Take advantage of the unique flavor Alicante has to offer. CEA offers a variety of local immersion activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy music concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or something entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the local culture. Here are just some examples.
Volunteer Program with ASPANION
Volunteer and work with children with health problems through ASPANION, an association for parents who have children with cancer. It was founded in 1985 in order to increase awareness about the needs of these children and their families. After three weeks in Alicante students will be taken to the ASPANION office, located in the General Hospital. Students will start participating in the volunteer program in the days following the interview with ASPANION staff. Students will spend a few hours in the General Hospital with these children and may be able to accompany members of the association during activities and trips. They will be able to volunteer at the Hospital from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Forestal Program through Generalitat Valenciana
This is a great opportunity to volunteer to help with maintaining the environment. Students are taken to the interior part of the mountains to discover unique places hard to reach on their own; this is a perfect opportunity to interact with locals. The Forest Volunteering program is supported by the Environmental Department, Social Welfare in the Valencian Region, the Valencian Youth Institute and Bancaja. By participating in this volunteer program, students will learn about fire prevention and maintenance of the forest. It will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, lasting the entire day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Students will discuss their days of availability with the volunteer coordinators. If students commit to this program for ten sessions, they can receive an official Regional Award for his/her participation. Each day that they participate in the program they receive a 6 euro check for meal expenses during the day.
What Students Say
"The volunteering went really well. We traveled through some beautiful terrain and spoke a lot of Spanish with the workers."
-Andrew Granger, Spring 2008
"It was so great!! I'm so excited to go again this weekend! It was an amazing way to get to know the Spanish countryside and chatting with the guides was great! As soon as our day had finished I wanted to do it all over again! (Warning to future hikers: If you get carsick, bring medicine, because it is a long, windy, bumpy ride!)."
-Meg Hesness, Spring 2008
"The great selection of extra-curricular activities is what separates CEA from other program providers. My favorite is the Forest Fire Prevention. A fun day of hiking through the mountains with expert guides. Not only did I learn about of vegetation and fire hazards, but I also had the opportunity to practice my Spanish!"
-Phil Strong, Spring 2008
ASOKA El Grande – Volunteer Program with Abandoned Animals
Asoka el Grande is a non-profit organization whose main goal is to denounce the abandonment and mistreatment of animals. Asoka el Grande promotes the well being of animals and manages their adoption through their center in Alicante. Every year, about 70 animals are picked by this organization and thanks to their efforts; all of these animals have a second opportunity in their lives. CEA Students can volunteer at their Animal Shelter Center performing such tasks as taking the dogs out for a walk, feeding the animals, helping maintain its installations, and provide medication to those that need it. Asoka el Grande is a well established organization in the Valencian Region and continues to expand their network in our province.
What Students Say
"Being involved with ASOKA was a wonderful opportunity. It was a great way to practice Spanish with other and to give love and care to animals. I highly recommend this to everyone. My friends and I had so much fun volunteering.
-Jennifer Petersen, Spring 2008
"It was a great experience! It was cool to see all the different animals! Diego also showed us all of the edible plants on his property and sent us home with two fresh oranges, almonds, and fresh eggs from his chickens. Having the opportunity to work with ASOKA was amazing. Being able to play with the animals and give them the love they deserve was a great feeling and a great experience."
-Ashley Hollenback, Spring 2008
"All the animals are very friendly. The turkey was cool; he would walk around strutting his stuff for Ashley. I already got to know some of the animals pretty well. But the coolest thing was all the stuff I learned about the flora of Spain. Diego is a very smart man, and very nice too.
-Justin Plant, Spring 2008
Language Exchanges Program/Intercambios
CEA will facilitate the first meeting and make the introduction to Spanish college students; students are encouraged to find a partner and exchange contact information so that other meetings can be arranged to practice language skills. This is a great way to meet locals and to be immersed in the culture. Intercambios take place several times during the semester; they are usually organized in the evening between 5:00 and 6:00 PM at ESATUR School and the Official Languages School. Finally, students can arrange individual meetings through our One on One Intercambio Program.
What Students Say
"The Intercambios are great because everyone understands what it’s like to learn a new language and so the environment is very comfortable and fun! You meet a lot of cool people with different stories all while practicing Spanish."
-Meg Hesness, Spring 2008
Alicante Step by Step Tours
What are Alicante Step by Step tours? They are short tours around Alicante and its province designed to make students more acquainted with our town, surroundings, traditions and its resources. Students have the opportunity to tour the city and its surroundings. They will learn how to get around and learn about local traditions, history, and places of interest in Alicante.
Workshops Program
Students can participate in workshops outside the classroom that will compliment the academic experience. Workshops in Alicante are offered by several organizations and institutions such as the International Club and PIC at the University of Alicante, Centro 14, Aula Joven CAM & Bancaja, etc.
