Alicante, Spain | January Study Abroad in Spanish

Alicante

Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca, is a charming harbor city that is both tranquil in its coastal climate and vibrant with modern Spanish life. The culture, architecture, language, and people have all been shaped by the region's rich history of sea merchants and conquerors.

January Term

The SSA January Term in Alicante is designed for students at all levels of Spanish proficiency who want a rich immersion experience on a Spanish campus. This intensive language program is enhanced by homestays or student residences, study visits, and cultural activities, all of which help to bring context to the language and enhance immersion.

Academics:

• Guided direct enrollment in courses specifically-designed for international students learning Spanish
• Spanish-Only Policy
• Classes taught by Spanish professors
• Speaking partners with native Spanish speakers

Housing:

• Homestays with local families
• Student residence with other Spanish and international students

Cultural Activities:

• All-inclusive program-sponsored study trips
• Visits to locations such as Granada, Valencia, los castillos árabes of Alicante, Cathedral of San Nicolás, local museums and cultural sites, and more!
• Optional excursions to various other sites in Spain
• Organized cultural activities with Spanish and international students
• Citywide festivals, such as Three King's Day!

Program Goals:

The goal of the SSA January Term is to guide you to live as a member of your host community, while gaining a profound understanding of your surroundings. Courses designed for international student learning Spanish and access to cultural resources and activities allow you to more fully integrate into campus life at Universidad de Alicante (UA).

Through university coursework, homestays with native families or student residences, and multiple cross-cultural opportunities, students will find SSA in Alicante to be a highly immersive and integrated study abroad experience.

Program Inclusions:

SSA program fees include tuition, room and board (all meals), support of the on-site Resident Director, pre-departure support, laundry, overnight and local study visits, cultural activities, orientation, and health insurance. Optional trips and activities are also available through the university.

Prerequisite:  

Minimum 2.75 GPA. Enrollment in individual courses depends on your score on UA's online Spanish placement test.

ssabroad.org

January Term in Alicante, Spain

January 4-February 1, 2025

Overview

Each January, Hollins students are offered the option of an intensive 4-week Spanish language experience at Universidad de Alicante in Spain. This short term program is designed to be taken on its own or as preparation for the Spring Semester Program. Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca, boasts a Mediterranean coastal climate and lifestyle. A rich history of sea merchants and conquerors has shaped this vibrant and modern city's unique Spanish character.

January Term in Alicante offers you an excellent opportunity to develop your Spanish skills while you enjoy the benefits that a city by the sea offers:  downtown beaches, water sports, and a temperate climate. Enroll in up to six credits of Spanish language and optional 1-credit content courses at all levels, from beginner to advanced.


SSA January term programs feature all-inclusive program-sponsored excursions which may include: 

• Castle of Santa Bárbara
• Cathedral of San Nicolás and Basilica of Santa María
• Local museums, such as the Bonfires Museum, Museum of Fine Art, and the Museum of Archaeology
• Local day trips to locations such as Valencia or Orihuela

Academics

• Classes meet Monday through Friday for 4 hours per day
• Average class size: 10-12
• 4 semester credits (equivalent to a Hollins J-Term credit)
• All courses are taught in Spanish by highly qualified Spanish university professors with extensive experience teaching American students.
• Speaking partner program

Housing & Meals

Students are housed with a Spanish host family and all meals are provided.

Eligibility

A wide variety of Spanish courses are taught University of Alicante, ranging from beginner to advanced. Students must take an online placement exam, which will place them in their corresponding level. Students may also choose to enroll in optional 1-credit content courses, complementing their Spanish language study.

Applicants are also evaluated on their academic and personal maturity, ability to work independently, flexibility, and openness to new cultural experiences. Hollins recommends approved candidates to the program. **

**Please note: In addition to the Hollins application, you must also apply directly to SSA for acceptance into this program.   

Cost

The cost for the program is approximately $5,730 and includes:

• tuition and housing 
• all meals
• international health insurance coverage

The program cost does not include transatlantic transportation, or any personal travel or expenses. Hollins students are billed for this program with their spring term bill, which is issued on December 1 and due on January 1. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Students applying to this program must also complete an application with Spanish Studies Abroad. Their application is due on October 15. Students must first submit a Hollins application before completing the SSA application.

Transatlantic Transportation

Participants make their own round-trip travel arrangements to Alicante. You should book a flight that leaves on the afternoon or evening before your date of arrival. As this is a holiday period, we recommend that you book your flight as early as possible.