Our First Impression of Alicante

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