I had the most amazing time with Worldstrides in Valencia, Spain. Through my program, I took two classes at the University of Valencia, "Spanish Cinema" and "Spanish History and Culture." In these daily classes, I spent valuable time with the people in my program and learned so much about the history and culture of Spain. My time spent with my host family was equally enriching, if a bit intimidating. When I first arrived in Valencia and met my host mom, I realized she spoke absolutely no English. I certainly wasn't fluent, and I was terrified at the idea of having to communicate entirely in Spanish with her. By the end of my trip, though, my Spanish language skills had increased tenfold, and I was having daily conversations with my host family about their lives and interests, as well as what it was like to live in Spain. I made connections with my host family and my classmates that will last a lifetime, and I owe much of this to the Worldstrides program and team. The on-site staff made us feel comfortable being in such a new environment, and they always had advice and recommendations to help us feel more at ease. I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to improve their language skills and get to know a different culture and country.

This program was absolutely amazing! From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported by both the ISA and UCV staff, who were incredibly kind and helpful throughout. I made lifelong friends that I now get to see at my home university, and I formed a deep, lasting bond with my host mom that I’ll always cherish. Although I was super homesick at first, this experience turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. I grew so much personally and academically, and gained a new perspective on the world. I highly encourage everyone to study abroad if they have the chance—it’s truly life-changing and unforgettable!

Staying with a host family in Valencia was one of the most immersive and rewarding experiences I have ever had. From the very first day, I felt welcomed into their home not just as a guest, but as part of the family. This made all the difference in how I experienced Spanish culture—rather than observing it from the outside, I was able to live it day by day. The warmth of my host family, their traditions, and even the small details of daily life opened my eyes to a new way of connecting with people and a culture that was both familiar in some ways and completely new in others.

One of the greatest advantages of living with a host family was the language immersion. While I had studied Spanish before, nothing compares to the challenge and reward of speaking it constantly in real-life situations. From breakfast conversations at the kitchen table to late-night chats about Spanish customs, I found myself improving not just in vocabulary, but also in confidence. My host family was patient and encouraging, helping me navigate moments when I stumbled over words and celebrating my progress when I managed to express myself more naturally. This daily practice gave me a comfort with the language that I don’t think I could have achieved in a classroom alone.

Weekends in Valencia brought another layer of adventure. The city itself is vibrant and full of history, but I also took advantage of the opportunity to explore beyond its borders. Solo travel became an unexpected highlight of my time in Spain. At first, the thought of traveling alone felt a little intimidating, but it quickly became one of the most empowering parts of the experience. I learned how to navigate new cities, plan my own itineraries, and rely on myself in unfamiliar situations. Whether it was wandering the narrow streets of Seville, marveling at the architecture in Barcelona, or tasting regional specialties in smaller towns, each trip gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Spain’s culture and landscapes.

Living in Valencia also gave me the chance to connect with local traditions on a personal level. Festivals, food, and family routines all became part of my daily rhythm. I discovered how meals are more than just eating—they’re about connection, sharing stories, and taking time to be together. I joined in on local celebrations, experienced the lively energy of Spanish music and dance, and even learned the subtle cultural gestures that make conversations feel authentic. These moments helped me see Spain not just as a place to visit, but as a culture to belong to, even if only temporarily.

Looking back, I can honestly say this experience was a 10/10. It combined the joy of travel with the depth of cultural immersion, while also teaching me about independence, adaptability, and the value of human connection. I would absolutely do it again—and in fact, I can’t wait for the opportunity to return. Staying with a host family in Valencia didn’t just give me memories; it gave me a new perspective on travel, language, and community.

The summer that I spent in Valencia was one of the most rewarding summers that I have ever had. Not only did it allow me to finish my Spanish minor; which I would not have been able to do at my home university. But Valencia also allowed me to grow as a person and become more confident with who I am. I made lifelong friends that I know I will always have a special bond with and got to experience another culture first hand. I think that world strides does an amazing job at providing the right amount of activities so that you can experience Spain but you still have time to yourself to choose what you want to do. I also always felt supported and safe knowing that there was amazing staff that would always be able to help me.

My time in Valencia with ISA has been incredible. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and fully immersed in Spanish culture. The city itself is the perfect balance of historic charm and modern energy—whether I was walking through the old town, enjoying the beach, or grabbing food in Ruzafa, there was always something new to explore.

Academically and personally, this program exceeded my expectations. My Spanish improved so much through both coursework and daily life interactions, and I felt like I was truly living the language. ISA’s on-site staff were amazing—they were always available, organized fun cultural excursions, and genuinely cared about our experience. They made it easy to feel at home even while being abroad.

One of the best parts was getting to connect with other students from across the U.S. and locals in Valencia. I made close friendships, had unforgettable experiences, and grew more independent and open-minded. Whether we were visiting Albufera, biking through the Turia Gardens, or just sharing tapas after class, there was always laughter and good memories.

This experience not only confirmed my passion for international education, but also helped shape my personal and professional goals. I can’t recommend ISA Valencia enough—it’s a fun, rich, and life-changing program in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities.

I loved studying abroad in Valencia! It’s a great city for someone looking for a vibrant, mid-sized city—not as big as Barcelona or Madrid, but still full of life. Valencia has a huge student population, beautiful access to the sea, and an incredible social and cultural scene that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been.

I highly recommend going with ISA. From pre-departure support to the in-country staff, excursions, housing, and university options, my experience with ISA was excellent. I was placed in a beautiful top-floor apartment with a large terrace overlooking the city. I had the best roommates and I think ISA was intentional in matching up roommates when it came to homestay pairs or apartments which I know we all appreciated! ISA local staff make an effort to know the students. They took us out for not only our excursions but also typical Spanish meals and taught us about the culture. I can't imagine going with another program.

The 6 weeks I spent studying abroad in Valencia through ISA were the best 6 weeks of my life. My study abroad experience was truly incredible.

The classes were challenging, but they pushed me to grow both academically and personally. I learned so much, not just about Spanish, but also about the culture and history of the country. My professors were fantastic—engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about their subjects. I genuinely enjoyed listening to them speak and attending class each day.

Housing was also a highlight of the program. I lived in a beautiful apartment that was equipped with everything we needed, and they even sent a cleaner every other week. We were immersed in a real apartment complex with local residents, which made the experience feel even more authentic and connected to the city.

Beyond academics, the program organizers did an excellent job of helping us connect with each other and with the local culture. They planned a variety of fun activities, from cultural excursions to social events, that made it easy to meet new people and truly experience life in the city. The staff was incredibly supportive, always available to help with any concerns, and made sure we felt safe and well taken care of.

I could not recommend choosing ISA more.

Valencia was an amazing city to study abroad in. It truly is so easy to navigate, and you have the chance to immerse yourself in a culture immediately. There are always random festivals to go check out, and there are many international students. There are many opportunities where you can practice your Spanish with people at coffee shops or even meet people from different countries! A great city overall! Additionally, the airport is convenient to get to when going on those international trips! :)