Alicante: Breathtaking, Rewarding, and Culturally Beautiful Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Everything was divided into tracks, which you tested into in your orientation on campus. I tested into a lower track than I wanted to be in, but was able to move up. They were very helpful and understanding of my needs!! The classes were definitely hard work, but so rewarding. I learned so much Spanish, and never got sick of listening to all of my professors beautiful Spanish Accents. The professors were from all over Spain, and many had taught in the US, so they were aware of our learning styles and made me feel right at home!!

On-site administration of your program

We had the most wonderful staff! Luis, the director, was like a father to all of us. He was always making sure we were feeling well, having fun, and adjusting to being in a new place. The rest of the staff was very energetic and easy to become friends with!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in an apartment with other American girls did not enhance my language use, however; it was very nice to have my own space. Also, I really enjoyed having roommates that reminded me of my friends at home, it helped to ease the adjustment process. Also our apartment had all the necessary amenities and was beautifully decorated. Our landlords were like parents, always bringing more blankets, towels, etc. whenever we needed them!!

Oh my goodness! FOOD! Everything is so very yummy! Everywhere I tried paella, it was delicious. One of our favorite tapas palces was Lizaran on La Rambla, they always had fresh, delicious tapas ready for you! You also can't live without going to La Explanada (on La Explanada) to get a Gofre. Gofre's are waffles topped with Nutella and Chocolate....sounds delicious? Trust me, you'll fall in LOVE!! The last thing that you have to have is a Kebab from Sultan King which is right off La Rambla, towards the Barrio. Kebabs were the best to pick up and take to the beach, or to just get something quick and cheap when you didn't feel like cooking!!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In Alicante, there's always something to do. Whether you're going to the beach, walking along the explanada, going to the market, hiking the castle, attending a futbol game, or dancing the night away on the pier...you'll never be bored!! The weather there is amazing, you can always find something to do outdoors. Along with the many wonderful attractions of the city, you will also get to participate in many festivals and traditions! The scenery is so incredibly breathtaking, you can spend an entire afternoon just wandering through the various neighborhoods!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did experience a time when I was under the weather while I was there and my program directors took great care of me. We had a doctor on campus who would prescribe you anything you needed at no extra cost. Pharmacy's are all over the city, so it was easy to get what you needed to feel better. Our program directors were so great that they even stopped in to check up on students that were sick! I never ever had a time where I felt unsafe in Alicante. The city is like a huge family, you never even see crime. All you see is graffiti, which in Spain is a very common and acceptable thing. My friends and I would walk to the beach when the sun was down, walk up to the castle, and never did we feel threatened or unsafe.

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

All of my teachers taught only in Spanish because I was in the highest track. We were also given the opportunity to have intercambios, which was a Spaniard to converse with while helping them with their English and them helping us with our Spanish. Many people stayed with host families which allowed them to speak and hear Spanish 24-7!

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The directors were like family to all of us.
• The beach, walking in the sitting, watching the sunset from the castle.

• More help for core language classes.