CIEE Language and Culture 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 Language and Culture program is designed to give intermediate-level students an opportunity to further develop their Spanish language skills. This 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 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 such areas 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 combine 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 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:

• Advance your Spanish skills while living in a beautiful Mediterranean coastal city
  
• Take courses on women's issues, art history, cinema, international relations, and literature
  
• Live with a Spanish family and join a conversational exchange with peers
  
• Participate in day excursions and field trips related to academic coursework; visit museums, theaters, cultural sites, Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities
  
• Attend the Open Forum/Cultural Events Week and join the International Club

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 and CIEE sponsor 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 Latin and flamenco dancing, cooking tapas, and sports in Spain. Students are responsible for an additional fee for the workshops.

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
* 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.

Year Founded: 1947