Study Abroad in Alicante
College Study Abroad
Explore Alicante with CIEE
Soak up the sun and sea breeze when you study abroad in Alicante, Spain, a lively coastal city on the Mediterranean’s southeastern shore. Life here flows from the palm-lined Explanada de España to the golden sands of Playa del Postiguet, where locals and students alike gather after a day in the city. Grab a cone of turrón ice cream, hike up to the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara for sweeping views of the coastline, or cheer alongside fans at a Hércules CF soccer match. With its fresh seafood, vibrant festivals like Las Hogueras de San Juan, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful Mediterranean setting, Alicante study abroad offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion, relaxation, and adventure.
While abroad, choose from a variety of study abroad programs in Alicante designed to support your academic goals across subjects like business, liberal arts, and Spanish language and culture. Beyond the classroom, you can also complete a full- or part-time internship in industries such as business administration, hospitality, marketing, the arts, communications, education, health science, and law, gaining valuable international work experience while building cross-cultural communication skills. By combining academics with hands-on learning, Alicante study abroad gives you the opportunity to build career-ready skills while experiencing the culture, cuisine, and coastal lifestyle that make Spain’s Mediterranean coast so appealing.
Top Activities in Alicante with CIEE
Every CIEE Alicante study abroad and international internship program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Alicante, past excursions have included:
- Discover natural wonders and hidden gems through visits to the Algar Waterfalls, Canelobre Caves, and Guadalest Castle
- Experience the best of Spain with unforgettable trips to beautiful Spanish cities such as Granada, Madrid, or Valencia
- Step back in time with guided tours of Santa Bárbara Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, where centuries of history come to life
Academics in Alicante
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.
Universidad de Alicante
Established in 1979, the main campus is located in San Vicente del Raspeig/Sant Vicent del Raspeig, bordering the city of Alicante to the north. The University of Alicante welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures in a campus considered one of the best in Europe.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Alicante
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Alicante. Set along Spain’s southeastern coast, Alicante’s work environment is shaped by a strong tourism economy alongside growing sectors in trade, logistics, and business services. The city’s port plays a key role in regional commerce, supporting industries tied to transportation and distribution, while hospitality and retail remain central to daily life. With a culture that values both productivity and quality of life, Alicante offers a professional setting that feels both dynamic and balanced, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience in a relaxed, Mediterranean-influenced environment. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology + Communications
- Business Management + Administration
- Education + Training
- Health Science
- Hospitality + Tourism
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections + Security
- Marketing, Sales + Service
Community Impact Initiative in Alicante
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Alicante by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Alicante, your service work may include:
- Supporting food aid and humanitarian initiatives for vulnerable populations with Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria
- Assisting with outreach efforts that provide food, clothing, and essential resources to individuals experiencing homelessness through Reacción Solidaria
- Contributing to programs that promote inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities through COCEMFE
Alicante Study Abroad Programs
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Alicante, Spain
- Full-Time Internship
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Alicante, Spain
- Full-Time Internship
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
- Alicante, Spain
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to Alicante
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Spanish
Available Transportation
Bus, tram, taxi, and car
Famous Local
Carlos Arniches – respected playwright whose work dominated Spanish comic theatre in the early 20th century
Climate
Hot, muggy, clear summers with an average temperature of 82°F; cool, windy, and partly cloudy winters with an average temperature of 50°F
Local Attraction
Santa Bárbara Castle – a 9th-century hilltop Muslim castle with a historic museum
Airport
Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)
Social Norms
Always say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment
What to Pack
Breathable footwear, bug repellent, and sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions
Known for its sprawling beaches, booming restaurant scene, lively nightlife, and 7,000-year history, Alicante study abroad should be on every student’s list! This historic Mediterranean port city offers students the chance to build upon their Spanish language skills while living abroad in one of Spain’s less touristy cities.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Alicante
Alicante is a very safe city to live in, with one of the lowest crime rates in all of Spain. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.
Known for its rich history, interesting museums, perfect beaches, excellent food, and vibrant culture, Alicante is a popular destination among tourists and students alike. This seaside gem is widely considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities with no shortage of things to do, see, and study. Discover why Alicante is so popular for yourself!
Alicante and Barcelona are both coastal cities brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, world-class landmarks, interesting museums, delicious food, and authentic charm, so choosing between the two can be quite challenging. If you’re struggling to figure out which city to study abroad in, consider these two factors: population size and financial investment.
In terms of greater city limits, Alicante is (perhaps surprisingly) twice the size of Barcelona but boasts a population of merely 300,000 (compared to Barcelona’s 1.4 million!). Given that Barcelona is Spain’s second-most populous city, its streets are often crowded and dense. For those who don’t mind the crowds, Barcelona is a great choice! For those who do, Alicante is likely a better fit.
As for financial investment, it should be noted Barcelona is more expensive than Alicante. This is true when it comes to food, shopping, and more. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Alicante is a better choice. However, Barcelona is still reasonably affordable for most international students.
The cost of studying abroad in Alicante varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Alicante study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Alicante with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Alicante. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Alicante to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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Safety at CIEE Alicante
At CIEE, your health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority, so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience. From trained on-site staff who are local community experts to 24/7 support for students and families at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839), we’re here whenever you need us. Every program location is carefully reviewed for health, safety, and academic quality. Our global teams continuously monitor local conditions and stay connected with trusted partners, government officials, and U.S. embassies around the world. With guidance, resources, and real people ready to help every step of the way, you can feel confident living, learning, and exploring abroad with CIEE.
Student Housing in Alicante
CIEE Alicante offers a variety of housing options for you to choose from. Our Alicante housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Available housing options vary by program.
CIEE Alicante Staff
Rocío Díez
Center Director