What It’s Actually Like to Live and Study in Alicante, Spain

Meet Jane, she is spending a semester studying abroad in Alicante, Spain High School Immersion In Program.

We asked Jane a few questions about her time abroad and experiences on a CIEE high school abroad program. 

Expectation vs. Reality: What is one thing about your host city that is exactly like the movies, and one thing that is totally different?

While Alicante is not featured in any movies that I've seen, living abroad in a coastal, touristy city is pretty common to see in media. It's pretty similar to the movies in that people do go to the beach on the weekends and stay out late, especially in Spain. But it's mostly different in that school is pretty serious here so kids don't have a lot of time to hang out. Additionally, I am here during the colder months, not exactly beach weather, and the Mediterranean water is pretty cold. 

The Language Barrier: How do you handle everyday tasks if you don't speak the language fluently? 

It's not easy, especially in the beginning, speaking to my host family who only speaks Spanish is a struggle. Having learned a decent amount of Spanish in school was helpful, but I have learned the most here because of that challenging experience. I use Google Translate when I need to, but my host family and most of the people here are pretty forgiving and patient with me. It's definitely tricky, but that is what makes it a learning experience.

The Budget: What is your best tip for exploring on a student budget?

Prior to arriving in Spain, I had a 6 weeks off of school since I am enrolled for the semester, so I spent this time making as much money as possible for my trip. I then divided it to determine how much I could spend each week, which was really helpful. I try to eat at home, though, and make sure I only buy things I need for now and wait to see what money I have left over at the end for buying souvenirs.

The Must-Pack: What is one item you’re so glad you packed, and one you haven't touched? 

I am very glad that I brought my North Face backpack, although I don't like using it for school when I'm at home. It is great for traveling, which is great here since I go on a lot of overnight trips where I can just use that backpack instead of my carry on suitcase. Something I wish I had packed, however, was full-sized toiletries. I still have a month left here, and I am already out of a few things. 

The Social Scene: How did you make your first friend abroad? 

The first friend I made abroad was a girl in my class here. She was super friendly to me when I first arrived as one of the people in the class who spoke English well. It is so cool to have a friend from another country who can tell me all about Spain from a unique perspective. I was worried about whether making friends here would be a struggle, but the kids at my school are super friendly!

Time Alone: What do you like to do when you have no plans for a day? 

Studying abroad, I have a lot of free time, a big contrast to my life at home. This is something I have had to learn to manage while being here by finding activities for myself. When I have days with no plans, I like to go to the gym and go to a restaurant downtown, and read my book. Doing activities alone is definitely a skill I needed to learn here, but I think it's important to have for the rest of your life.

The Food: What’s the most delicious thing you’ve eaten so far that you can’t get back home? 

The gelato here is amazing, and it is everywhere. I will miss walking down the street and seeing gelato places wherever I turn when I come back to Chicago.

The Routine: What is a "local" habit you’ve picked up that you’ll keep doing back in the U.S.?

Something I have picked up here that I will likely bring back with me is greeting people when I walk into stores or restaurants. It is considered a little rude in Spain to not greet or say goodbye to retail or restaurant workers when entering the building, and it's just a nice thing to do that I think should be more common in America.

Homesickness: What is your go-to "comfort" activity in your new city?

I don't get super homesick since I have gone to sleep away camp most of my life and am used to going away from home for long periods of time, but I am usually watching a sitcom on my phone, which makes me feel at home even here.

Past Self Advice: If you could send a 10-second voice note to yourself on the day you departed, what would you say? 

I would tell myself that this experience won't be easy, but that is what makes it important, and you should be proud of yourself for taking the initiative to allow yourself to grow.

Thank you, Jane, for sharing your CIEE experience! 

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