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Spain Spring Semester

Dates

January 4 – May 25, 2025

Cost

$10,750 (Dorm, without meals) OR
$12,500 (Homestay, with 3 meals/day)
+ Airfare
   

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Spanish Courses: from Lower Intermediate to Advanced levels
English Courses: Art | Media | Business & Economics | Communication | Hospitality Management & Tourism |
Psychology | Social Sciences

Deadlines

Sept. 15: Application Deadline 

Program Overview

Spring Semester program in Alicante, Spain

The KIIS Spain Spring Semester program in Alicante is an ideal setting for students to experience Spanish language, culture, and history. Located on the Mediterranean coast of southeast Spain, this city enjoys a mild and sunny climate with palm trees adorning the beautiful promenade and the many lovely plazas in the city. Students can explore and discover a historic and culturally rich region while enjoying the bountiful modern-day amenities such as cafes, markets, shopping, and nightlife that make this city a popular destination. The campus of the University of Alicante is modern, well-equipped with extracurricular facilities (campus gym, track, pool, student clubs), and connected to the city center (10-15 mins) by an excellent transportation system. Students have the option of residing in an on-campus dorm or with a local homestay family. The program includes local day trips and group activities, which are offered weekly. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga, are all within several hours by train from Alicante. The semester schedule includes a two-week Easter/Spring break allowing students ample time to travel and discover these beautiful cities in Spain.
Students can earn 12-15 credit hours over the semester. In the month of January, all students enroll in a month-long intensive Spanish language class (be it at Intermediate SPAN 201 or SPAN 202, high Intermediate 300-level or Advanced 400-level). For the remaining courses, students have the option of a mix of some Spanish and some English, or all English courses, or an entire semester of Spanish courses. See Course Options below for further details. 

Language Requirement: At least 6 credit hours of college-level Spanish or equivalent by the time of departure (by the end of the fall semester prior to the spring semester). Spanish courses taught in Spanish. Other subjects taught in English.

Accommodations: Dorm (accommodation w/o meals) or Homestay (accommodation + 3 meals/day). 

Orientation: Mandatory orientation, date and location, TBA. See Orientation for more information.

Coordinator: Maria Canning

Course Options

Courses are 3 credit hours (or 6 ECTS European credit hours).  You will select 4-5 courses (12-15 credit hours) 

  1. The semester program begins with a Spanish intensive language course determined by your level in Spanish. This is a required 3-credit hour course completed in the first month of the program. Select your level based upon Spanish credit hours completed. Refer to your academic advisor or use the following as a guide: 
    • If you have completed 6 credit hours of Spanish, you will select SPAN 201
    • If you have completed 9 credit hours of Spanish, you will select SPAN 202
    • If you have completed 12 credit hours of Spanish, you will select SPAN 306 Experiencing Spanish Abroad
    • If you have completed 18 credit hours of Spanish, you may select SPAN 306 or SPAN 455 Advanced Spanish Studies
  2. For your next 3 or 4 courses (9 or 12 credit hours), you have the following options:
    • Select a mix of Spanish and English courses
      Note: English courses are offered in a traditional semester-length format (late Jan – mid-May), Spanish language courses at the University of Alicante are typically offered in monthly blocks (you will take one Spanish course in a month/block before moving on to the next course month/block). For example, if you select to take two English courses and two additional Spanish courses over the of the Spring Semester, you will take your two English classes concurrently, from late Jan to mid-May, yet the two Spanish courses, you will take in individual monthly blocks, the first early-Feb to early-March, then the next course, early-March to early-April. As a reminder, all KIIS Spain Semester students complete a first intensive Spanish course from early-Jan to early-Feb. Several select Spanish courses are available as traditional semester-long courses.
    • Select 3-4 additional Spanish courses, which you will complete in monthly blocks and/or traditional semester-long courses
    • select 3-4 additional English courses, which are traditional semester-long courses
  3. You must select a total of 4 or 5 courses (12 or 15 credit hours) for this semester program. 

Courses in Spanish

Courses are 3 credit hours (or 6 ECTS European credit hours). Spanish courses are typically taken in monthly blocks. Refer to Course Options above.

SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I

A systematic review of grammar and development of reading skills. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II

Further review of grammar and development of reading skills. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 306 Experiencing Spanish Abroad

Supervised language and cultural studies accomplished during a study abroad program. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 331 Business Spanish

Introduction to terminology related to economics, business administration, markets, and associated forms of professional communication.

SPAN 345 Topics in Spanish

This course will develop linguistic and critical reading skills, and cultural understanding through examination of different contemporary topics in the Hispanic world.

SPAN 370 Spanish Conversation

Exercises in pronunciation, comprehension and oral expression.

SPAN 371 Spanish Composition & Grammar

Controlled written compositions and oral expression. Systematic and intensive review of grammar.

SPAN 373 Spanish Civilization & Culture

Survey of historical and cultural background of Spain and its people from the Roman colonization to the present.

SPAN 374 Literature & Culture of Spain

An introduction to the culture of Spain through the study and analysis of literary texts. The course discusses the historical contexts and cultural milieu that produced selected course texts.

SPAN 455 Advanced Spanish Studies

Examines different literary and cultural topics of interest in Hispanic Studies.

SPAN 470 Advanced Oral Spanish

Conversation units, dramatic sketches, original oral topics.

SPAN 471 Advanced Spanish Composition

Examination of selected literary works; original compositions on selected topics.

English Courses

Courses are 3 credit hours (or 6 ECTS European credit hours). All English courses are traditional semester-long courses.
Note: English Course offerings at the University of Alicante are subject to change. Scheduling conflicts may affect your desired course selection.

ART, MEDIA, COMMUNICATION & CULTURE

A/V Media Production

Intercultural Communication

BUSINESS & TOURISM

Economics of Development

Introduction to Macroeconomics

Market Research I

Research in Tourism

Anthropology of Tourism

POLITICAL SCIENCE, SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINOLOGY

Introduction to Political Science

Sociology of International Relations

Sociology of Deviance

HEALTH SCIENCES

All KIIS Spain Semester course credit is awarded by the University of Alicante and transferred to WKU upon successful completion of the semester study abroad program. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution by mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

Valencia & Oceanogràfic

Optional/Independent. Students will visit Valencia, the third most-populated city in Spain and home to the largest oceanarium in Europe. Following a guided tour of the city and sights, students will visit the architectural complex of the oceanarium park within the City of Arts and Sciences. The park is segmented into different habitats from freshwater, to wetlands, to the open ocean. The park was designed for leisure, and as a training and research center in oceanography.

Alicante Tour & Castle

Included in Program. Students will be introduced to Alicante, from taking in the sights of the bustling port to strolling down the promenade. They will walk through the old city neighborhoods, navigating the narrow streets, and noting the historic landmarks in the city. They will discover popular dining and shopping areas, and local entertainment spots. The tour will also visit the Castle, the impressive towering citadel of Santa Bárbara, which overlooks the city and the beautiful Mediterranean coast. 

Granada

Optional/Independent. The highlight of a visit to Granada is to explore the grand Alhambra, a towering fortress and a notable monument to Islamic architecture. Upon entering the complex, discover the fascinating history behind the dazzling palaces, manicured gardens, and reflection pools, dating from the occupation of the Moors. Beyond the fortress, Granada is a bustling city to explore and experience the Moorish culture and cuisine.

Madrid

Optional/Independent. Students can easily visit Madrid (2 hours by high-speed train from Alicante) to explore the famous sights of the capital of Spain, or may sign up for a group excursion. Group itinerary sights may include: the Paseo de la Castellana, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Las Ventas Bullring, Gran Vía, Cibeles, Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Madrid de los Austrias, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de las Ramales. 

Civil War Shelters

Optional/Independent.  The Spanish Civil War of the 1930's left a shockwave in Alicante and throughout Spain when more than 300 civilians died in a single bombing raid. In the aftermath of the attack, authorities built underground shelters in proportion to the population of Alicante. Today, a guided tour will take you into some of the approx. ninety air raid shelters to see the cold reality of how civilians sheltered from the air raid bombings.

What's Included

Program Cost: $10,750 (Dorm, w/o meals) – $12,500 (Homestay, with 3meals/day)
+ Airfare

Earn up to 15 Credit Hours

Airport Transfers in Alicante (start and end of program)

Accommodations

Three Meals per Day (if in Homestay)

Groups Excursions & Transport

University Student ID

Security Evacuation Protection

Local Coordinator on-site 24/7

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & internet fees, passport fees (approx. $165), visa fees (approx. $160, and travel expenses for visa appointment- see Visa section below), meals (if not in homestay, approx. $400/month), personal expenses (approx. $100/month), local bus/tram pass (approx. $35/month), independent travel ($1500, optional) and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

International Flight

Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $1,300

The Spain Spring Semester program does not offer a group flight option. You will purchase your own roundtrip airfare to Alicante. KIIS will provide guidance on flight arrival and departure. You may opt to fly directly into and from Alicante, or if you opt to fly into/from Madrid, you will need to purchase your train tickets between Madrid and Alicante.

Flights to Spain are typically overnight flights, arriving the following morning. Return flights from Spain to the USA are typically the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Visa

The KIIS Spain Spring Semester program is over the 90-day tourist allowance and therefore requires you to obtain a student visa for Spain. KIIS will guide you through the visa process with specific steps. You will be required to complete all steps on time to avoid delays in your visa application. An in-person appointment may be required at a Visa Application location in Chicago (other locations available). You should budget accordingly for travel to this appointment.  For more information on the student visa application process, visit the Spanish Consulate website for the visa application and list of required documents and fees. After acceptance, KIIS will provide you an official letter for your visa application. Review Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

Take Your Education Further

Category:

Description

Dates

January 4 – May 25, 2025

Cost

$10,750 (Dorm, without meals) OR
$12,500 (Homestay, with 3 meals/day)
+ Airfare
   

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Spanish Courses: from Lower Intermediate to Advanced levels
English Courses: Art | Media | Business & Economics | Communication | Hospitality Management & Tourism |
Psychology | Social Sciences

Deadlines

Sept. 15: Application Deadline 

Program Overview

Spring Semester program in Alicante, Spain

The KIIS Spain Spring Semester program in Alicante is an ideal setting for students to experience Spanish language, culture, and history. Located on the Mediterranean coast of southeast Spain, this city enjoys a mild and sunny climate with palm trees adorning the beautiful promenade and the many lovely plazas in the city. Students can explore and discover a historic and culturally rich region while enjoying the bountiful modern-day amenities such as cafes, markets, shopping, and nightlife that make this city a popular destination. The campus of the University of Alicante is modern, well-equipped with extracurricular facilities (campus gym, track, pool, student clubs), and connected to the city center (10-15 mins) by an excellent transportation system. Students have the option of residing in an on-campus dorm or with a local homestay family. The program includes local day trips and group activities, which are offered weekly. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga, are all within several hours by train from Alicante. The semester schedule includes a two-week Easter/Spring break allowing students ample time to travel and discover these beautiful cities in Spain.
Students can earn 12-15 credit hours over the semester. In the month of January, all students enroll in a month-long intensive Spanish language class (be it at Intermediate SPAN 201 or SPAN 202, high Intermediate 300-level or Advanced 400-level). For the remaining courses, students have the option of a mix of some Spanish and some English, or all English courses, or an entire semester of Spanish courses. See Course Options below for further details. 

Language Requirement: At least 6 credit hours of college-level Spanish or equivalent by the time of departure (by the end of the fall semester prior to the spring semester). Spanish courses taught in Spanish. Other subjects taught in English.

Accommodations: Dorm (accommodation w/o meals) or Homestay (accommodation + 3 meals/day). 

Orientation: Mandatory orientation, date and location, TBA. See Orientation for more information.

Coordinator: Maria Canning

Course Options

Courses are 3 credit hours (or 6 ECTS European credit hours).  You will select 4-5 courses (12-15 credit hours) 

  1. The semester program begins with a Spanish intensive language course determined by your level in Spanish. This is a required 3-credit hour course completed in the first month of the program. Select your level based upon Spanish credit hours completed. Refer to your academic advisor or use the following as a guide: 
    • If you have completed 6 credit hours of Spanish, you will select SPAN 201
    • If you have completed 9 credit hours of Spanish, you will select SPAN 202
    • If you have completed 12 credit hours of Spanish, you will select SPAN 306 Experiencing Spanish Abroad
    • If you have completed 18 credit hours of Spanish, you may select SPAN 306 or SPAN 455 Advanced Spanish Studies
  2. For your next 3 or 4 courses (9 or 12 credit hours), you have the following options:
    • Select a mix of Spanish and English courses
      Note: English courses are offered in a traditional semester-length format (late Jan – mid-May), Spanish language courses at the University of Alicante are typically offered in monthly blocks (you will take one Spanish course in a month/block before moving on to the next course month/block). For example, if you select to take two English courses and two additional Spanish courses over the of the Spring Semester, you will take your two English classes concurrently, from late Jan to mid-May, yet the two Spanish courses, you will take in individual monthly blocks, the first early-Feb to early-March, then the next course, early-March to early-April. As a reminder, all KIIS Spain Semester students complete a first intensive Spanish course from early-Jan to early-Feb. Several select Spanish courses are available as traditional semester-long courses.
    • Select 3-4 additional Spanish courses, which you will complete in monthly blocks and/or traditional semester-long courses
    • select 3-4 additional English courses, which are traditional semester-long courses
  3. You must select a total of 4 or 5 courses (12 or 15 credit hours) for this semester program. 

Courses in Spanish

Courses are 3 credit hours (or 6 ECTS European credit hours). Spanish courses are typically taken in monthly blocks. Refer to Course Options above.

SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I

A systematic review of grammar and development of reading skills. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II

Further review of grammar and development of reading skills. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 306 Experiencing Spanish Abroad

Supervised language and cultural studies accomplished during a study abroad program. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 331 Business Spanish

Introduction to terminology related to economics, business administration, markets, and associated forms of professional communication.

SPAN 345 Topics in Spanish

This course will develop linguistic and critical reading skills, and cultural understanding through examination of different contemporary topics in the Hispanic world.

SPAN 370 Spanish Conversation

Exercises in pronunciation, comprehension and oral expression.

SPAN 371 Spanish Composition & Grammar

Controlled written compositions and oral expression. Systematic and intensive review of grammar.

SPAN 373 Spanish Civilization & Culture

Survey of historical and cultural background of Spain and its people from the Roman colonization to the present.

SPAN 374 Literature & Culture of Spain

An introduction to the culture of Spain through the study and analysis of literary texts. The course discusses the historical contexts and cultural milieu that produced selected course texts.

SPAN 455 Advanced Spanish Studies

Examines different literary and cultural topics of interest in Hispanic Studies.

SPAN 470 Advanced Oral Spanish

Conversation units, dramatic sketches, original oral topics.

SPAN 471 Advanced Spanish Composition

Examination of selected literary works; original compositions on selected topics.

English Courses

Courses are 3 credit hours (or 6 ECTS European credit hours). All English courses are traditional semester-long courses.
Note: English Course offerings at the University of Alicante are subject to change. Scheduling conflicts may affect your desired course selection.

ART, MEDIA, COMMUNICATION & CULTURE

A/V Media Production

Intercultural Communication

BUSINESS & TOURISM

Economics of Development

Introduction to Macroeconomics

Market Research I

Research in Tourism

Anthropology of Tourism

POLITICAL SCIENCE, SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINOLOGY

Introduction to Political Science

Sociology of International Relations

Sociology of Deviance

HEALTH SCIENCES

All KIIS Spain Semester course credit is awarded by the University of Alicante and transferred to WKU upon successful completion of the semester study abroad program. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution by mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

Valencia & Oceanogràfic

Optional/Independent. Students will visit Valencia, the third most-populated city in Spain and home to the largest oceanarium in Europe. Following a guided tour of the city and sights, students will visit the architectural complex of the oceanarium park within the City of Arts and Sciences. The park is segmented into different habitats from freshwater, to wetlands, to the open ocean. The park was designed for leisure, and as a training and research center in oceanography.

Alicante Tour & Castle

Included in Program. Students will be introduced to Alicante, from taking in the sights of the bustling port to strolling down the promenade. They will walk through the old city neighborhoods, navigating the narrow streets, and noting the historic landmarks in the city. They will discover popular dining and shopping areas, and local entertainment spots. The tour will also visit the Castle, the impressive towering citadel of Santa Bárbara, which overlooks the city and the beautiful Mediterranean coast. 

Granada

Optional/Independent. The highlight of a visit to Granada is to explore the grand Alhambra, a towering fortress and a notable monument to Islamic architecture. Upon entering the complex, discover the fascinating history behind the dazzling palaces, manicured gardens, and reflection pools, dating from the occupation of the Moors. Beyond the fortress, Granada is a bustling city to explore and experience the Moorish culture and cuisine.

Madrid

Optional/Independent. Students can easily visit Madrid (2 hours by high-speed train from Alicante) to explore the famous sights of the capital of Spain, or may sign up for a group excursion. Group itinerary sights may include: the Paseo de la Castellana, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Las Ventas Bullring, Gran Vía, Cibeles, Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Madrid de los Austrias, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de las Ramales. 

Civil War Shelters

Optional/Independent.  The Spanish Civil War of the 1930's left a shockwave in Alicante and throughout Spain when more than 300 civilians died in a single bombing raid. In the aftermath of the attack, authorities built underground shelters in proportion to the population of Alicante. Today, a guided tour will take you into some of the approx. ninety air raid shelters to see the cold reality of how civilians sheltered from the air raid bombings.

What's Included

Program Cost: $10,750 (Dorm, w/o meals) – $12,500 (Homestay, with 3meals/day)
+ Airfare

Earn up to 15 Credit Hours

Airport Transfers in Alicante (start and end of program)

Accommodations

Three Meals per Day (if in Homestay)

Groups Excursions & Transport

University Student ID

Security Evacuation Protection

Local Coordinator on-site 24/7

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & internet fees, passport fees (approx. $165), visa fees (approx. $160, and travel expenses for visa appointment- see Visa section below), meals (if not in homestay, approx. $400/month), personal expenses (approx. $100/month), local bus/tram pass (approx. $35/month), independent travel ($1500, optional) and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

International Flight

Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $1,300

The Spain Spring Semester program does not offer a group flight option. You will purchase your own roundtrip airfare to Alicante. KIIS will provide guidance on flight arrival and departure. You may opt to fly directly into and from Alicante, or if you opt to fly into/from Madrid, you will need to purchase your train tickets between Madrid and Alicante.

Flights to Spain are typically overnight flights, arriving the following morning. Return flights from Spain to the USA are typically the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Visa

The KIIS Spain Spring Semester program is over the 90-day tourist allowance and therefore requires you to obtain a student visa for Spain. KIIS will guide you through the visa process with specific steps. You will be required to complete all steps on time to avoid delays in your visa application. An in-person appointment may be required at a Visa Application location in Chicago (other locations available). You should budget accordingly for travel to this appointment.  For more information on the student visa application process, visit the Spanish Consulate website for the visa application and list of required documents and fees. After acceptance, KIIS will provide you an official letter for your visa application. Review Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

Take Your Education Further

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