Semester in Spain Offers Florida Southern Students a New Perspective on Learning
Sep 8, 2026
Each spring, Florida Southern College students have the opportunity to trade the familiar for a new perspective through the FSC’s Semester in Spain program. In Spring 2027, students will once again have the chance to make Alicante, Spain, their home while continuing their academic journey.
Through FSC’s Semester in Spain program, students will spend the spring semester living and studying in Alicante, a Mediterranean city known for its beaches, history, culture and vibrant community. The experience allows students to continue making progress toward their degrees while immersing themselves in life in another country.
Dr. Centeno, Professor of Analytics and Supply Chain in the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, serves as the program’s faculty leader. After recently spending time in Alicante meeting with students, faculty and program partners, Centeno returned with a deeper appreciation for the experience awaiting FSC students.
“My goal is not simply to move our Lakeland classroom to Alicante,” Centeno said. “We are going all the way to Spain and we will take advantage of being there with projects and collaborations with businesses!”
Students will take two Spanish courses through Proyecto Español, with no prior Spanish-language experience required. Upon arrival, students will be evaluated and placed in a course appropriate for their level, allowing students to continue progressing toward their degrees while incorporating the unique opportunities available in Spain.
The experience will extend beyond coursework. Students will have opportunities to interact with local organizations and businesses, participate in cultural activities and explore destinations throughout Spain, including Cartagena and Valencia. They will also have time to experience Alicante independently and become familiar with everyday life in the city.
“When you are living in another country, suddenly culture, communication, business, economics, language and even problem solving are not just topics in a textbook; instead, you are experiencing them every day,” Centeno said.
For Maya Amir, a current junior in the Class of 2028 pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Marine Biology, the experience also offered an opportunity to form lasting connections with fellow students.
“My experience in Spain was nothing short of life-changing,” Amir said. “Besides full linguistic immersion, what really stood out to me was how incredible my cohort was. While we all made Spanish and international friends, the real lifelong bonds were with each other. Jointly navigating a foreign country brings a group together in a way that the traditional college experience never could.”
Unlike a short-term study-abroad trip, the Semester in Spain program gives students the opportunity to live in Alicante for an entire semester and become part of the local community. This opportunity gives students a firsthand look at Spanish language, traditions and daily life.
Living with Spanish host families is one of the program’s most immersive elements, featuring many families who have welcomed FSC students for years. FSC’s relationship with its partners in Alicante has been in place for nearly 30 years, providing students with an established program and experienced local support.
With space limited, the priority application date for the spring 2027 program is Sept. 15, 2026.
Students interested in learning more about the program can attend an informational meeting from 11 to 11:30 AM on Friday September 11. The meeting will be led by Centeno, Student Travel coordinator Beth Moran, Associate Professors of Spanish Dr. Garcia and Dr. Garr, and students who have previously participated in the program.
Students can also express their interest and receive additional information by completing the Semester in Spain interest form below: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jteZtTwtNM?origin=lprLink
Through FSC’s Semester in Spain program, students will spend the spring semester living and studying in Alicante, a Mediterranean city known for its beaches, history, culture and vibrant community. The experience allows students to continue making progress toward their degrees while immersing themselves in life in another country.
Dr. Centeno, Professor of Analytics and Supply Chain in the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, serves as the program’s faculty leader. After recently spending time in Alicante meeting with students, faculty and program partners, Centeno returned with a deeper appreciation for the experience awaiting FSC students.
“My goal is not simply to move our Lakeland classroom to Alicante,” Centeno said. “We are going all the way to Spain and we will take advantage of being there with projects and collaborations with businesses!”
Students will take two Spanish courses through Proyecto Español, with no prior Spanish-language experience required. Upon arrival, students will be evaluated and placed in a course appropriate for their level, allowing students to continue progressing toward their degrees while incorporating the unique opportunities available in Spain.
The experience will extend beyond coursework. Students will have opportunities to interact with local organizations and businesses, participate in cultural activities and explore destinations throughout Spain, including Cartagena and Valencia. They will also have time to experience Alicante independently and become familiar with everyday life in the city.
“When you are living in another country, suddenly culture, communication, business, economics, language and even problem solving are not just topics in a textbook; instead, you are experiencing them every day,” Centeno said.
For Maya Amir, a current junior in the Class of 2028 pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Marine Biology, the experience also offered an opportunity to form lasting connections with fellow students.
“My experience in Spain was nothing short of life-changing,” Amir said. “Besides full linguistic immersion, what really stood out to me was how incredible my cohort was. While we all made Spanish and international friends, the real lifelong bonds were with each other. Jointly navigating a foreign country brings a group together in a way that the traditional college experience never could.”
Unlike a short-term study-abroad trip, the Semester in Spain program gives students the opportunity to live in Alicante for an entire semester and become part of the local community. This opportunity gives students a firsthand look at Spanish language, traditions and daily life.
Living with Spanish host families is one of the program’s most immersive elements, featuring many families who have welcomed FSC students for years. FSC’s relationship with its partners in Alicante has been in place for nearly 30 years, providing students with an established program and experienced local support.
With space limited, the priority application date for the spring 2027 program is Sept. 15, 2026.
Students interested in learning more about the program can attend an informational meeting from 11 to 11:30 AM on Friday September 11. The meeting will be led by Centeno, Student Travel coordinator Beth Moran, Associate Professors of Spanish Dr. Garcia and Dr. Garr, and students who have previously participated in the program.
Students can also express their interest and receive additional information by completing the Semester in Spain interest form below: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jteZtTwtNM?origin=lprLink