Study Spanish Abroad in Alicante, Spain
Providing unique learning experiences for North American university students since 1969
Overview
Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca, is a Mediterranean harbor city rich in history. Its long promenades and endless white beaches have long been guarded by the Castle of Santa Bárbara, perched on top of the Benacantil Mountain. Alicante’s culture, architecture, language, and people have been shaped by the Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Arab traders and conquerors that left their imprint at this crossroads of trading routes over the centuries.
Cultural Information
- Population: 322,431
- C. Valenciana
- Euro
- Harbor, Santa Barbara Castle, Mediterranean coastal beaches
Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca, is a Mediterranean harbor city rich in history. Its long promenades and endless white beaches have long been guarded by the Castle of Santa Bárbara, perched on top of the Benacantil Mountain. Alicante’s culture, architecture, language, and people have been shaped by the Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Arab traders and conquerors that left their imprint at this crossroads of trading routes over the centuries.
Spanish Daily Routine
Breakfast/Desayuno is not a major meal, consisting of small amount of food and is generally eaten early in the morning.
Lunch/Comida is the biggest and most important meal of the day and is generally eaten between 2:00 and 4:00PM.
Dinner/Cena is a small meal, although more substantial than breakfast and is generally served between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.
Siesta is a time to rest. It starts around 3:30 PM after all the shops have closed, and lasts until around 5-6:00 PM. Almost all shops are closed during siesta while Spaniards may sleep or watch TV, leaving you no choice but to also relax.
Traditional Spanish Dishes
Paella is a rice dish commonly mixed with a variation of seafood, meat, vegetables, and beans.
Tortilla is a dense omelet full of fried potatoes (sometimes onions or another vegetable as well).
Jamón Serrano is a salted, cured ham that is sliced thin and is typically served either on its own or in a bocadillo (sandwich).
Vegetarians/Vegans:
Spanish culture is not particularly vegetarian/vegan friendly due to the importance of ham and other pork products in their diet. While the salads may not be filling, Spain offers delicious breads, cheeses, and vegetables dishes.
How to dress in Spain
Most Spanish people dress up more than the average American. Young men wear jeans and t-shirts or soccer jerseys, but you’ll also see men wearing nice pants and shoes. Women generally wear very feminine clothing.
To fit in with your surroundings, avoid wearing grubby jeans, sweatshirts, and sneakers. Nice, fitted clothing is what most people wear.
Life Outside the Classroom
Spanish people tend to be very friendly and open. However, you will need to make an effort to introduce yourself. Some of the best ways to do so are by signing up for a local speaking partner, attending Spanish Studies cultural activities, or by going to the places Spanish students hang out.
Spanish Studies Abroad wants you to have fun while studying abroad; however, you are expected to meet all of your academic responsibilities. Spanish nightlife is probably unlike the social scene you have experienced in the U.S. The Spanish often plan to go out at midnight or later, which is just the start of the evening. Many friends you meet will stay out until six or seven in the morning, then go straight to breakfast, and rest during siesta.
Internship & Service Learning Programs
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Excursions
To enhance your cultural experience in Alicante, Spanish Studies Abroad organizes various excursions, study visits and other activities throughout the summer. These activities are coordinated to enhance your class studies and designed to expand your vision Spanish arts and culture. Visits vary by program.
In addition, Universidad de Alicante’s international students program Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) organizes cultural travel for international students attending Universidad de Alicante. For more information, please visit the CSI Website.
Study visits may include:
- Castle of Santa Bárbara
- Cathedral of San Nicolás and Basilica of Santa María
Day and overnight* excursions may include:
- Local museums, such as the Bonfires Museum, Museum of Fine Art, and the Museum of Archeology
- Local day trips to locations such as Valencia or Orihuela
Visit our local Facebook page for Alicante, Spain
Get an idea of typical activities that students are getting up to!
Housing
Students may select to live with a local host family or in a student residencia*.
Your homestay includes full room and board as well as laundry and the cleaning of your room.
Special dietary or housing accommodations may be made, but may require an additional fee.
To ensure that your home will provide a warm and tranquil atmosphere, one conducive to learning, Spanish Studies Abroad staff discusses norms and policies with hosts and regularly inspects the homes.
Homestays allow you to actually live with a local family, to sit with them at dinner, to speak Spanish regularly outside the classroom setting and truly learn what it feels like to be a member of the community.
Our Housing Coordinator chooses housing placements very carefully. Most of the families who host Spanish Studies Abroad students have been working with us for years and come with the highest recommendations from former students.
Don’t forget to consider a homestay gift for your host family!
- Residencia spaces are limited and students with special health and dietary needs have first priority
Tutoring Local Kids Learning English
In Seville and Alicante, Spanish Studies Abroad students have the option to participate in English Tutoring Program to assist Spanish children who are learning English. This is a great opportunity to both teach about American culture and learn about Spanish culture from a new perspective. Students interested in tutoring are encouraged to approach the Spanish Studies Resident Director or office staff once they arrive on-site to set up a tutoring partnership.
Past students in the Córdoba Semester Programs have also volunteered as tutors with local Argentine students. Students interested in setting up a tutoring partnership should talk to the Resident Director once in Córdoba.
University
Spanish Studies students in Alicante study onsite at Universidad de Alicante (UA). Though established in 1979, UA was founded to carry on the traditions of the University of Orihuela (1545-1834). As one of the best and fastest-growing universities in Spain, with an enrollment of 33,000, the UA is dedicated to its mission to cultivate students’ academic and professional skills, while developing critical thinking and social awareness. In addition to its academics, UA prides itself on its beautiful modern campus of innovative architecture and wide green spaces.
Along with the resources provided by UA, Spanish Studies students benefit from having an on-site Resident Director who teaches the Spanish Studies cultural integration course Social Realities of Spain assists students with cultural and logistical challenges of studying abroad, and organizes Spanish Studies Abroad site visits and events.
Through university coursework, homestays with native families, and multiple cross-cultural opportunities, students will find Spanish Studies Abroad in Alicante to be a highly immersive and integrated study abroad experience.
Meet your Resident Director
My role is to provide you with the necessary resources with which to maximize your experience in Alicante. You will choose courses to satisfy your intellectual and academic requirements. Extracurricular activities supplement your coursework, allowing you to live the culture as you further your own interests. These activities include dance, theater, sports, cooking, volunteering, tutoring in English, etc. The key is to find a good combination of study and leisure so that you may achieve your individual objectives and benefit each day from this unique experience.
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