CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Alicante, Spain

  Spain

• Alicante: 
Alicante

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 16 or 22 weeks: late Aug-mid Dec or late Jan/early Feb; Spring 18 or 24 weeks: mid-Jan-mid-May or late May/early June; Academic Year 39 or 42 weeks: late Aug-mid May or late May/early June

Description: The goal of the Liberal Arts program is for advanced-level language students to further develop their spoken and written Spanish language skills. This is achieved through intensive language coursework, content courses in Spanish, direct enrollment at the Universidad de Alicante, homestays, a conversation exchange program, and an extensive program of excursions.

Academic Program
The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who have completed a minimum of five semesters of university-level language instruction in Spanish, achieving an advanced level of proficiency prior to participation. Those who place into the Liberal Arts program take a combination of CIEE courses designed specifically for advanced language students and regular university courses at the Universidad de Alicante.

Academic Culture
Universidad de Alicante courses are lecture- style. Teaching methods in the Spanish university system are different from those in the United States. Professors provide students with an extensive bibliography in the course syllabus and it is expected that students make reference to these readings in their exams. It is the students responsibility to demonstrate that they can intelligently analyze and discuss themes mentioned in class lectures, in addition to citing secondary sources and outside readings recommended by the professor.

The CIEE fall semester starts in late August and exams for CIEE courses take place the week before Christmas. The official Universidad de Alicante fall semester begins in mid-September and runs through late January/early February with a two-week break for Christmas. The CIEE spring program begins in mid-January with final exams for CIEE courses given at the end of May. The official Universidad de Alicante spring semester begins in early February and runs through late May or early June. For some courses, early exams can be arranged, but CIEE can neither facilitate nor guarantee this for all University courses. All Liberal Art students must take at least one regular University course. In order to choose from the widest range of University courses, students must plan to stay until the official end of the University semester. Those students who choose to depart before the regular University session ends will have a limited selection of University courses.

CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. Teaching methods in CIEE courses are a combination of lecture and interactive styles. Attendance is mandatory and unexcused absences affect final grades. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the program takes place at a Spanish university with Spanish professors, and therefore students may notice differences in teaching styles.

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall European experience, attendance in class is paramount. Early departure for or late return from vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during the semester break, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights:

• Improve your advanced Spanish language skills while living in a beautiful coastal city
  
• Enroll directly in Universidad de Alicante courses alongside Spanish students
  
• Live with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in alicantino daily life
  
• Participate in diverse extracurricular activities and excursions throughout the Valencia region and Spain designed to complement classroom work

Students also have access to a wide variety of weekly activities organized by CIEE as well as the International Club run by the Universidad de Alicante. These socio-cultural and sporting activities include guided tours to monuments and museums in Alicante, intramural activities through the University, nature and hiking activities, cooking and dance classes, cinema, and theater. Although there are no formal community service activities, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE staff, and the Universidad de Alicante Student Community Services Office offers volunteering options to those students interested in community service.

Cultural Workshops
Each semester the Universidad de Alicante sponsors non-credit cultural workshops which offer an excellent way to connect with Spanish students while exploring topics in the fields of art, theater, film, music, writing, and journalism. Recent workshops have explored ceramics, wine-tasting, Masters of European film, and Flamenco guitar. Students are responsible for an additional fee of between 20 and 50 euros for the workshops.

Immersion
Conversation Exchange Program
A conversation exchange program (Intercambios) with native Spanish students is an integral part of the language program. Intercambios give students the chance to put into everyday use what they are learning in the language courses, and help them integrate into Spanish student life.

International Club
The Universidad de Alicante sponsors an International Club which organizes a range of activities, including optional excursions at affordable rates, to help students get involved in the local community and meet Spanish peers. Students may enroll in non-credit courses such as cooking, horseback riding, sailing, scuba diving, hiking, flamenco, salsa, theater, cinema, theater workshops, and dancing.

Open Forum
Throughout the semester, staff provides program participants with opportunities to interact with Universidad de Alicante students through the Open Forum series. In the past, Open Forum sessions have been related to sport activities, flamenco shows, and Spanish-English theater productions. These interactive and interdisciplinary sessions overlap with course content and are an integral part of the program.

CIEE Spanish Helpers
CIEE Spanish Helpers are Universidad de Alicante students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and participate in weekend field trips, day excursions, and other local events. Spanish Helpers introduce CIEE students to the local culture, help them make friends at the University, and adapt to Alicante life.

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• Minimum of 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947