Spanish and European Studies
Why Study in Alicante?
The Alicante program is ideal for students who wish to experience all that a beautiful Spanish city on the Mediterranean has to offer. Alicante is a modern, welcoming city bathed by the Mediterranean Sea which offers all the advantages of being located in such a privileged setting. The magnificent sandy beaches and blue waters of the Mediterranean coast, its sunny weather and the rich history and lovely monuments make Alicante a top destination in Spain. People in Alicante live most of their life outdoors as part of the Mediterranean lifestyle: busy cafés, intense nightlife, street markets and local festivities are abundant. The campus is also one of the most beautiful in Spain, with beautiful gardens, fountains, palm trees and modern architecture. All of these factors create a great learning and social atmosphere for USAC students.
This program offers two diverse academic areas: Intensive Language, and Spanish and European Studies. You will have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the complexities of Spanish and contemporary European societies through a wide selection of academic courses, as well as through personal interaction with the host culture. You may stay for one semester or a full year. Our intensive approach also allows you to complete up to two years of university foreign language coursework in only one semester; therefore, you may meet Spanish minor or major requirements. In addition to the USAC courses, advanced language students can take academic courses, workshops and internships at the University of Alicante, providing an unparalleled opportunity for integration. You may even have local students in your USAC courses.
However, the academic courses are only a part of the intended value of study abroad. Participation in formal and informal activities, such as field trips and visits to cultural events and village festivals, also constitute an integral part of the experience. The first four days of the fall and spring semester also offer an optional tour of Madrid.
The Alicante program has a Resident Director who is responsible for the USAC office abroad and overall operations of the program: securing appropriate student housing, hiring outstanding faculty, organizing exciting field trips and optional tours and overseeing your general well-being.
Luis Fernández, a Galicia, Spain native, is the Resident Director for the Alicante program. Luis earned his Masters degree from the University of Stirling, Scotland and is fluent in Spanish, Galician and English. He will meet the group flight at the airport, provide an on-site orientation as well as additional resources and support while you are on the program.