Take the typical Spanish delight in savoring life and add to that perfect beaches on the Costa Blanca, a personable modern city, ideal weather, and wonderful Mediterranean cuisine. What do you get? The perfect place to study Spanish language and culture while enjoying the range of opportunities that Alicante presents.
Alicante is located along Spain's Mediterranean coast in the country's Valencia region. The city's 310,000 residents therefore speak both Castillian Spanish and Valencian Catalan. Alicante is also known as Alacant in Valencian. The city is ideally located for visiting many other exciting places in Spain. Approximately four hours from Madrid, Alicante makes the perfect jumping off point to explore many of Spain's famous cities such as Toledo, Barcelona, Granada, and Valencia.
Study Abroad Programs in Alicante
Alicante is a port city, known for being one of the jewels of the Costa Blanca with its white sandy beaches, palm-lined avenues, and mild climate. Students there will find a variety of water sports available when they're not studying. Alicante also offers ferry service to the Balearic Islands including Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.
However, Alicante is more than beaches and islands. It is a historic city with a variety of museums, a fascinating old quarter, and a variety of historic churches, cathedrals, and harbor area. Founded by the Greeks in 324 BC, the city has since been occupied by the Romans, Moors, and French, among others. The city therefore shows the influence of these many different cultures in its architecture and artwork.
In the past decade, Alicante has invested itself in modernization that has paid off. Students there will find that they can immerse themselves in authentic Spanish culture while still having the nightlife, shopping, and business opportunities of a modern city. Alicante is actually one of the fastest-growing cities in Spain today with an economy based on industries such as tourism and wine production.
A number of notable sites in Alicante include the Castle of Santa Barbara, Palmera Garden, San Juan Beach, and the Explanada and Port. The nearby island of Tabarca offers a natural marine reserve as well as the remains of ancient buildings. The Palmera Garden features a variety of palm trees and fountains and is a relaxing place for a walk. La Explanada is the largest park in the city and provides a perfect location to study. The Castle of Santa Barbara is located on a mountain called Benancantil and offers you the opportunity to explore its rooms, passages, and dungeons, as well as learning about Spanish sculpture.
While studying in Alicante, there are a number of experiences not to be missed. Alicante is famous for its cuisine, so make sure to check out the local restaurants and their unique Mediterranean dishes. Also, be sure to sample turron, a honey and almond nougat that is a food specialty of the city. If you are going to be in the city during the summer, don't miss the Bonfires of Saint John in June. The Bonfires coincide with the summer solstice, and although this festival is now celebrated in other cities in Spain, it began in Alicante and the city still offers the biggest, most bountiful bonfires.
These are just a few of the many places and experiences that make Alicante a unique and rewarding location to study.
