Palm trees in Alicante, Spain
Alicante, Spain

Liberal Arts

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

37 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Take your Spanish language skills to the next level in the 3,500-year-old port city of Alicante! Situated on Spain’s dazzling Mediterranean coast, this immersive Liberal Arts program invites advanced Spanish language students to sharpen their Spanish skills and learn about Alicante’s rich history and culture while earning credits toward their degrees.

When class is in session, you’ll choose from courses in the arts, humanities, engineering, architecture, health sciences, social sciences, law studies, and more (all delivered in Spanish) at CIEE Alicante and CIEE’s renowned partner school, Universidad de Alicante. Classes will promote hands-on learning, as well as offer optional internship opportunities, excursions, and community involvement to round out your academic experience.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have every opportunity to explore all Alicante has to offer! Spend your free time immersed in the local community, teaching English to Spanish students, advancing your language skills by socializing, and participating in co-curricular activities organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding. Get ready for the study abroad adventure of a lifetime! 

Unique Experiences

Travel to Another Amazing Spanish City

such as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Murcia, or Granada

Learn Alongside Peers From Spain

and other countries at Universidad de Alicante, one of Spain’s newest universities with a modern campus and an international vibe

Communicate With Spanish Students Through Intercambios

a linguistic exchange program with Universidad de Alicante students that makes it easy to practice what you are learning and become a part of Spanish student life

330

Days of Sunshine per Year

90

Cities Reached From the Alicante International Airport

32,000

Students at Universidad de Alicante

Experience
  • Alicante Encanto storefront
  • Parade float in Alicante

Your Destination

With a historic cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, Alicante is one of Spain’s booming port cities best known for its miles-long beaches, award-winning museums, and beautiful year-round weather. The city’s most iconic landmark, the medieval Castle of Santa Barbara, keeps watch over all of Alicante from its central location atop Mount Benacantil.  

Considered one of the safest cities in Europe, Alicante is an excellent place to take your studies. From its large student population to its reliable public transportation network, first-class educational opportunities, green parks, and café culture, this budget-friendly city is the perfect place to live and learn abroad.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Alicante. 

The Culture

madrid students learning to make paella

Excursions & Activities

  • Tour Santa Bárbara Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Alicante 
  • Visit important cultural and historical landmarks in Granada, Madrid, Seville, or Valencia 
  • Explore sites like Guadalest Castle, the Canelobre Caves, the Algar Waterfalls, or Altea on the Mediterranean coast 
  • Go on walking tours of the different neighborhoods of Alicante and its surrounding villages and towns 
  • Play soccer and watch the local team (Hercules) win 
  • Try your hand at cooking tapas to partake in Alicante’s traditions with local peers 
ciee alicante spain center lesson

Language Immersion

  • Increase fluency faster with the CIEE Community Language Commitment – a promise that keeps you speaking nothing but Spanish in order to perfect your skills 
  • Take it a step further with new Spanish friends in linguistic activities, where you’ll practice your Spanish language skills 
  • Participate in a for-credit internship to gain practical work experience and sharpen your Spanish skills abroad 
Alicante students volunteering

Projects

  • Internship. Prepare for life after college with a for-credit internship at a national company, a nonprofit, or an NGO; learn more about the local culture as you gain real-world global work experience. 
  • Volunteer. Get to know the people of Alicante better and say gracias for your stay by volunteering in the local community. 

Program Blogs

A different Valentine's Day

By Verónica P.

Last week, we wanted our students to get to know this party more in depth, so all the teachers at the centre wanted to participate in the activity and organized... keep reading

First days in Spain

By Verónica P.

The students of the new course arrived two weeks ago and are still adapting to the change and living with the new families. During these days they have had an... keep reading

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ALICANTE

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT Any city that sits as close to the Mediterranean as Alicante does is bound to have a culinary traditional built upon gifts from the sea. Enter Arròs a banda... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I loved the program in Alicante. Alicante was a great choice when deciding where to study abroad."

    Charlotte, Denison University, Fall 16

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who seek to increase their language skills while taking courses in Spanish across academic areas from both CIEE Alicante and Universidad de Alicante. These courses can be a combination of CIEE and host institution courses at Universidad de Alicante. A Spanish language-learning course is recommended.  

Universidad de Alicante was founded in 1979 and offers more than 50 degrees. It is located just three miles north of the city in San Vincente and hosts more than 35,000 students. It offers a rich array of opportunities for students to get involved on campus.

CIEE Alicante is conveniently located on the campus of Universidad de Alicante. 

Note for students taking Direct Enrollment courses at the University of Alicante: Students are required to stay in Alicante until they have completed their classes. Official host institutions’ fall exams are in January, and official host institutions’ spring exams are in June. However, early exams in December and May may be possible, and they should be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor at the start of the regular semester session, during the add/drop period. Please note that it is up to the discretion of each professor to allow the taking of final exams before the start of the official examination period. If it’s not offered, a proctored exam would be held on the official exam date in January/June. As it is impossible to confirm your exam schedule prior to your arrival, if your priority is to leave Alicante as soon as your university finals are finished, please book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.

GPA

2.5 

Language Requirements

Four or more semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) 

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

  • Students enroll in four to five classes per semester chosen from: 
  • CIEE courses  
  • Universidad de Alicante courses 

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours 
  • Universidad de Alicante Courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours, unless otherwise noted

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and continuous assessments. Most courses combine lectures with local field trips and excursions to help students gain a better understanding of the local culture.  Attendance in class is mandatory and absences affect final grades. 

Universidad de Alicante courses can be scheduled Monday through Friday, and they tend to be lecture-style. It is the students' responsibility to demonstrate that they can analyze and discuss themes mentioned in class lectures, debates, and discussion. 

Class Format

Students take CIEE classes in Spanish with other CIEE students. Students can also enroll in Universidad de Alicante classes, also taught in Spanish, with local students and with other international students.  

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

All host institution courses are offered in Spanish for 4 credits (unless otherwise noted). 

For students taking regular Universidad de Alicante classes, official final exams take place in early January (fall term) and June (spring term). However, students can generally arrange their final exams for late December/May, respectively. Otherwise, proctored exams are facilitated by Universidad de Alicante.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 4 U.S. credits unless otherwise noted.     

UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) language courses 

  • Upper Intermediate B1 
  • Advanced B2  
  • Higher Advanced C1  

UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) Spanish culture courses in Spanish  

  • Español de los negocios (in Spanish) (Spanish for business). Pre-requisite: Intermediate 1 (A2). 
  • Turismo y cultura gastronómica española (in Spanish) (Spanish tourism and gastronomy). Pre-requisite: Intermediate 1 (A2). 
  • Género, lengua y poder (in Spanish) (Gender, language, and power). Pre-requisite: Upper Intermediate (B1). 
  • La sociedad española del siglo XX a través de la literatura (in Spanish) (The Spanish society of the 20th century through literature). Pre-requisite: Upper Intermediate (B1). 
  • Enseñanza del español como L2/LE (in Spanish) (Teaching Spanish as a foreign language). Pre-requisite: Advanced 1 (B2). 

UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE regular courses in Spanish (number of credits vary depending on contact hours) 

Language pre-requisite: It is recommended that students have a minimum of four (preferably five) previous semesters of college-level Spanish).  

Students can explore the Universidad de Alicante course offerings at www.ua.es. Please note that Universidad de Alicante offers semester and year-long courses. The following is a selection of subject areas. 

  • Arts and Humanities: Arabic and Islamic Studies, English, French, History, Humanities, Spanish, Translation/Interpretation 
  • Engineering and Architecture: Architecture, Building Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Multimedia Engineering, Sound and Image Engineering 
  • Health Sciences: Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Nursing, Optics and Optometry 
  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Marine Studies, Mathematics 
  • Social Sciences and Law Studies: Business Administration and Management, Criminology, Economics, Geography and Territory Organization, Labor Relations and Human Resources, Law, Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Pre-school Specialty, Primary School Specialty, Public Management and Administration, Publicity and Public Relations, Social Work, Sociology, Tourism 

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.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad 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. 

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

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 Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A student intern sitting at a microscope in a lab

Health Science

Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

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.

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
  • MSI 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 Spring 2025 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2025 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed 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, 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

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

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 = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*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 = $13,956**

Housing = $4,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

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

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*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 = $13,956**

Housing = $4,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

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

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 = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*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.

Estimated Costs

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

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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

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 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 internship abroad experience!

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!

Request Info