Alicante is a charming and historical port city on the east coast of Spain. Enjoyed each year by thousands of tourists from all over Europe, the city is one of the fastest-growing in all of Spain in terms of the economy and production. With a population of approximately 320,000 inhabitants and further 400,000 in the surrounding region, it is a busy city but not one that is overcrowded. The region is served by an international airport and has a ferry service that makes regular journeys to the Balearics and to Algeria in Africa, allowing a multitude of transport options. There is also an excellent public transport system that connects the city with the surrounding area, especially the TRAM service. With the increased influx of tourists during the mid nineties, the area was forced to improve this service to enable people to get to their destinations quickly and efficiently. Consequently, the service today is arguably the best in Eastern Spain. The city has a very central position on the Costa Blanca. The heart or focal point of Alicante is the Esplanada, a broad boulevard parallel to the sea and fringed on both sides by four rows of date palms. This area is surrounded by the vibrant city centre with its restaurants, bars and shops. Despite the absence of an old town centre, the area displays numerous remnants of its glorious past, a factor that adds to the charm of the city. One example is the Castillo Santa Bárbara castle, which has risen majestically above the city for hundreds of years. On the other hand, the harbour with its numerous trendy bars, restaurants and terraces, stands out in sharp contrast to the castle. Owing to the fact that the region enjoys a wonderful climate all year round, the city is a favourable destination for learning Spanish, even during the winter. Alicante is a great place in which to do a Spanish course and there is so much to do here, the problem is fitting it all in!
The language school Our partner school, the Colegio Internacional is located in the heart of Alicante, within 5 minutes walk from the sea and the Esplanada and within walking distance of the bus station.The language institute was founded by a group of professional language teachers, who are all very friendly and experienced. The school has an atmosphere that is both professional and relaxed, making learning easy. There are several Spanish courses on offer at the school. These are beginner, elementary, intermediate, upper intermediate, advanced and superior and students are given a written test on arrival to determine the standard of Spanish spoken. The student will be presented with a certificate at the end of their course as a signature of achievement.
Social Programme
The accommodation for students is in the form of host families and student shared apartments. Both types of accommodation provide the student with a great opportunity of practising their spanish and meeting new people. All accommodation has been selected and is visited regularly by the staff. Besides, our partner language school in Alicante offers many extra-curricular activities in the hours after class. These include excursions to nearby villages, flamenco dancing, parties, art exhibitions, Spanish plays, films and golf and adventure sports.
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Impression
I studied Spanish in Alicante in June and I had the rare privilege of witnessing “Las Hogueras de San Juan” regional festival first hand. The festival lasted 5 days …and nights (20th –24th of June). It was quite pleasant and unique to be present at the festivities!
Aurélie Laurent, France.
