Location
  • Spain
    • Alicante
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Anthropology Cultural Studies European Studies Food Science and Nutrition Gender Studies History Linguistics Women's Studies
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English
Oct 04, 2023
Feb 15, 2024
44 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad at the University of Alicante in Spain! Coursework concentrates on Spanish, European and Women's/Gender Studies, as well as many options to help students improve their Spanish language skills.

Alicante is a beautiful Spanish city located right on the Mediterranean. Its consistent temperatures and sandy beaches make it a prime destination for students interested in relaxing outdoors and on the coast.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Support

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.

Accessibility Support

USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact

Sustainability

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

Program Highlights

  • Study at one of the most beautiful campuses in Spain with gorgeous landscaping, modern architecture, and a modern sports center, indoor swimming pool, and other facilities
  • Immerse yourself in Spanish culture with volunteering opportunities, internships, direct enrollment at the university, workshops, conversation partner program, and excursions
  • Enjoy sunny weather and lovely beaches by the Mediterranean Sea with many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, rowing, sailing, and windsurfing
  • Join in local celebrations, open air markets, and the lively atmosphere of the Mediterranean lifestyle

Scholarships

USAC logo

USAC Scholarships and Financial Aid

USAC awards over $2 million in scholarships and discounts each year to assist students with their study abroad expenses.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.99 Rating
based on 82 reviews
  • 5 rating 98.78%
  • 4 rating 1.22%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.2
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.95
  • Housing 4.9
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 82 reviews
Default avatar
Alexis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I learned so much!

I had the best time of my life coming to Alicante, Spain! Even in just the first week of my program, I was able to make so many new friends on the excursions that USAC provided their students. I stayed with a host family, which allowed me to immerse myself more in the culture of Spain while also learning more about the Spanish language. They were very accommodating and kind people, and I felt right at home as soon as I arrived. The classes I took challenged me in the language but also taught me a lot about different perspectives. I learned a lot about Spanish grammar, literature, and history in a way that I would never be able to learn about at my home university. Additionally, the staff at the USAC office at my host university was very kind, and never hesitated to answer any questions that I had. I always felt supported while studying at the university. Overall, studying abroad with USAC gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself and the world around me in a way that allowed me to feel supported. I believe that I became more mature, courageous, and respectful of the world around me because of my time abroad.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking thing that I did was travel to Italy with my friend. I had never traveled anywhere by myself before in an unknown city without a local, so I was super nervous to see what it would be like. I overcame my fear because I was not alone on my trip, I had my friend to support me through my anxiety.
Pros
  • Lots of time to travel
  • Lots of academic support
  • lots of excursions
Cons
  • The classes can be hard
  • It is harder to make friends if you live in a homestay
  • the city is hard to navigate in the beginning
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Eve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!

I had an amazing study abroad experience in Alicante, Spain. USAC made the process easy, from applying, to arriving in Spain, to departure back home. All along the journey, I felt supported by my program. My courses at the university were interesting and engaging. They were challenging but didn’t consume all of my time. After class and on weekends, there were fun and immerse activities in the community. I had time on the breaks to travel elsewhere in Europe, which was amazing. I hope every student takes the initiative to study abroad!

Pros
  • Location (beach)
  • Language (Spanish)
  • Size (midsize city)
22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Isabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best semester of my life!

I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain during the Spring 2023 semester and it was an unbelievable experience. I made so many great friends and met amazing people during my time abroad. The directors at USAC Alicante, as well as the professors enhanced my experience in so many ways. Luís, Verónica, and Marta all took the time and effort to make every student comfortable in what can be a very nerve-wracking, but of course exciting, transition. My friends and I traveled to many different countries while in Spain, such as Morocco, London, Budapest, Italy, and Germany. We also went to the island of Ibiza and other places in Spain frequently. I also was able to volunteer through the Service Learning course that they offer and work with children and faculty in the community. It was truly an experience that changed my life and I will always be grateful for this opportunity.

Pros
  • Beautiful City
  • Amazing directors/professors
  • Close distance to other countries and cities
Cons
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Claire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Just Say Yes!

Studying abroad in Spain had been a dream of mine since my first Spanish class, eight years ago. The experience was everything I could have wanted and more. I distinctly remember the day I left for my flight to Madrid—all alone!— my brain was overflowing with every emotion from sheer terror to overwhelming excitement. Now, I smile and laugh thinking about that version of me because she truly did not know all of the adventures, memories, laughs, good food, cultural experiences, festivals (Hogueras) and friends that became family that were awaiting her!

Alicante has so much to offer: good food, amazing beaches, vivacious night life, and authentic cultural immersion. A typical week day in Alicante consisted of morning Spanish classes at the beautiful Universidad de Alicante, daily "comida" with my host family (all in Spanish!), sailing class on the Mediterranean, sunset at Playa San Juan or Postiguet, followed by nightly tapas and hangouts with friends. Every day was filled with a new adventure whether that was learning new Spanish phrases or vocabulary as we sailed along the coast of Alicante, trying a new 'comida tipica" de Alicante, or simply spending time with my host family.

My time in Alicante will forever be one of my favorite seasons of life! If you are on the fence---just say yes!!

Pros
  • endless adventure: sailing, beaches, hikes
  • authentic spanish culture and people
  • community
Cons
  • public transporation to campus
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Aidan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Alicante Spain; a veritable paradise

My time in Alicante, Spain feels now much like a dream. What an incredible opportunity it was to continue my studies and expand my knowledge of other cultures at the same time. It truly felt like I was part of a community and I was warmly welcomed to it by the program director and USAC team, a most hospitable bunch. Enough pleasurable words have not yet been written about Alicante. It is a glorious sun spoilt city set on the soft sands of the gleaming Mediterranean sea. With accessible beaches, plentiful public transportation, friendly people and a rich history that predates the Roman times, it is hard for me to imagine a place better suited to spending time, studying or otherwise. I learned much about the land, its hallowed Catholic traditions, many of which are celebrated in the streets to this day. I was able to travel far and wide across the continent from Alicante's international airport, one of the most well-situated and inexpensive in Europe. Lastly, and most importantly I was able to connect with fellow travelers and my USAC cohorts to develop friendships and memories that will last as long as I do.

Pros
  • Location
  • Beaches
  • Public transport
Cons
  • Lots of smokers
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Michaela
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

USAC Alicante 2023

I went to Alicante this summer and it was such an amazing city that had so many opportunities. While I was there I got to experience what Spanish life is truly like. I got to snorkel and swim in the Mediterranean, I got to eat paella by the beach, and so many more cool things. Everyone there was so kind and helpful. If your thinking of studying abroad in Spain and want a really cool, chill place that isn’t a major city, but still has so many things to do, I’d highly recommend choosing to Alicante

30 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Aliyah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

Studying abroad in Alicante was the best experience of my life. The location was gorgeous, the people were kind and funny and wonderful, the food was amazing, and the nightlife was terrific. The class I took was also wonderful; the teacher was considerate and passionate about the subject and having a morning class left the whole day open. It was VERY hot, but the beach is right there!! I absolutely LOVED my time in Alicante and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a vibrant life experience!

Pros
  • Nightlife
  • Beach
  • Food/Culture
Cons
  • Super hot
  • no AC in the apartment
  • small city
43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Extraordinary Semester

My time spent living and learning in Alicante through USAC was a truly transformative experience. I was on the Spanish language track 3 and the process of learning Spanish in Spain really increased my confidence in speaking the language and many other aspects of my life. I now have the confidence and passion to continue learning and practicing Spanish every day. I lived in an apartment with 3 other USAC students and although I didn’t experience the same level of immersion as those who stayed with Spanish families, I took advantage of many other immersion opportunities. I tutored for a Spanish family, assisted in English classes at Colegio de San Jose, and attended many community events with other European students also learning Spanish. I was also so grateful that my program group was small. We all experienced the same culture shocks and differences and were able to cope and grow together. I made friends in Alicante that I know will be with me forever. Overall, I would recommend this experience and this city to anyone who’s decided to study abroad. This semester was my first time traveling outside of the US but it ignited a desire to travel and experience different cultures around the world!

Pros
  • I was able to learn Spanish in a compassionate environment
  • I made friends that will last a lifetime
  • Alicante has an international airport so traveling was easy and cheap
52 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi Jorja, No, knowing Spanish is not required to study abroad on this program, or any of our programs. You can choose to take Spanish language courses which would be taught in Spanish, all other courses are taught in English. Thank you!

Hi Mackenzie, thank you for your question and I apologize for the delayed response. Yes, during the summer session the Elementary Spanish class will most likely be five days a week!

Hi Allison, Most track 1 students can expect to be in class 5 days a week, but it will depend on where you are studying abroad. You will get your class schedule during orientation. Thank you!

We have some pictures on our website below. Thank you! -Sara