Alicante
Alicante
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DO NOT MAKE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PLANS starting 4/1/2026.
Located on Spain's famous Costa Blanca, Alicante not disappoint as far as location is concerned. The historic Santa Bárbara Castle will be the backdrop to your daily life- your struggles, triumphs, studies-all of it! Known for its sunny climate, sandy beaches, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, Alicante blends modern promenades and nightlife with charming old-town streets, making it the perfect place to explore Spanish language, culture, and more.
While Unviersidad de Alicante offers a host of classes in English that are available to Holy Cross students, all students are required to take a minimum of one Spanish Language class per semester in Alicante. Students will be tested to ensure they are placed at the appropriate level.
Fall 2026 PROGRAM DATES
Fall 2026 PROGRAM DATES
Before the fall semester starts in Alicante, all students will participate in a three week pre-university language intensive program at Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) in Santander, Spain. This intensive program is designed to help students "level-up" their Spanish skills in preparation for the semester in Alicante.
Arrival Day in Santander: August 7th, 8th, or 9th
Official End Date Santander: Sunday, August 30th, 2026
Move-in Day Alicante: Sunday, August 30th, 2026
Program End*: Saturday, December 19th, 2026
*All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period, as they cannot arrange to take exams at a time other than the one assigned for the class. See the Student Contract for the policy.
Getting There
Getting There
You will purchase a flight arriving to Madrid Airport from your 'home airport'- wherever that may be! Once you land in Madrid, you will take a connecting flight, train, or bus either to Alicante (spring semester) or Santander (fall semester).
Our Policy on Travel
Our Policy on Travel
In any language-immersion program, the goal is just that: immersion. We encourage students to limit travel outside of Spain. There is so much to see in Spain! If you get the 'travel bug', we encourage you to explore different regions of Spain before venturing further afield. !Ojo! We highly discourage booking personal travel before you arrive in Spain. During orientation, you'll find out about trips and excursions offered through your program, some of which are mandatory. Wait until you are on the ground and have your schedule before booking personal travel.
Discover Alicante.
Discover Alicante.
Alicante has a rich history shaped by many civilizations over thousands of years. Originally settled by the Iberians, it later became an important Roman outpost known as Lucentum. The city was subsequently ruled by the Moors, who left a lasting influence on its culture and architecture, including the foundations of Santa Bárbara Castle. In 1247, Alicante was reconquered by Christian forces under Alfonso X of Castile, marking its integration into the Kingdom of Castile. Throughout the centuries, it developed into a key Mediterranean port, playing an important role in trade, especially during Spain’s maritime expansion.
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