Alicante - Universidad de Alicante

Q. What does this program offer?
A. The University of Missouri participates in a direct enrollment program with the University of Alicante in Alicante (UA), Spain. On-site student services and additonal academic options are also provided by the Academic Language Institute (ALI), an independent organization located in Alicante. Alicante hosts many international exchange programs with universities all over the world. At Alicante you will not only be immersed in Spanish culture, but also in the society of international students and travelers living in Spain.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Alicante is a sunny city on the Mediterranean coast, with sandy beaches and sparkling marinas set against stark, dry mountains. Along the coast you can boat, dive, fish, swim, sunbathe or just people watch. Inland, you can camp, hike, and rock climb. Alicante is a lively, provincial capital with all the cultural events you'd expect in a big city, but with the intimacy of a small town. "El Barrio" is an entire neighborhood in the historic district dedicated to discos and bars that booms with people and music every weekend. Along narrow stone pathways and in centuries-old buildings, you can meet friends and dance to music from all over the world.

Q. What will I study?
A. Your studies will begin with an intensive month-long Spanish language class in either September or January. Afterwards, you will enroll in regular university courses in biology, chemistry, education, history, geography, business, engineering, and language and literature. In addition to regular UA classes, MU students also have the option to enroll in additional Spanish Language courses, International Business courses, and/or a specialized travel course offered through ALI. These additional course options are not included in the cost of the program, and come at an additional cost to the student. The on-site program coordinators assist MU students in course selection and registration once they arrive in Alicante.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. You are required to live with a Spanish family (homestay) for the first month. The cost for one month with a family is $900 (approx. $30/day), which includes full room & board. Many students choose to find a shared apartment following the first month, which is reflected in the estimated program costs. The on-site coordinators will assist you in securing housing following the first month. Costs vary depending upon the housing option you choose.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you will receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to get pre-approval for how the courses you take might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program and then arrange to meet with your academic advisor(s) to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you; however, this is a fee-paying program, where MU students pay the tuition and fees for visiting students set by the host university. You will pay MU educational fees, non-resident fees (for non-Missouri residents), the information technology fee for 13 hours, a program fee, and a $350 study abroad administrative fee. You will need to budget additional funds for the Student Visa ($300), your international airfare, housing costs, personal expenses and travel. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application. More information is also available on the MU Financial Aid Office website.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, you are eligible to apply. In addition, you must have completed a minimum of four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent (preferably Spanish 2160) prior to participating in the program.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Universidad de Alicante website for more information about the program.