CIEE Language and Culture Program in Alicante, Spain

  Spain

• Alicante: 
Alicante

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: late August to mid-December; Spring: mid-January to late-May

Description: The goal of the Language and Culture program is for intermediate-level students to further develop their Spanish language skills. This goal is achieved through intensive language coursework and content courses in Spanish, a conversation exchange program, excursions, and homestays. The program allows participants to pursue studies in a variety of academic disciplines focusing on Spain and Europe in the target language.

Academic Program
The Language and Culture program is designed for students who have completed three to four semesters of university-level language instruction in Spanish and have achieved a high novice or low intermediate level of proficiency prior to participation. Students who successfully complete the program can advance approximately two semesters to a level equivalent to high intermediate or low advanced, depending on their level upon entry, their effort and attitude, and the elective courses they choose.

Established in 1985, the Language and Culture program gives students the opportunity to take electives in Spanish, which are carefully designed to progressively advance their ability to understand and communicate concepts and ideas related to university level academic work in areas such as art history, cinema, international relations, and literature.

Academic Culture
CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. Students can expect daily homework assignments. Teaching methods are a combination of lecture and interactive styles. 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. 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:

• Maximize your language acquisition through courses taught in Spanish by highly qualified faculty in a beautiful coastal city
  
• Take content courses about women's issues, art history, cinema, international relations, and literature
  
• Live with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in Alicantino daily life
  
• Participate in organized extracurricular activities, day trips, and field trips related to academic coursework

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, and 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 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 to 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
CIEE sponsors a monthly Open Forum designed to keep students up-to-date about activities, events, and important issues in Spanish society. The first week of each month, CIEE updates students on what there is to do and see in Alicante, at the University, and with CIEE in the following weeks. The remaining Open Forum sessions are devoted to a current issue or theme. Students have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers from the local Alicante community, generally NGOs or community service organizations, as well as youth-related movements. Past topics have included Spanish Music, immigration, Mediterranean gastronomy and the wine industry, intercultural communication, flamenco, gender, gypsy/Romani culture, sports, and international relations issues. 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.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 3-4 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