Information for term Liberal Arts
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenThe 3,500-year-old port city of Alicante sits on Spain’s dazzling Mediterranean coast and invites advanced Spanish language students to take their Spanish to the next level while taking courses across academic areas at CIEE Alicante and our partner school, Universidad de Alicante. Students select from courses in arts and humanities, engineering and architecture, health sciences, sciences, social sciences, and law studies – all taught in Spanish. Spend your free time immersed in the community, teaching English to local students. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
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 the country’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.
-
DAYS OF SUN PER YEAR
330 -
CITIES REACHED FROM THE ALICANTE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
90 -
STUDENTS AT UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE
32,000
Location & Culture
Click to Open

Your Destination
Home to 350,000 residents, the 3,500-year- old port city sits centrally 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 Explanada de España, Alicante is full of distinctive Spanish flavor, balanced with cosmopolitan flair and multicultural presence.
The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Put your coursework in context with visits to museums, theaters, and cultural sites.
- Explore beyond the city with day trips to provincial highlights like the Algar Waterfalls, Canelobre Caves and Guadalest Castle, Altea, Calpe, etc. or to Valencian Autonomous Community.
- Discover another beautiful Spanish city, such as Granada, Madrid, or Valencia, as you participate in an overnight excursion.
- Take your pick of nonstop activities offered weekly by both CIEE and the University Language Center – hiking, sports, cinema, cooking workshops, dance classes, theater, guided tours – boredom is not an option!

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.

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 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
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
Click to Open-
Housing
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 Halls: 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 40-minute bus ride to get in and out of Alicante.
-
MEALS
Homestays: Three meals per day are provided by your host.
Residence Hall: Two meals per day are provided.
Alicante, Spain Where You'll Study
-
A
CIEE ALICANTE
Next to the new Faculty of Education on the northwest extension of the main campus of Universidad de Alicante in San Vicente.
-
B
Universidad de Alicante
This modern campus hosts 28,000 students from all over the world, three miles from the city of Alicante.
-
C
Getting Around
Students use the tram or the public bus system to get from campus to downtown Alicante, about a 20-30 minute ride.
Like what you're seeing so far?
Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsThe 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. The program begins with an intensive two-week Spanish course to facilitate cultural immersion. Courses are taught by faculty from the Universidad de Alicante that specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language.
Universidad de Alicante was founded in 1979 and offers more than fifty 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.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
-
OVERALL GPA
2.5
-
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
For fall 2019: 5 or more semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent)
For spring 2020: 4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent -
Course Information
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 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 internship placement hours
- Universidad de Alicante courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours, unless otherwise noted
Language of Instruction
Spanish
Requirements
Students enroll in five classes per semester:
- One required two-week intensive Spanish language course at CIEE
- Four elective courses chosen from:
- CIEE courses
- Universidad de Alicante courses
- Academic projects (Internship)
Course Notes
- Students with 6+ semesters of Spanish are required to register in one host institution course at the Universidad de Alicante.
- All host institution courses are offered in Spanish for 4 credits (unless otherwise noted).
- Universidad de Alicante official final exams take place in early January (fall term) and June (spring term). Language & Culture students can generally arrange their final exams for late December/May, respectively. However, CIEE can neither facilitate nor guarantee this for all university courses. Students must remain on-site until all exams and coursework are completed.
- Students may choose to take language courses as electives. Language courses should be approved by the student’s Spanish advisor at their home institution.
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.
Courses
Click to OpenSpring 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Fall 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE COURSES
All Liberal Arts students with 6+ semesters of Spanish are required to take at least one Universidad de Alicante regular host institution course. It’s recommended that students take a maximum of two host institution courses. On-site staff will advise students based on their online language test.
All host institution courses are offered in Spanish for 4 credits (unless otherwise noted). CIEE students are expected to complete all work in host institution courses as would a Spanish student.
Although UA official final exams take place after the program is scheduled to end, some Liberal Arts final exams may take place before the end of the semester, if professors agree to extend that option. CIEE students should meet with the Academic Director upon arrival to discuss and select Universidad de Alicante courses.
Students are advised that the Universidad de Alicante may cancel courses due to limited enrollment and that some courses may overlap. For this reason, students should have at least two or three alternate courses approved.
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. Students interested in beginning or continuing their study of a foreign language are eligible to participate and are placed based on the results of a Universidad de Alicante placement exam.
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
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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 at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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.
YOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Meals
- Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
- Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
- Three-day orientation – an introduction to Spanish culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
- Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
- Excursions and/or Study Tours
- Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
- 24/7 emergency on-site support
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2020 16 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 9, 2020 | May 1, 2020 |
$16,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $12,033 ** Housing = $4,450 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $16,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,000 † International Airfare = $1,000 †† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,600 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,960Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** all meals are included † Students in residencia should budget $200 per month. All meals (and laundry) are included for students in homestays – 3 meals per day/7 days per week. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† please note that this is a general approximation as some students may spend large quantities on personal travel, meals and purchases |
Fall 2020 16 weeks | Apr 1, 2020 | Aug 20, 2020* | Dec 11, 2020* |
$16,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $12,033 ** Housing = $4,450 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $16,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,000 † International Airfare = $1,000 †† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,600 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,960Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** all meals are included † Students in residencia should budget $200 per month. All meals (and laundry) are included for students in homestays – 3 meals per day/7 days per week. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† please note that this is a general approximation as some students may spend large quantities on personal travel, meals and purchases |
Spring 2021 17 weeks | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 8, 2021* | May 7, 2021* | |
Academic year 2020-2021 37 weeks | Apr 1, 2020 | Aug 20, 2020* | May 7, 2021* |
*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.
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
-
Rocio Diez
Director
Rocío has extensive experience working in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in Ancient History from the Universidad de Alicante, and a M.A in Ancient History and Archaeology from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study 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 Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.