CIEE Language in Context Program in Alicante, Spain
Spain
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
Culture Cultural Activities and Field Trips Weekend, overnight, and day trips to different Spanish cities, to landmarks in the province of Alicante, and to the region of Valencia add a highly relevant cultural component to the academic curriculum. The program fee includes one weekend trip, one overnight trip, and two day trips. Previous weekend trips have included visits to Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. There are also several local day trips in Alicante, as well as in the Alicante Province. An optional trip to participate on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route is organized each semester for an additional fee paid on site. 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)
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Subject Areas :
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- Art History
- Business
- Culture
- Economics
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- Film
- Filmmaking
- History
- Literature
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- Political Science/Politics
- Spanish
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Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing
Cost Include Description:
The CIEE fees for 2009-10 include an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, all meals, orientation, cultural activities, excursions, field trips, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card, which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Experience Required: yes
* Overall GPA 2.75
* 0-2 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
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Typical Living Arrangements :
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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
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