Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, and Gender Studies

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!!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!