Description

Regardless of your Spanish language level, if you possess a keen interest in the Spanish Mediterranean region, this program may be ideal for you.

The Language and Culture summer program is designed to help students develop their Spanish language skills and increase their knowledge of Spanish art, cinema, and culture. This is achieved through intensive language coursework and content courses, combined with Spanish homestays, excursions, and cultural activities.

Academic Program
Established in 1992, the summer program in Alicante provides an opportunity for short-term, intensive study of the Spanish language. The six-week program is open to qualified undergraduates with an interest in Spanish language and contemporary Spain. Language classes are taught entirely in Spanish and are offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Students are given a placement exam in Alicante prior to the start of classes to determine the appropriate level in which they should be placed.

Academic Culture
CIEE courses are scheduled from Monday through Friday. Students can expect daily homework assignments. Teaching methods in CIEE courses combine lecture and interactive styles. Program professors are familiar with second-language teaching methodology. They also have several years teaching experience in Spain and abroad, and use a variety of teaching methods. Furthermore, they have worked with American, European, and other international students for many years and are familiar with their expectations. Each professor distributes a detailed syllabus indicating what material is covered, when exams are held, and what is expected from each student. Class attendance is mandatory and absences affect the final grade.

Highlights

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Weekend, overnight, and day trips to different Spanish cities, to landmarks in the province of Alicante, and to the region of Valencia add a highly relevant cultural component to the academic curriculum. The program fee includes one weekend field trip throughout Spain, and several day excursions to points of interest in the province of Alicante and the region of Valencia. Past trips have included visits to Granada, Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. There are also several local day excursions in Alicante (Santa Barbara Castle, San Fernando Castle, and archaeological Roman and Greek sites) and throughout the Province of Alicante (Altea, Villajoyosa, Calpe, and Orihuela). Field trips and excursions supplement classwork and introduce students to the rich diversity of the geographic, linguistic, and cultural areas of Spain and its major cities.

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, 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.

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 and all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• For CIEE content courses in Spanish, at least 4 semesters of college-level Spanish

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

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

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• 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