Group Adventures in Alicante
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It’s truly heartwarming to witness the friendships and bonds that form so quickly during our high school summer abroad program in Alicante, Spain. Even though the students have known each other for less than a month, you’d never guess it. Any stranger would assume they’ve been best friends for years! From laughter and hugs to spontaneous dance parties and beach volleyball, our student travelers grow incredibly close as they explore, learn, and experience Spanish culture together each day.
How Students Spend Free Time in Alicante
During free time, students have a few favorite go-to activities: visiting the beach, discovering Alicante’s rich cultural traditions, and hanging out with their new friends and host families.
Beach Days Are the Best Days
The white sand and bright blue waters of Alicante’s Mediterranean beaches are a huge hit. Most students say that relaxing at the beach is their absolute favorite part of the program. And who can blame them? It’s the perfect place to cool off from the southern Spanish heat, chat with friends, play volleyball, or even dance to music on the sand.
A Front-Row Seat to Spain’s Festival of San Juan
This summer’s group is especially lucky! They’re in Alicante during one of Spain’s most exciting cultural celebrations: the Festival of San Juan (or St. John's Eve).
This multi-day summer festival includes the creation of towering artistic monuments called hogueras, parades, traditional costumes, firework shows (mascletàs), and ends with the dramatic burning of the hogueras at midnight on June 24. For many students, exploring the city to see each colorful display and joining in the festive atmosphere has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a vibrant way to connect with the culture, and each other.
More Than Travel, It’s Connection
Above all, the most meaningful part of this high school summer abroad in Spain is the people. Students seem to form deep connections practically overnight, and it’s clear these are friendships that will last long after the program ends.
Home Away from Home
Hearing them talk about their host families—showing photos, sharing stories, and laughing over dinner memories—reminds us how powerful cultural exchange can be. Our students have truly embraced this new place, new traditions, and every new person who’s entered their lives.
Curious about CIEE high school summer abroad? Let’s talk.
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