,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

13 - 16 semester hours

19.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

$16,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

13 - 16 semester hours

19.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Language + Culture program in Alicante lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, one required language course, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Alicante!

Unique Experiences

Immerse Yourself in Spanish Life

by living with a local family in Alicante

Join a Community of Learners

at Universidad de Alicante, a modern university that brings together students from Spain and around the world

Expand your Spanish Adventure

by exploring other cities like Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Murcia, or Granada

Experience
  • Alicante harbor view

Your Destination

Alicante is Spain’s vibrant, cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and dynamic bilingual community. From the medieval streets of the Castle of Santa Barbara to the stunning beaches and award-winning museums, the city offers endless inspiration for students. Whether exploring the city’s medieval past or engaging with the city's thriving bilingual communities, where Castilian Spanish and Valenciano coexist, Alicante is the perfect place to study language and culture abroad.

alicante lab visit

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 activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
alicante student sunglasses city overlook

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 past excursions and activities: 

  • Discover natural wonders in Alicante Province, from Guadalest Castle and Canelobre Caves to Algar Waterfalls and Altea
  • Immerse in local culture through neighborhood tours, tapas cooking, and experiences with Spanish peers
  • Take day trips to explore the Alicante Province or the Valencia region  

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

Photo for blog post

Visit to an organic farm

By David C.

Our Sustainable Food Systems course visited the Cel y Sòl ("Sky and Sun" in Catalan) Farm to learn more about agriculture in Spain, and how it compares wtih the US... keep reading

Photo for blog post
From CIEE

Indispensable stop in Alicante: The Central Market

By Laura Cremades at CIEE

The Central Market of Alicante can stimulate your five senses. It is a compendium of smells and colors. Fish stalls are a good example. It is very nice to walk... keep reading

Photo for blog post
From CIEE

Alicante, city of culture: Teatro Principal

By Laura Cremades at CIEE

Today I am going to introduce the theater of Alicante, called 'Teatro Principal'. Alicante is a relatively small city, as it has at about 330.000 inhabitants. However, there are many... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I loved the homestay and my host mom is a gem. She is absolutely wonderful and made my experience truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

    Elise, Babson College, Spring 17

  • "I really loved this program and felt like the professors created an awesome environment that allowed the students to feel comfortable, but still challenged us."

    Margaret, Pennsylvania State University, Spring 17

Housing

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  
Alicante various tapas

Meals

Various types of tapas.

Alicante student with his host family

Homestay

A student with his host family 

alicante housing residence hall desk

Residence hall

Private room desk area

alicante housing residence hall single

Residence hall

Private room bed

Academics

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. 

Courses

Course Information

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.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Fall 2025 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Spring 2026 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $16,950
Program Fall 2026 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $16,950

*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, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.

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.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $13,956 **
Housing $4,500 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $18,950

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $800
Select Plus Housing Fee $1,600

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.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $0 †
International Airfare $1,250 ††
Local Transportation $150
Books & Supplies $60
Visa Fees $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa $500
Personal expenses $260 †††
Total Costs $2,380

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $11,756 **
Housing $4,700 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $16,950

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $850
Select Plus Housing Fee $1,700

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.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $0 †
International Airfare $1,250 ††
Local Transportation $150
Books & Supplies $60
Visa Fees $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa $500
Personal expenses $220 †††
Total Costs $2,340

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $285 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense (low-cost SIM card with a 30GB-50GB data plan) + toiletries

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.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $11,756 **
Housing $4,700 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $16,950

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.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $0 †
International Airfare $1,250 ††
Local Transportation $150
Books & Supplies $60
Visa Fees $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa $500
Personal expenses $210 †††
Total Costs $2,330

*non-refundable fee

**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $265 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense (low-cost SIM card with a 30GB-50GB data plan) + toiletries

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

Staff

Our Staff

Rocío Díez

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

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Apply Now

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 Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Contact Us

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