Universidad de Alicante
The University of Alicante (UA), a public institution on the Mediterranean coast, was established in 1979 on the basis of the Center for University Studies, which was founded in 1968. The University’s main campus is located in San Vicente del Raspeig, bordering the city of Alicante to the north. With a student population of 27,500 students, the University of Alicante includes around fifty study programs, over seventy university departments and research groups in the areas of Social Sciences and Law, Experimental Technology, Humanities, Education and Health Sciences, and five university research institutes developing the most outstanding research activities in the country.
Spain
The story of Spain includes empire, conquistadors, inquisition – and celebrated figures like Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, Dalí, Almodóvar, and Penelope Cruz. It has been written by Iberians, Celts, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Goths, Moors, Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Widely known for excellent food and art, flamenco music and dance, fantastic beaches, and lots of sunshine, Spain has been one of the cultural centers of Europe for thousands of years. Located along the Mediterranean, between France and Portugal, Spain is an exciting location to spend your academic year or semester, taking your education out of the classroom, giving you valuable international travel experience, and even letting you practice your Spanish skills where it all started.
Alicante
Alicante is a modern, welcoming city surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The magnificent sandy beaches and blue waters, sunny weather, rich history, and lovely monuments make Alicante a top destination in Spain. Nestled on Spain’s Costa Blanca, this city offers green parks, winding streets lined with tapas bars, and reliable public transportation that makes it easy to explore this gorgeous region, as well as other Spanish and European cities. For example, Alicante is located about 2 hours from Madrid in a high-speed train; 5 hours from Barcelona by regular train travel; and 1 hour and 35 minutes from Valencia by regular train travel.
Areas of Study
- Arts & Humanities
- Language and Linguistics
- Literary and Cultural Studies
- Translation & Interpreting, Humanities
- History and Geography
- Social Sciences & Law
- Business and Economics
- Law
- Tourism
- Sciences
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Optics
- Education
Courses taught in English
Spanish Language Courses. Exchange students can take one Spanish Language course for no additional tuition fees. There is a €50 course fee, which includes all course materials: student book, exercise book, course readings and access to an online platform where part of the course will be developed. Students will pay tuition and fees for any other additional Spanish Language courses.
Language of Instruction
A wide variety of courses taught in English are available through this program, as well as Spanish language courses at all levels.
Although no prior Spanish language study is required for the classes you will take, some prior Spanish language study is highly recommended for navigating life on campus and within the community. Students with no prior Spanish language study will be encouraged to take the above mentioned Spanish language course.
Academics
UA offers a large selection of courses across many majors. Academics are based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS); 1 ECTS credit equates to 25 hours of work: class contact hours (40%) and student independent work (60%); for example, if the course is allocated 6 ECTS, 60 hours are in class and 90 are from independent work of the student. The standard course load for students is 30 ECTS or 5 courses per semester.
Full-time enrollment:
30 UA/ECTS credits each semester = 15 UMF credits
UMF Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 UMF credits equivalence per semester, with a maximum enrollment of 15 credits.
Transfer credits:
6 ECTS = 3 credit hours at UMF
Grading Scale
UA Grade |
UMF Equivalent |
| 9 – 10 | A |
| 7 – 8.9 | B |
| 5 – 6.9 | C |
| 0 – 4.9 | F |
Academic Calendar
Fall Semester runs early-September to late December, with Finals during the middle two weeks of January
Spring Semester runs late-January to late-May, with Finals through mid-June
NOTE: The spring semester calendar does not allow for final semester Seniors to participate in UMF Commencement.
Program Cost
Students will pay UMF for 15 credits of UMF tuition and fees. All other program costs will be paid out of pocket and/or directly to the host institution.
Estimated BudgetHousing
Students participating in UMF’s semester in Spain are offered both on-campus and off-campus accommodations. Off-campus housing includes shared flats and home-stays. All flats and home-stays are located in the center of Alicante, within easy access to the campus through public transportation. Full-board and half-board are available options for home-stay students.
There are two University Halls of Residence:
The Villa Universitaria consists of 422 rooms with individual bathrooms, internet connection, and air conditioning. They come furnished with a bed, wardrobe, bookcase, and study table. Services and common areas such as the dining room, fitness room, swimming pool, parking, and reception are all accessible from the rooms. The Villa Universitaria offers standard single rooms and premium singles or doubles.
The Europa House is a hostel located 0.8 miles from campus. Students may choose from single rooms, double rooms, or XL single rooms. Each room is furnished with a bed, fridge, microwave, and desk. In-room services include air conditioning and heating, and internet. Services and common areas include WIFI in study rooms, television and leisure rooms, gym, bicycle parking, rest areas, and reading corners.
Helpful links
Office of Experiential & Global Education
University of Maine at Farmington
106 Fusion Space
117 South Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
Phone: 207-778-7122
exchangeprograms@maine.edu