CIEE Language in Context Program in Alicante, Spain

  Spain

• Alicante: 
Alicante

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

Description: The goal of the Language in Context program is to provide beginning-level students with 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, humanities, sociology, political science, cross cultural communication, and business. This goal is achieved through intensive language coursework, 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 are a combination of lecture and interactive styles and students can expect daily homework assignments. Each professor 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. 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. 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 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:

• Take courses in business, Spanish literature, art, society, politics, and history in English, while living in a Spanish coastal city
  
• Jump start Spanish language learning
  
• Live with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in alicantino daily life
  
• Participate in organized extracurricular activities and trips related to academic coursework
  
• Conversation exchange program with local Spanish students - Intercambios

Students also have access to a wide variety of weekly activities organized by the CIEE Alicante resident staff 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, and cooking and dance classes, cinemana 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.

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 art, theater, film, music, writing, and journalism. Recent workshops have explored ceramics, wine-tasting, gypsy culture, cinema, painting, 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 noncredit courses such as cooking, horseback riding, sailing, scuba diving, hiking, flamenco, salsa, theater, cinema, theater workshops, and dancing.

Open Forum
Throughout the semester, CIEE 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 about life in Alicante. 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 Spanish students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and participate in weekend fieldtrips, 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 life in Alicante.

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. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947