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 9 - 16 of 82 reviews
Default avatar
Catie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Experience.

This study abroad program was top-notch. Prior to departure, everything was communicated clearly, and I felt supported throughout the process leading up to leaving. Once arriving, I immediately knew I made the right choice in coming to Alicante. Luis was an incredible leader during my three weeks in Spain. He showed us local spots and gave us tips so we could better embrace the Spanish culture. I had the time of my life whether we were hiking Castilla de Santa Barbara, visiting Mercat Central, or trying some authentic paella. I was fortunate enough to make great friends during my time in Spain. I love to reminisce on the memories made and the new friendships that were formed. I loved Alicante so much so that I am going back in June with my family to show them one of my favorite cities. If you are looking for a study abroad experience that will really enable you to immerse yourself in the culture, I highly recommend Alicante. I hope everyone can visit this gorgeous coastal town someday.

Pros
  • Alicante is not as touristy for Americans so this is a great way to really experience true Spanish culture
  • Alicante is in a great location. Day trips to other cities are very doable
  • I loved that the university was right in Alicante very close to the water.
48 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hayley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Expereince!

Living in Alicante for the Fall semester was just not enough time. This beautiful and inviting city is a place that I will now always call a "second home". During the process before arriving in Spain, the USAC program made it very easy to get everything completed. I would like to say that they are a great program for people that have never left their home country or studied abroad because of the fact that they "hold your hand" through the pre-departure process. It was very comfortable and easy to get to Spain with their help. Upon my arrival into Alicante, I immediately fell in love. Alicante has everything that you need in a study abroad experience: affordability, walkability, great food destinations, incredible support, exciting academics, history, community, and beautiful sites. Thanks to USAC, I was able to learn about and live in such a special place. I wish I had more time in Alicante and I can't wait to go back and visit soon!

Pros
  • Beach
  • Walkable City
  • Close to an Airport
Cons
  • NONE!
54 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Pamela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

amazing!

I completed the winter program so my time in Spain was very short but I had the opportunity to do so much! Being in a smaller city allowed me to fully explore the town and immerse myself in the Spanish culture. The location of the apartment was amazing because it was only a 10-minute walk from anywhere in the city. The train station and airport were great resources because I flew to Portugal for one of our weekends and used the train to go to Madrid and Barcelona! Our professor, Ana was amazing and she taught us so much about the European Union in such a short time. The planned field trips through USAC were so fun and informative. It was an experience of a lifetime!

Pros
  • Great Weather
  • Beautiful Sights
  • So many beautiful surrounding cities to explore
Cons
  • The local cuisine was not my favorite-too much seafood for me!
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mackenzie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of my life!

Studying abroad has been something that I’ve wanted to do since high school but since COVID, I wasn’t able to do study abroad until my senior year. I’m pursuing a minor in Spanish so I knew I wanted to go to a Spanish-speaking country and I had a couple friends in Spain so that was the best choice for me. I feel so lucky that I chose Alicante because it turned out to be the perfect place for me! The university was beautiful and the city was full of life. I also loved living in walking distance of the beach! The only thing that I didn’t love about the program was the structure of the language track. I found that only having a month per track class was just too fast for me to successfully absorb and learn the content. However, this was the best experience I could’ve had and I am so happy that I got this incredible opportunity!

Pros
  • great city with lots of good day trip spots
  • lots of beaches!
  • international airport and public transportation
Cons
  • language track program
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Zach
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best semester in Alicante!

I had an amazing time in Alicante with USAC. Whether it was the beach, clubs, restaurants, or holiday events, I had the best semester. The USAC staff and professors were all encouraging and supportive. The program director, Luis, was always a text away and committed to our adjustment. The locals were super friendly and willing to help. The public transportation was super convenient. The train station brings you to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and more. had a great shared apartment with a beautiful balcony at a fraction of the US price. Barrio Santa Cruz and the Castillo de Santa Barbara were so beautiful! Miss it everyday!

Pros
  • Beach
  • Clubs
  • Weather
Cons
  • No cons!
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Opportunity!

I couldn’t be more happy with my decision to study abroad through USAC! USAC made the process easy and provided all of the students with a lot of support throughout the entire experience. I was extremely happy with my professors and the classes that I took during my semester abroad. I stayed with a wonderful host family and my Spanish improved a ton and I learned so much about the Spanish culture and history through my home stay. I made great friends and got to travel a ton! Studying abroad is truly and experience of a lifetime and I’m very grateful I chose to go through USAC!

Pros
  • Adventure
  • Fun
  • Tourism
53 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The experience of a lifetime!

I absolutely adored my experience with the USAC Alicante program! Not only was the staff accessible and easy to communicate with before departure, but once I arrived in Alicante the staff was extremely helpful and helped accommodate myself and all students in every way they could. This program did a great job providing opportunities for students to authentically explore Spain while providing the avenues for independent adventure as well. Alicante is easy to navigate, inexpensive, and has a great airport!

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to navigate by foot or public transportation
  • Kind and welcoming people
Cons
  • Not super accessible if you do not speak Spanish
  • Some tourists
  • The apartment I lived in did not have an elevator.
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a life time opportunity!

I absolutely loved my experience abroad and USAC exceeded all of my expectations! Living with a host family was such a fun and unique experience that immersed me in the culture and helped me quickly improve my Spanish skills. I met some of the most wonderful people I have ever met and I got to travel all over Spain and other regions within Europe. My professors along with the other USAC administrators were extremely helpful and made studying abroad a seamless process. I have recommended studying abroad to all of my friends, it was a life-changing experience!

Pros
  • builing confidence
  • making friends
  • exploring
Cons
  • homesickness
  • if you are a picky eater
  • if you like routine
44 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