Our First Impression of Alicante
Authored By:
A Typical Day in Alicante
Students met their host families on Monday. They have 3 hours of class with native instructors from Spain. Every afternoon after their classes, students go out with their Program Leaders and are put to the test. They apply what they have learned in class in an activity with the public, in our case, the Alicantinos (people of Alicante). They then have lunch with their families and some time to explore the Spanish way of life. In the evening, students have a cultural activity, e.g. scavenger around town, a cooking class, a visit to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
Student Perspective
Hola from Alicante! After arriving midday on Sunday, we spent the day getting acquainted with the city. There is an absolutely beautiful castle overlooking Alicante, and the beaches are gorgeous. The weather has been wonderful, allowing us to spend much of our time outside. On the first day, we went to the beach as a group and got to know one another. But the most exciting moment came on Monday when we got to meet our host families!! We spent the rest of Monday getting settled, and my family went on a walk around Alicante. For me, things that were mundane in the US are suddenly exciting in Spain (such as going to the supermarket). So far, we’ve had two days of classes, in which we have reviewed, reflected, and prepared for the upcoming month and all the adventures ahead! Last night, we split up into teams and went on a massive scavenger hunt around Alicante; my team lost, but it was really fun anyway. In order to navigate the city (without Google Maps) we had to ask natives for directions, using our Spanish in real-life circumstances. Right now, I am back at my host family’s house for siesta, and, tonight, we are going to learn how to cook authentic Spanish food! One of my favorite things about Alicante is that rather than say “adios” (goodbye), many people say “hasta luego” (until later). I think that that it more hopeful and happy. So, to all of our family in friends back home: ¡hasta luego! ~Katherine Holding
Related Posts
Group Adventures in Alicante
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... keep reading
How to Talk to Your Family and Friends About Your Summer Abroad in Palma
This blog post offers tips for Global Navigators on how to share their summer abroad experience in Palma with friends and family. From focusing on meaningful stories and journaling daily to staying connected and encouraging others to apply, it helps students reflect on their journey and express how it shaped them. It ends with a creative call to action—writing a letter to their pre-Mallorca self or sharing a favorite photo and story—to keep the experience alive even after returning home.
Student Spotlight: My Summer in Spain by Chisom Eke
A summer in Spain was something I once believed I would never experience—until now. From the Bronx to Barcelona, learning the cultural differences has been quite the ride. When I... keep reading