USAC in Alicante

Key Benefits:

When you study at USAC's Alicante Center on University of Alicante's campus, you'll take Spanish language courses as well as elective courses in English or Spanish in a program designed for American students. Study center programs typically provide less exposure to local students and follow a more American-style curriculum than local universities. This program is ideal if you're looking to challenge yourself to enhance your language proficiency. USAC supports you with pre-departure advising & support, visa-related guidance, group airport reception, host university student ID, on-site orientation, onsite staff support, campus facilities, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive global medical insurance, centrally located housing, cultural activities, excursions, and volunteer opportunities.

Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
English
Spanish
Features
Courses with Study Abroad Students
Courses with Locals
Internship Opportunities
Language Intensive Program
No Language Pre-Requisites
Study Center Program
Service Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunities

Housing Abroad

Apartment
Homestay

Housing at Seattle University

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

Courseload

Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the students' time abroad.

Credit Range: 12-18
Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
Typical Course load: 4-6
Credit Per Course: 3

Credit Conversion
Transcript Issued By: University of Idaho or University of Nevada, University of Alicante
Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
Quarter Range: 18-27

EAO Historic Course Search

Academic Policy

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Transfer of Credit & Placeholder Course

Transfer Credits

Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

Placeholder Course

The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

Program Fees

Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

Fall Semester: $6,000
Spring Semester: $6,000

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

Budget Worksheets

Academic Year Fall Semester Spring Semester

Participation Costs

For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Program Fee per term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program's detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

Payment

For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.

Seattle University handles payments to USAC on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by USAC. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

Insurance

Comprehensive global medical insurance is provided by the program provider.

Scholarships

There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities Cost Comparison Calculator

Student Journey

Approximate Timeline	Phase	More details
Sept-Jan	Exploration	Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
Feb 1	Apply	Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
Late Feb/Early Mar	Nominations	Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring)	Preparation	Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

Application Steps

Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.

If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

Climate

Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). Spring is an ideal time to explore the country’s cities and countryside, with flowers blooming and fewer tourists.
Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), particularly in inland areas like Madrid and Seville. Coastal areas like Barcelona and Valencia remain cooler, with a Mediterranean breeze.
Autumn (September to November): Warm and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). A great season for travel as crowds thin out and the weather remains pleasant.
Winter (December to February): Cool, especially in northern regions, with temperatures between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Coastal areas and the south remain mild, while mountainous regions experience snow, making it a popular time for skiing.

Travel Resources

Air: Major international airports include Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.
Train: Spain’s high-speed rail network, Renfe AVE, connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, providing fast and efficient travel.
Public Transport: Most cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including metro, buses, and trams. Multi-trip tickets and travel cards are widely available.

Cultural Resources

Historical Sites: Spain is home to iconic sites, including La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Alhambra in Granada, Park Güell, and the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Language: The official language is Spanish, but regional languages such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken in their respective areas.
Festivals: Popular events include La Tomatina in Buñol, Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Semana Santa (Holy Week) across various cities, and Fallas de Valencia.

Food & Diet

Cuisine: Traditional Spanish dishes include paella (rice dish), tapas (small plates), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), and churros.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in major cities where international cuisine is also popular. Traditional Spanish cuisine is often meat-based but adaptations are increasingly common.

Embassy/Consulate

U.S. Embassy in Madrid: Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid (Phone: +34 91 587-2200)
U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona (Phone: +34 93 280 22 27)

Identity-Specific Considerations

Accessibility: Spain is relatively accessible, particularly in major cities and modern buildings. Public transportation systems, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, are well-equipped for individuals with disabilities.
LGBTQ+: Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, with legal protections and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Major cities have inclusive communities and Pride events.
Religion: Spain is predominantly Roman Catholic, though religious diversity is increasing with growing Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, and secular communities.
Race & Ethnicity: Spain is ethnically diverse, with immigrant populations from Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe contributing to its cultural richness, though racial minorities may face occasional discrimination.
Gender: Gender equality is a priority in Spain, with strong legal protections and progressive policies, but challenges like wage gaps and gender-based violence remain areas of focus.

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by USAC.

U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a student visa before studying abroad in Spain for over 90 days. (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Students must gather required materials, including notarized documents, and submit their visa applications. The process takes 4-8 weeks for preparation and additional 4-8 weeks for processing. It's crucial to adhere to deadlines and apply early, considering potential delays. Visa validity aligns with program dates, and travel outside these dates requires additional research and visas. Depending on location, USAC may offer group visa submission services for the Consulate for your jurisdiction; otherwise, you will apply independently, which may include traveling to the nearest Consulate to apply in-person. USAC will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in USAC’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

USAC in Alicante

About this Program

Program Highlights

Level of Immersion

Features

Housing Abroad

Housing at Seattle University

Housing Residence Life

Housing Application

Disciplines

Courseload

Credit Conversion

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Transfer Credits

Placeholder Course

Program Fees

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Budget Worksheets

Participation Costs

Payment

Insurance

Scholarships

Student Journey

Application Steps

Climate

Travel Resources

Cultural Resources

Food & Diet

Embassy/Consulate

Identity-Specific Considerations

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?

The experience at a glance

Map