Elche, Spain Custom Partnership Program
Elche, also known as Elx, is a beautiful, historic city of 200,000 people located just inland of the Mediterranean harbor city of Alicante. Elche has been designated a World Heritage City for its ancient, expansive palm tree groves and the Misteri d’Elx, the last surviving medieval mystery play still performed in the Catholic church. The city’s ancient buildings and wide streets bustle with the modern-day commerce of the region, Spanish-made shoes. Almost half of the footwear produced in Spain each year is manufactured in Elche.
The nearby oceanfront city of Alicante provides for even more history and exquisite scenery, incorporating remnants of Roman walls into modern architecture and offering outstanding markets, dining and nightlife, as well as an interesting art scene and a laid-back seaside town atmosphere.
FIE’s program is centered at Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) in Elche. FIE’s program directors act in cooperation with UMH to create and execute high-quality academic summer study abroad programs. Named after one of Spain’s most highly regarded poets, this modern university offers state-of-the art facilities including extensive classroom space, computer labs, fitness facilities and dining. FIE programs are conducted in a classroom building adjacent to the student union, so students are close to the many amenities available.