Description

The Language in Context study abroad program in Alicante, Spain is designed for students who are just beginning their study of Spanish or who have just completed one course in the language. Students interested in furthering their language skills and in learning about Spain will find that this program provides an ideal option.

Academic Program
Established in 1985, the Language in Context program is designed for students who are beginning their Spanish language study or have completed up to two semesters of universitylevel Spanish, and wish to complete a full semester of academic work by combining language study with English language electives. The program consists of a combination of language courses that focus on basic concepts of grammar, structure, and syntax to build a strong and broad foundation for further linguistic development while emphasizing what students can do with the language rather than what they know about the language. Although students work to develop the four language acquisition skills - listening, reading, speaking, and writing - the ultimate objective is to help students become communicative as quickly as possible and to develop survival skills in Spanish while also learning about cultural norms and the Spanish lifestyle.

Academic Culture
Teaching methods in CIEE courses combine lecture and interactive styles, and daily homework is assigned. Each instructor distributes a detailed syllabus indicating what material is covered, when exams are held, and what is expected from each student. It is important to understand that the program takes place at a Spanish University with native Spanish instructors, 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 mandatory and 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. Travel plans should not be made before receiving the academic calendar on site.

Highlights

• Begin or continue your study of Spanish while living in a beautiful Mediterranean coastal city; participate in a conversational exchange program
  
• Take Universidad de Alicante business courses and/or CIEE area studies courses in English; courses in Spanish are available for Intermediate I Spanish Students
  
• Become a member of a Spanish family or live in the dorms with Spanish and international students
  
• Enjoy extracurricular visits to museums, films, theaters, outdoor markets, and sporting events accompanied by CIEE Student Helpers

Students have access to a wide variety of weekly activities organized by CIEE, as well as to those offered through the International Club, which is run by the International Relations Office at the Universidad de Alicante. These sociocultural and sporting activities include guided tours to monuments and museums in Alicante, intramural activities, 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 City of Alicante Community Services Center offers volunteer options to those students interested in community service.

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 provides students the real-world opportunity to practice what they've learned in the language courses and helps them integrate into Spanish student life.

Cultural Workshops and Language Cafés
During the semester language courses, students participate in one Culture Workshop and one Language Café each month. The Culture Workshops incorporate such topics as colloquial language, flamenco, and current Spanish pop music into the curriculum. The Language Café is an activity designed to promote language production and oral interaction outside of the classroom. Students have class with their language professors in a café where they come prepared to debate and exchange ideas on previously proposed topics. As part of the activity, students comment on the discussions and give their conclusions in the Language Class Blog.

University Language Commitment Program
Through the Language in Context program, students can participate in the Mio Cid Language Commitment Program. Students that wish to be a Rodrigo or a Jimena pledge to speak only Spanish in their language classes, attend one CIEE-sponsored activity a month, meet with an Intercambio on a weekly basis, and write about their experiences in the Language Class Blog.

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 horseback riding, sailing, hiking, flamenco, and theater.

CIEE Spanish Helpers
CIEE Spanish Helpers are Universidad de Alicante students who guide CIEE students through orientation, organize and lead CIEE cultural activities, and participate in CIEE weekend fieldtrips, day excursions, and other local events, to help them make friends at the University and adapt to Alicante life.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, all meals, orientation, cultural activities, excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 0-2 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application
• Transcript
• Other

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