SSA Education Abroad offers an exceptional opportunity for cross-cultural study in Alicante, Spain at the Universidad de Alicante.

SSA Education Abroad facilitates a true cross-cultural exchange by inviting students to expand their world-view through intense immersion of the culture. With a strong dedication to academic integrity and an emphasis on the personal growth of the student, SSA Education Abroad has developed a reputation for the superior quality and value of its programs. Some features of the program include:

• U.S. compatible curriculum
• Native Spanish professors
• All classes taught in Spanish
• Average class size of 10-12 students
• On-site Resident Director & staff
• Internships
• All-inclusive day & overnight study trips
• Weekends for independent travel
• Intercambios with native speakers

Visit SSA Education Abroad Website

Universidad de Alicante (UA) is located twenty minutes outside of Alicante’s center. UA was founded in 1979 to carry on the traditions of the University of Orihuela (1545-1834). As the fastest growing university in Spain, with an enrollment of 33,000, the UA is dedicated to its mission to cultivate students’ academic and professional skills, while developing critical thinking and social sensitivity.

Summer programs in Alicante offer two intensive academic terms, with rich cultural components to support the study of Spanish language and culture.

Students live in Spanish homes and participate in study tours, cultural events, and social activities. Each 4-week session serves as an ideal short-term study abroad experience. Students take one intensive language course and may complement it with a 1-credit cultural course for 4-5 credits per session.

Summer Terms in Alicante, Spain

Students participating in this program live in a Spanish home. The homestay includes full room and board.

Since the Alicante, Spain, summer abroad program does not occur during the regular academic year, Federal, State, and Saint Mary’s institutional aid may not be applied to the program’s costs.

Alicante Summer Programs Costs

Costs Include:

• Tuition
• Double occupancy room & full board
• Laundry
• Overnight & local study visits & cultural activities
• Orientation
• Health Insurance
• Computer access & high-speed internet access
• Spanish Studies transcript
• Support of onsite staff
• Scholarship Information

SSA Education Abroad has a scholarship program that is open to all participants. Award recipients are chosen based on the submission of an original essay in Spanish, an essay in English and a faculty recommendation. Students may receive awards up to $2,500.

Scholarship Information

Students should research the details of non-Saint Mary’s scholarships for applicability and see the Director of Study Abroad for other scholarship and grant opportunities.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. SSA Education Abroad recommends that you apply as early as possible to allow more time for pre-departure arrangements, such as applying for a student visa.

Click here for Program Dates and Application Deadlines

To be eligible, you must have completed two semesters or the equivalent of elementary college level Spanish and have a 3.0 GPA in Spanish course work.

Apply online to the SSA Education Abroad. Complete the Saint Mary’s required paperwork, application may be picked up in the Study Abroad Office, International Center, the Heights.

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the student’s application and subsequent approval from SSA Education Abroad. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. SSA Education Abroad recommends that you apply as early as possible to allow more time for pre-departure arrangements.

After acceptance, complete the following items.

• Obtain a passport. Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.
• Arrange travel plans. Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.

If you are looking to study abroad in Spain, you will find that the city Alicante provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with many opportunities to meet Spanish students and enjoy the local culture. Spanish Studies Abroad students study onsite at Universidad de Alicante, which allows students at any Spanish language level the opportunity to become integrated into Spanish student life.

Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca with beaches stretched along the Mediterranean, is a harbor city that is both rich in history and pleasantly relaxed. The city’s long promenades and endless white beaches have long been guarded by the Castle of Santa Barbara on top of the Benacantil Mountain.

Learn more about the culture of Alicante

Climate
Alicante to the city of Valencia is a humid region, making the weather generally less pleasant than the southern coast. However, the climate is fairly temperate year-round, with ideal conditions in fall and spring. The summer brings an influx of tourists to the coast, especially affecting a smaller town like Alicante.

Time
When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, Spain is seven hours ahead.

Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro. Euro bank notes come in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Coins are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 1 euro and 2 euro.

More Information

• Alicante City Guide
• Alicante, Spain
• Consulate General of Spain in Chicago
• US Embassy Spain
• Travel.state.gov country information