Alicante  Spanish Language & Culture
Alicante, Spain

Spanish Language & Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,550

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,550

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview
Supercharge your Spanish skills in scenic Alicante. 

Embark on a four-week language adventure in Alicante, in the southeastern coast of Spain. After language classes, dive into conversations with locals while exploring the stunning waterfront. Meet local teens, shop at the Mercado Central, and hang out in the city’s old quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, with its medieval alleys, whitewashed buildings, and flower-scented streets. Then, climb to the top of Mount Benacantil to reach the Castillo de Santa Bárbara for sweeping views of the bay. 

At your homestay, get an authentic taste of Spanish life by cooking typical dishes and enjoying la sobremesa (the conversation after the meal) with your host family. During excursions, go on an exciting trip to the Algar Waterfalls and explore the grandeur of Spain’s capital city, Madrid. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and golden sand, you’ll take your Spanish skills to the next level and form lasting bonds in one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal cities.

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of Spanish and a greater understanding of Spanish culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy. 

College Credits

Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Lifelong Skills and Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships of different backgrounds from across the U.S. 

60

Hours of instruction with a native Spanish teacher

4

College credits

1

Life-changing experience

Destination
  • ALICANTE, SPAIN Spanish Language & Culture
  • ALICANTE, SPAIN Spanish Language & Culture
  • ALICANTE, SPAIN Spanish Language & Culture

The Destination

Welcome to Alicante, bathed in historic landmarks, pristine beaches, and endless sunshine. 

Nestled on the Costa Blanca coastline, Alicante’s history stretches back thousands of years. The first inhabitants arrived from Central Europe around the 3rd millennium B.C., settling on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, where the Santa Barbara Castle stands today. In the centuries that followed, Greeks, Romans, and Moors took turns ruling the area. At the MARQ archeology museum, one of your excursions, you’ll discover how these ancient civilizations shaped the city! 

With its 330 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. There’s plenty to enjoy—from the ancient ruins to the stunning beaches of San Juan and Postiguet and the tasty local flavors, like paella alicantina, horchata, and local fruit: ²Ôí²õ±è±ð°ù´Ç²õ, granadas, and cerezas. As you stroll the Explanada de España, the city's palm-lined, half-mile-long promenade, you'll be stepping on 6.5 million marble floor tiles that mimic ocean waves. Here, walking along the Mediterranean Sea, find musicians and street performers as you shop for unique, handmade crafts.

Itinerary

Daily Life

²Ñ´Ç²Ô»å²¹²â–F°ù¾±»å²¹²â

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

  • Breakfast at your homestay
  • Engaging Spanish classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers
  • Lunch at your homestay
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay

Weekends

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites
  • Quality time with friends and your host family

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

In ºÚÁÏÍø911classes, Introductory Level is for students who have no previous experience in Spanish, Level 1 is for students acquiring basic Spanish, Level 2 is for those who can carry on everyday conversations, and Level 3 is for those who can participate in discussions on social and academic topics. In the spring before you depart, you’ll take a language proficiency test and when you arrive on site, you’ll participate in an oral interview. How you do on the test and in the interview will identify the level that is right for you.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day in class, you’ll learn Spanish through engaging activities and then, in the community, try out your new Spanish in conversations with locals.

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Identity Theme. Ask and answer questions, give information, describe your favorite things and your family at home and in Spain. For your Project, create and present a Personal Profile.

WEEK 2: Take in the local scene as you explore the Community Theme. Describe places, attractions, and events in Alicante. Tell what you want to buy in shops, and express your likes and dislikes in food and fashion. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery of Life in Alicante and share it in a conversation.

WEEK 3: Continue improving your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme and, for your Project, create and present a Travel Flyer for a destination in Spain. Give and follow directions, give details of a trip itinerary day-by-day, and describe the destination, the weather, and what to do there.

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Tell what you experienced in Spain, make cultural comparisons, and participate in study abroad interviews. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day in class, you’ll learn Spanish through engaging activities and then, in the community, try out your new Spanish in conversations with locals.  

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Identity Theme. Ask and answer questions, give information, describe your favorite things and your family at home and in Spain. For your Project, create and present a Personal Profile

WEEK 2: Take in the local scene as you explore the Community Theme. Describe places, attractions, and events in Alicante. Tell what you want to buy in shops and express your likes and dislikes in food and fashion. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery of Life in Alicante and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Continue improving your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme and, for your Project, create and present a Travel Flyer for a destination in Spain. Give and follow directions, give details of a trip itinerary day-by-day, and describe the destination, the weather, and what to do there.  

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Tell what you experienced in Spain, make cultural comparisons, and participate in study abroad interviews. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.  

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Discovery Theme. Ask about and describe family members, discover and describe exciting things to do in Alicante, and compare daily routines and customs in Spain and the USA. For your Project, create and present a Memory Book of Your Life in Alicante

WEEK 2: Explore Spanish culture during this week’s Creativity Theme. Compare musical performances, express opinions on art, tell what happened in movies, and persuade a classmate to attend a cultural event. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery on Spanish Culture and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Delve into Alicante in this week’s Community Theme. For your Project, create and present a Neighborhood Tour in Alicante. Describe the city and what happens there. Role play scenes in a market and restaurant. Report on Alicante’s past and future. 

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer during the Personal Growth Theme. Tell what happened in memorable moments and how you felt about it. Make cultural comparisons and persuade a friend to study abroad. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.  

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates during the Cultural Encounters Theme. Tell what happened on a first encounter abroad. Summarize past and current events in Alicante. Express your opinions as you compare cultural norms and stereotypes. For your Project, create and present a Field Report on Alicante.  

WEEK 2: Explore Spanish culture in this week’s Creativity Theme. Describe street art and profile artists, express opinions on magazines and movies, and compare musical performances. For your Project, create an Arts & Culture Magazine and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Continue advancing your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme. For your Project, create and present an Awareness Campaign about a global threat. Give information on its causes and effects, explain solutions, and persuade others in debates, justifying your arguments. 

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Conduct a class survey on experiences in Spain and make cultural comparisons. Tell an original story about a memorable moment and speculate on what’s next for you. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Activities

Sample Activities 

ALICANTE, SPAIN Spanish Language & Culture

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Explore the Santa Barbara Castle, one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses and Alicante’s most important monument. 
  • Cook authentic Spanish dishes with your friends and make traditional ceramics with a local artist.  
  • Paddleboard or kayak across the clear waters of Playa de San Juan. See the most beautiful areas of the bay.  
  • Hike up the village of Guadalest to reach the ruins of Castle of L'Alcozaiba, perched on the edge of the mountain.  
  • Shake and stomp your way through a flamenco dancing class. Have fun with your friends learning the basics of this iconic Spanish dance!
  • Take an overnight trip to Madrid, the Spanish capital, to see some of the best art galleries and museums in Europe (or, some say, the world!).

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Testimonials
From CIEE

Sun, Sand, and Competition: Beach Olympics in Alicante

By Nicole DeLaura-Ariola at CIEE

Our students competed in beach olympics to start wrapping up their final week as Global Navigators (for now)!

From CIEE

El Museo de las Ilusiones

By Josue Tellez Arzate at CIEE

A challenge to your imagination. The Museum of Illusions and Public Transport.

From CIEE

Tapas & Talking: Community Conversations the Tasty Way

By Nicole DeLaura-Ariola at CIEE

Our Global Navigators get the opportunity to connect their Spanish skills from the classroom to real life by speaking with locals in our Community Conversations everyday!

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Spanish language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our ²õ³¦³ó´Ç±ô²¹°ù²õ³ó¾±±è p²¹²µ±ð.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee 

$25 

Optional College Credit Fee 

$150 

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.    

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,550
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,550

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...

Request Info