alicante boats on beach
Alicante, Spain

Summer Intensive Spanish Language

Study Program

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

8 semester hours

12 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Overview

Your CIEE Summer Intensive Spanish Language program in Alicante lasts 8 weeks. You will enroll in two Spanish language courses taught at CIEE Alicante. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Alicante!

Unique Experiencies

Take an educational launguage study tour

to one of the most emblematic cities in Spain

Immerse yourself in the culture

by living with a Spanish family

Find the perfect level of Spanish

instruction for your needs

Experience
  • two students in alicante study abroad summer program

Your Destination

Alicante is Spain’s sun-soaked coastal city, celebrated for its rich Mediterranean history, vibrant festivals, and relaxed lifestyle. From the ancient Castle of Santa Bárbara to the colorful streets of the old town, the city offers endless inspiration for students studying literature, history, philosophy, the arts, and more. Whether you're exploring local traditions, practicing your Spanish with friendly locals, or soaking in the city's seaside charm, Alicante is the perfect place to study Spanish abroad.

ciee alicante spain center lesson

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Enroll in two Spanish language CIEE courses that focus on conversation and written Spanish in context.
  • 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.
Seville Granada hillside

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:

  • • Explore Alicante's stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters and enjoy watersports like paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling
  • • Try your hand at cooking tapas to partake in Alicante’s traditions with local peers
  • • Take a day trip to the Alicante Province or the Valencian Autonomous Community

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

From CIEE

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words and Phrases You Need to Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Heading on an incredible study abroad journey where the locals primarily speak in Spanish? Then you’ll want to know some common Spanish slang words and phrases ahead of time so... keep reading

From CIEE

Top 5 Spanish Study Abroad Programs for the Summer

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Your Guide to CIEE Semester In Programs: Everything You Need to Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re looking for a study abroad program that’s flexible, aligns with the U.S. academic calendar, offers courses across a wide range of subjects, and has no language requirements, then... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Alicante: Conveniently located 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.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

  • Intermediate (2-3 previous semesters of college-level Spanish) 
  • Advanced (4-5 previous semesters of college-level Spanish)   

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 are required to enroll in: 

  • Two CIEE Spanish Language Courses (a Conversation class and Writing Workshop) at either the Intermediate or Advanced level  
  • Final acceptance into specific Spanish language levels is contingent on the result of a predeparture language examination. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 8 U.S. semester/12 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours

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

Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades. CIEE classes provide a detailed syllabus, and students are expected to be prepared for class.  

Class Format

Classes are open only to CIEE students and meet Monday through Friday. Language classes are small, typically with no more than 20 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is interactive and dynamic. CIEE courses combine lectures, readings, films, active participation and group discussion, class-related visits, and study trips. Additional activities may be scheduled in the afternoon. While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute greatly to the student’s overall experience, attendance is mandatory for both classes and co-curricular activities. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.     

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.   

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

Course notes: 
Students are placed into one of the two language levels depending on the results of a language placement exam.

Summer 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

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 Summer 2025 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,950

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 $5,850 **
Housing $2,600 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $8,950

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 and MSI 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 $84 †††
Books & Supplies $50
Personal expenses $180 ††††
Total Costs $1,564

*non-refundable

**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

†††Transportation card for 8 weeks.

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

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 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.

Request Info