Alicante
Alicante, Spain

Semester in Alicante

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

37 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your semester living and learning in the coastal Spanish city of Alicante! Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Alicante program is the perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Spanish culture.  

When class is in session, you'll choose from a unique mix of flexible and diverse courses in English or Spanish at CIEE Alicante and CIEE’s renowned partner institution, the Universidad de Alicante (UA). You may also enroll in courses with a local flavor, like language, politics, photography, cuisine, or sustainability initiatives.

Outside the classroom, you'll have every opportunity to participate actively in Alicante’s local community. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture with optional credit-bearing internships, volunteer opportunities, or language programs. Don't stop there; round out your study abroad adventure by participating in co-curricular and extracurricular activities and off the beaten path trips organized by CIEE to experience Spain’s impressive cultural attractions and landmarks. 
 

Unique Experiences

Take a Quick Tram Ride

into the city center to explore

Meet Local Friends

for a typical Alicante tardeo full of tapas and wine while practicing your Spanish

\

Enjoy All Alicante Has To Offer

including its delicious eateries, amazing museums, and beautiful port

8

Renowned Museums

6.6 M

Tiles Paved Onto the Palm-Tree-Lined Explanada de Espana Promenade

70

Light Rail Tram Stations Around the City

Experience
  • Alicante girls on cliff over city

Your Destination

With a historic cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, Alicante is a booming Spanish port city best known for its miles-long beaches, award-winning museums, and beautiful weather year-round. The city’s most iconic landmark, the medieval Castle of Santa Barbara, keeps watch over all of Alicante from its central location atop Mount Benacantil.

Considered one of the safest cities in Europe, Alicante is an excellent place to study. From its large student population to its reliable public transportation network, first-class educational opportunities, green parks, and café culture, this budget-friendly city is the perfect place to live and learn abroad. 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Alicante. 

The Culture

Alicante waterfall in Algar

Excursions & Activities

  • Tour Santa Bárbara Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Alicante 
  • Visit important cultural and historical landmarks in Granada, Madrid, Seville, or Valencia 
  • Explore sites like Guadalest Castle, the Canelobre Caves, the Algar Waterfalls, or Altea on the Mediterranean coast 
  • Go on walking tours of the different neighborhoods of Alicante and its surrounding villages and towns 
  • Play soccer and watch the local team (Hercules) win 
  • Try your hand at cooking tapas to partake in Alicante’s traditions with local peers
Alicante students on a factory tour

Projects

INTERNSHIP: A for-credit internship (in English or in Spanish) allows students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a local company within a variety of industries . In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support for their practical experience. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Spain Celebrations: Top 5 Holidays in Spain

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Let’s talk about Spain, where the sun shines brightly, the tapas are endless, the culture is electric, and the celebrations in Spain are plentiful. Whether you’re snacking on late-night churros... keep reading

From CIEE

Should I Study Abroad in Spain or Italy?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

When weighing your study abroad options, it’s easy to get stuck on a few favorite destinations. We get it! After all, we offer a ton of different study abroad programs... keep reading

From CIEE

Is Uber in Spain? Top 5 Travel Apps to Use in Spain

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

You’re already doing something right if you’re considering a study abroad program in Spain . Now for the fun part: planning your adventures while you’re there. Unfortunately, sorting through the... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students will have the opportunity to diversify their learning with a full range of course offerings from CIEE Alicante and CIEE’s renowned partner institution, the Universidad de Alicante (UA). At CIEE Alicante, courses will focus on business, language, and culture courses. Students can also dive into UA’s diverse course catalog, from business and economics to architecture and telecommunications.  

CIEE courses are supplemented with co-curricular experiential learning experiences. These may include a cooking and/or wine-tasting session to complement gastronomy-based courses, language exchange activities with local students to practice Spanish, a hike to Santa Bárbara Castle to learn about the role of this strategic 9th c. fortress, a visit to the Archaeological Museum (MARQ) to learn about the history of Alicante, guided visits to Alicante’s best art museums (MACA and MUBAG), and more. 

Note for students taking Direct Enrollment courses at the University of Alicante: Students are required to stay in Alicante until they have completed their classes. Official host institutions’ fall exams are in January, and official host institutions’ spring exams are in June. However, early exams in December and May may be possible, and they should be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor at the start of the regular semester session, during the add/drop period. Please note that it is up to the discretion of each professor to allow the taking of final exams before the start of the official examination period. If it’s not offered, a proctored exam would be held on the official exam date in January/June. As it is impossible to confirm your exam schedule prior to your arrival, if your priority is to leave Alicante as soon as your university finals are finished, please book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students take four to five courses per semester, for a total of 12-18 credits. These courses can be any combination of CIEE and host institution courses (Universidad de Alicante).   

Online Course Options: substitute up to one ASU online area studies course (after required minimum 12 credits in-person courses)

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits per semester

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100 placement hours 
  • Universidad de Alicante courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours, unless otherwise noted 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and continuous assessments. Most courses combine lectures with local field trips and excursions to help students gain a better understanding of the local culture. Attendance in class is mandatory and absences affect final grades. 

Universidad de Alicante courses can be scheduled Monday through Friday, and they tend to be lecture-style. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate that they can analyze and discuss themes mentioned in class lectures, debates, and discussions. 

Class Format

CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and continuous assessments. Most courses combine lectures with local field trips and excursions to help students gain a better understanding of the local culture. 

Universidad de Alicante courses can be scheduled Monday through Friday, and they tend to be lecture-style.  

Grading

Attendance in class is mandatory and absences affect final grades. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Spanish 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 4 U.S. credits unless otherwise noted.   

UA Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) language courses:

  • Beginner A1  
  • Intermediate A2  
  • Upper Intermediate B1  
  • Advanced B2  
  • Proficiency C1  

UA Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) Spanish culture courses in English:  

  • Intercultural Communication in Professional contexts (in English)   
  • Spanish Cultures from an Intercultural Perspective (in English) 

UA Centro Superior de Idiomas (CSI) Spanish culture courses in Spanish:

  • Género, lengua y poder (in Spanish) (Gender, language, and power). Pre-requisite: Upper Intermediate.  
  • Español de los negocios (in Spanish) (Spanish for business). Pre-requisite: Intermediate  
  • La sociedad española del siglo XX a través de la literatura (in Spanish) (The Spanish society of the 20th century through literature). Pre-requisite: Upper Intermediate.   
  • Turismo y cultura gastronómica española (in Spanish) (Spanish tourism and gastronomy). Pre-requisite: Intermediate.  
  • Enseñanza del español como L2/LE (in Spanish) (Teaching Spanish as a foreign language). Pre-requisite: Advanced.  

UA regular courses in English

UA regular courses in Spanish:
Language pre-requisite: it is recommended that students have a minimum of four (preferably five) previous semesters of college-level Spanish. 

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses >

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Alicante offers a dynamic work scene that blends traditional and modern sectors. Its thriving tourism industry creates jobs in hospitality, while trade and logistics thrive due to its strategic port. The local culture emphasizes a balanced lifestyle, reflective of the Mediterranean way of life. 

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A student intern sitting at a microscope in a lab

Health Science

Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2025 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2025 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $13,956**

Housing = $4,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $60

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260†††

Total Costs = $2,380

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $13,956**

Housing = $4,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $60

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260†††

Total Costs = $2,380

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $13,956**

Housing = $4,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $60

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260†††

Total Costs = $2,380

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***includes two meals per day for homestay students; No meals included for students who select apartments or residence halls. Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Rocío Díez

Center Director

Rocío oversees all semester and summer programs. Rocio, who joined CIEE in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...

Vanesa Ruiz

Program Manager

Vanesa was born and raised in Alicante and earned her BA in English Studies from Universidad de Alicante and a MA in Teaching. She has been working in the field...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

Request Info