CIEE Language in Context Program in Alicante, Spain

  Spain

• Alicante: 
Alicante

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 16 weeks: early September-mid-December; Spring 18 weeks: early January-mid-May

Description: The goal of the Language in Context program is to provide beginning-level students a solid foundation in the Spanish language. The program allows participants to improve their language skills, while pursuing studies focusing on Spain and Europe through history, art, political science, literature, and business. This is achieved through intensive language course work, area studies courses in English, a conversation exchange program, excursions, and homestays for participants.

Academic Program
The Language in Context program is designed for students who are beginning their Spanish language study or have completed up to two semesters of university-level Spanish, and wish to complete a full semester of academic work by combining language study with English language electives.

Established in 1985, the Language in Context program encourages students to develop the four language acquisition skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

Academic Culture
Teaching methods in CIEE courses combine lecture and interactive styles, and daily homework is assigned. Each instructor distributes a detailed syllabus indicating what material is covered, when exams are held, and what is expected from each student. Attendance is mandatory and unexcused absences affect final grades. It is important to understand that the program takes place at a Spanish University with native Spanish instructors, and therefore students may notice differences in teaching styles. CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Friday.

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall European experience, attendance in class is mandatory and unexcused absences affect final grades. 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:

• Take courses in Spanish business and economics, literature, art, cinema, politics, and history - in English - while living in a Spanish coastal city
  
• Live with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in the alicantino daily life
  
• Enjoy organized extracurricular activities and academic trips accompanied by CIEE Student Helpers; cultural trips to museums and theaters; weekend trips to Barcelona, Seville, Granada, or Madrid; and overnight trips to such cities as Valencia
  
• Partake in the CIEE conversational exchange program with local Spanish students, or join the International Club

Students have access to a wide variety of weekly activities organized by CIEE, as well as to those offered through the International Club, which is 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 volunteer options to those students interested in community service.

Immersion
Conversation Exchange Program
A conversation exchange program, Intercambios, with native Universidad de Alicante 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 their Spanish peers. Students may enroll in such non-credit courses as cooking, horseback riding, sailing, hiking, flamenco, salsa, and theater.

Open Forum and Cultural Events Week
CIEE provides opportunities to interact with University students through the Open Forum series and the Cultural Events Week. In the past, these sessions have been related to sport activities, flamenco shows, and Spanish-English theater productions about life in Alicante, tours, excursions, etc. 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.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 0-2 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.

Year Founded: 1947