Spanish culture and intercultural communication in Alicante

Key Information

Information

Application Deadline: 24/10/22 at 9:00 am

Ref: 10007121

Dates

Departure Date: 26/03/23

Return Date: 31/03/23

Costs

£425: the estimated cost for travel and accommodation (excluding any support). Students will also be required to pay for: UK and in-country transfers, visits, food and drink, visa (if applicable))

Funding

DMU Global Bursary: £325

Booking

Accommodation: On-campus accommodation will be booked by DMU, with students in shared rooms

Travel: Travel will be booked by DMU

Contact

General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

Eligibility

All DMU students are eligible to participate on this opportunity but it would be particularly relevant to those with a demonstrable interest in intercultural learning, students enrolled on a Spanish language course and/or first-year students who are considering studying abroad on exchange.

There are a maximum of 15 places available, with a minimum of 10 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommend to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

About

Trip description

This trip hosted by the University of Alicante will give participants the opportunity to explore Spanish culture, while developing their intercultural competence. Through an immersive experience, where students will stay in accommodation on-campus and complete 2-days of taught content delivered by University of Alicante academics, participants will get a feel of what it is like to study at a Spanish University.

The taught content on this trip will be a 10-hour short course on the topic of intercultural communication. The aim of this course to help prepare learners to prosper in an interconnected, multicultural and rapidly changing world and as a result of participating it is hoped that individuals are able to develop the skills and knowledge required to navigate globalised environments and to appreciate the benefits of cultural diversity. As a result of completing this interactive learning, participants will develop competencies that facilitate effective communication during intercultural interactions.

Through the course and interactions with the University of Alicante students and staff will get a first-hand insight to Spanish culture. There will be opportunities to engage with Spanish peers during a campus tour, a welcome event and a tapas cooking course.  

The total cost for flights and accommodation for this trip to Alicante is £425. The DMU Global bursary of £325 will be deducted from the total cost meaning students will be expected to pay just £100.


Learning objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop knowledge, skills and competencies that enhance your studies. The objectives of this trip to Alicante are to…

  • Experience and learn about Spanish culture through taught activity and interactions with Spanish peers
  • Develop intercultural competency to be able to interpret global issues, understand and appreciate different world views, and are able to effectively interact across cultures
  • Experience teaching and learning in a different country and culture
  • Inspire participants to pursue further international study/work opportunities and intercultural learning


Cultural activities

As part of this opportunity, there will be organised guided visits to Guadalest, a Valencian mountain top village and Las Fuentes del Algar, a picturesque nature reserve which features waterfalls, hiking routes and swimming holes.

There will also be free time during the week for exploring Alicante independently. Top attractions include the 16th century castle Castillo de Santa Bárbara which offers sweeping views of the city; the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante home to an excellent collection of 20th century Spanish art; and Basílica de Santa María, the old-towns flamboyant 18th century church. Additionally, there’s a long waterfront with numerous beaches and an excellent eating scene.

COVID-19 information

Travel to Spain is permitted according to the travel rules for England as listed on UK Government website. Students are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travel. Further guidance can be found on the FCDO webpage for Spain.

All students that are offered a place on this DMU Global opportunity will receive further COVID-19 advice and guidance by email and in pre-departure briefing sessions. More details and COVID-19 Travel Information can be found here.