Alicante: A Life-Changing Experience with New Friendships Abroad and a New Country to Call Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was fair; an even amount of studying and an even amount of play. Most of the work load was concentrated during the four hours of class every day so we were able to enjoy the rest of the day and night at the beach and out with friends. The grading system was a little bit more difficult, but just make sure you keep up. The interaction between professor and student is usually more formal in Spain, but after the first week or so, the professor and student relationship was a bit more comfortable.

On-site administration of your program

The entire staff at CIEE Alicante was amazing. They knew everything you could possibly want to know about the city and they were very welcoming and helpful. It was a young staff, so they were easy to relate to. My expectations were met and exceeded. I loved every aspect of this program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything was provided that you could need. My family was perfect; everything I had imagined in a host family.

I am pescatarian and they provided all of the things I like and can eat.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We arrived a week before a big week-long festival which we did not have school for a few days due to the extent of this festival--that was maybe one of my greatest memories from abroad and for life. Most weeks we had optional trips to surrounding areas or activities to do in the city. We took a day trip to two cities on the outskirts of Alicante--a beach town and a town in the mountains; we did wine tasting; we were able to take a cooking class and a dance class; we also took a weekend trip to Granada. Many activities offered through the program and the university itself; always things to do.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was provided and easily accessible through the staff and university; I personally did not have any health issues while there, but there is definitely accessible facilities. Safety was stressed greatly by the program; it was pretty standard though--walk in pairs especially after midnight and keep your belongings close to you to avoid theft.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

We practiced language with the professor and the other students in class, with our host families, with locals, and with student helpers who were local and also attended the Universidad de Alicante. You absolutely had to use the host country language in everyday interactions to communicate and immerse yourself in the culture. Most people did not speak English.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Host family
• New friends back in the US
• Culture

• Nothing.