During the Summer 1 mini-term, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad with a group in Alicante, Spain. Alicante is an eastern coastal city, which makes it a popular tourist destination; however, it has a lot of rich culture and history. During my five weeks in Alicante, I took two Spanish courses, which covered the history of Spain as well as Spanish culture and customs. I also practiced my conversational and compositional Spanish skills through discussion and writing. I stayed in a homestay, which was by far my favorite aspect of the trip because it fully immersed me in Spanish culture and language and gave me new relationships.

Outside of the classroom, we had ample free time to walk around Alicante’s beautiful streets, go to the beach, visit museums and churches, or enjoy Spanish daily life. We learned how to use the public tram system, use a different currency, and I was able to practice speaking with locals, which is the most fruitful part of the experience. Some of the major sites in Alicante were the Castle of Santa Barbara, the Basilica of Santa Maria, and the Explanada. The castle overlooks the city and includes a beautiful hike through a small mountain. The basilica reflects the Catholic faith in Spain, and the Explanada is a colorfully paved walkway and is one of the defining features of Alicante. 

The class also took excursions to cities outside of Alicante. For example, we had a day trip to Valencia where we visited the cathedral and science museum, and also to Altea with a lighthouse hike and views of the Mediterranean Sea. These short trips were super fun and taught me a lot, but my favorite excursions were the ones in Alicante, such as the paella cooking class and the flamenco dance class! This summer study abroad is really special because it is during a massive festival called Hogueras, which celebrates the arrival of summer by burning massive wooden figures all over the city. The festivals last for about a week, and it is such a unique experience for all involved!

From my experience in Alicante, I have gained more knowledge and understanding of Spanish culture and language. I learned how to adapt quickly to new situations and customs, and I learned the differences between Spanish and American ways of life. I also gained new relationships while living in a homestay. I still communicate with my host mom, Rosi, and her daughter and granddaughter! Overall, this was a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I highly recommend studying abroad if you have the opportunity!