Location
  • Spain
    • Valencia
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Biology Chemistry Computer Science Cultural Studies Economics Education Engineering Health Sciences Humanities International Business Linguistics Literature Mathematics Natural Sciences Nursing +5
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
• Comprehensive Advising and Support
• Tuition at the Host University
• Official Transcript from Host University with ISA Cover Letter
• Housing
• Meals and Laundry Services
• Bridging Cultures Program
• Full-Time Resident Staff
• On-Site ISA Offices
• Computer and Internet Access
• Excursions
• The ISA Discovery Model
• Cultural Activities
• Medical Insurance
• Comprehensive Health, Safety and Security Support
• Airport Reception
• Visa Support
• Tutoring
• The Professional Development Toolbox
• Scholarship Opportunities
Oct 06, 2023
Jan 21, 2024
37 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad with ISA in Valencia, Spain's third largest city. Located on the Mediterranean coast approximately 200 miles south of Barcelona, Valencia has a rich history and is often referred to as one of Spain's more modern cities. Celebrations and festivals throughout the year, like the Fallas, provide an excellent opportunity for study abroad students to witness Spanish character at its best.

ISA offers courses through four universities - the Unviersity of Valencia, Universidad Catolica de Valencia (UCV), Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) and Florida State University Study Center!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

Neurodivergent Support

ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.

Accessibility Support

ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact

Sustainability

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.

Ethical Impact

WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Popular Programs

Valencia, Spain

Specializing in science courses, the Universitat Politècnica de València is among the universities preferred by Erasmus students. It’s recognized as an institute of tertiary education by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. UPV is an American-style campus, with coffee shops, sports facilities, and libraries. The Agricultural, Civil, Industrial and Telecommunication Engineering programs at the UPV have been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Valencia, Spain

Offering courses taught in English in the health field as well as providing internships in both Spanish and English, the Universidad Católica de Valencia (UCV) hosts about 11,000 undergraduate and 4,500 graduate students per year. Founded in 2003, UCV is recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Spain. Popular areas of student include biology, chemistry, sports sciences, Spanish, and nursing.

Valencia, Spain

Universitat de València (UV) has a student population of over 45,000 and several active and scenic campuses. You can take classes at the Facultad de Filología located on Blasco Ibañez Avenue, minutes away from the ISA office. With courses focused on the language and culture, history, art, and literature of Spain, the UV provides a fantastic environment where you can dive into these subjects while immersing yourself into the culture outside of your classes.

Valencia, Spain

FSU’s International Programs (FSU IP) is consistently ranked in the top 15 of US study abroad programs and is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The renovated Valencia Study Center is housed in two historic buildings in the center of Valencia, just behind the landmark Serrano Towers. The Center contains part of the original Roman city wall, as well as a portion of a thousand-year-old Arabic wall, and several 14th-century tanning tanks.

Scholarships

ISA Scholarships

ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.

Value
$2,500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 8 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.9
  • Support 4.4
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.75
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ISA Valencia Experience

I highly recommend this program to individuals who want to experience city life but not in an overwhelmingly large city. Although Valencia is the third largest city in all of Spain, it feels extremely safe, large enough that there is plenty to discover, and small enough that it is easy to navigate and get familiar with. The numerous historical museums, buildings, and cathedrals have a ton of history to rediscover, and the beach is only a metro ride away. I especially loved the daily routine of going to the street flea markets that happen in different parts of the city every day of the week besides Sunday.

Pros
  • Feels very safe, even at night
  • Easy access to public transportation
  • Inexpensive to eat out
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Makena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A trip I will never stop thinking about!!

As cliché as it sounds, my study abroad experience with ISA in Valencia this past summer was hands down the best thing I have ever done. Since I returned to the US in July, a day has not gone by where I don't wish I was still living in Spain. From the second it began, I was beyond happy with every aspect of the program and my life in Valencia, and ISA did a fantastic job facilitating everything. Not only did I meet some of my best friends (whether that be from my own college, other universities back in the states, or people who lived in Europe), the independence of living in a homestay allowed me to thrive independently and truly feel like a local. I was amazed to see how much 6 weeks abroad was able to broaden my horizons and allow me to try new foods, see new places, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable at times!
Aside from the social aspect, taking two courses at Centre d'Idiomes de la Universitat de València really expanded my educational experience and showed me a new way of teaching/learning I hadn't previously been exposed to. Being in class from 9-2 on Monday-Thursday didn't feel like a burden, and we were able to do plenty throughout the week still. All in all, I couldn't be more grateful for my study abroad trip and all it gave me, I definitely would say I'm a different person than when I left back in May and have learned exponentially more than I could've ever anticipated.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
On the front end of my trip, I decided to do a short solo-trip to Madrid before flying to Valencia to begin my program. As someone who had never left the country, I thought my several experiences traveling alone and my proficiency in Spanish would be enough to get me through the first 48 hours, but the culture shock was real! Upon landing in Madrid, I was shocked by how massive the airport was, and was certainly overwhelmed by the signs and directions. I checked into my hotel with over 24 hours of no sleep, then decided to go explore the city. I had absolutely no idea how to use public transportation such as the metro or buses, wasn't familiar with Euros as currency, and certainly wasn't used to being somewhere where nobody spoke English. I made it to downtown Madrid and spent the afternoon sightseeing, eating out, and trying not to get lost! I took the wrong train going home, and called my parents thousands of miles away in a panic. Looking back, despite the immense stress of my solo venture to Madrid, I feel as if it made me capable of traveling to any foreign country on my own in the future.
Pros
  • Way of life in Spain
  • Personal connections with new friends
  • Ability to use my spanish-speaking abilities in real life
Cons
  • Adjusting to schedule at homestay (different meal times, etc)
  • 6+ hour time difference with friends/family back in the states
  • Lengthy classes (2.5 hours) with minimal breaks between
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Isabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Valencia Semester Abroad

I went abroad to Valencia during the spring 2023 semester and it was one of the best experiences of my life! I learned a lot about Spanish culture, traveled around Europe & Morocco and met lifelong friends. While traveling, I was also able to complete credits at UCV for my kinesiology major. The classes I took were all interesting and we were given many resources if we ran into problems. Both of the advisors were also amazing and were there when we needed any type of help. I recommend going to study abroad in Spain!

Pros
  • Beautiful beaches and scenery
  • Excursions and trips with friends
  • Great advisors
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience in My Life

Valencia was the best choice I have ever made. I studied abroad through ISA but I am a nursing major, and it was a little difficult to find a program that met my requirements so I could still enter nursing school. Valencia provided the opportunity to not only get into nursing school but learn so much about myself, how I handle difficult situations, and just be free to experience life and different cultures. I loved the friends I made, and the people I was with that made this experience the best.

Pros
  • Adventure
  • Friendships
  • Great weather
Cons
  • Different timing for food and waking up
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nikki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Time of My Life!

Studying abroad in Valencia was hands down the best 5 weeks of my life. I went into my experience without any expectations, knowledge of Spanish, or preconceived ideas of what was ahead of me. Little did I know I would meet the most amazing people, learn to communicate with a lotttttt of hand gestures and facial expressions, and fall in love with a city I never even knew existed. I wouldn't change one second of it even if I could. Not only did I come back with exciting stories and memories, but I actually enjoyed the courses I took and no doubt learned way more than I ever would have if I had opted not to step out of my comfort zone. Because it was such a short time, every day was an adventure, whether it was a class field trip, an excursion with ISA, or a day trip with my friends in the program--I was always on the go. If you want a thrilling experience in a unique city immersed in a beautiful culture, Valencia is the place for you!

What would you improve about this program?
In all honesty, I would not change anything about this program. There was just the right amount of tourist excursions, cultural trips, and challenges.
96 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful experience

This was an absolutely wonderful experience that allowed me to experience parts of Spain on my own terms while still having a support system to answer any questions I had. Not only was Valencia beautiful, but the ISA staff was so helpful in highlighting places for me to visit and providing suggestions of what to do and see. The pre-determined excursions were very fun and allowed me to see the best parts of Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona in a limited amount of time, and I was still allowed plenty of time to explore on my own. Therefore I really felt that I was able to become part of the community by living there day to day (unlike a tourist), but I was not completely abandoned to figure everything out on my own. I had an absolutely wonderful time and ISA did a great job of arranging a host grandma for me to stay with. The food she prepared was so delicious and the conversations we had not only improved my Spanish skills, but also gave me a better sense of the culture by learning more about her and her lifestyle. Classes were very manageable and the University of Valencia was very conveniently located to my home and other activities. I would highly recommend this program because of how easy ISA makes everything and also because Valencia is the perfect combination of history, modernity, and beach.

98 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kasey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Fantastic Experience

I went for a summer session and I stayed at an apartment with 4 other girls. We lived right by the city center, and conveniently only 5 or 10 minutes walking from my university. ISA provided us with excursions every weekend, which were always a lot of fun. In fact, I consider them to be my favorite part of the trip. The program directors were more than helpful with everything that we needed, being on call at all hours of the day. Not only do you get to visit new sites and make new friends when studying abroad, but you also learn a lot about yourself and how independent you can be. I would recommend this trip to anyone. The #1 thing people tell me when I mention that I've studied abroad is that it was the one thing that they regret not doing during their college experience.

What would you improve about this program?
Keep office open on Sundays
93 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Eva
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

Overall my program was the best experience I could ever ask for. My housemom would make me some great food every day and was very understanding if I didn't like something or if I couldn't come in for a meal or needed something specific made. She oved to talk and that helped a lot with practicing Spanish. The staff was extremely helpful with anything I needed. Manuel, one of the directors, even helped me plan a Spring Break trip through northern Spain because he was from there and told us exactly where we should go, where we should eat, and what roads to drive on to get to places. Valencia had an amazing beach super close to our classes, only a 20-30 minute bike ride away! Our classes weren't extremely difficult and most of them encouraged us to go out and explore the city. The bars, clubs, and restaurants were very cheap and so much fun! I loved the people of the city they were always nice and outgoing and loved to party. I honestly can't think of anything wrong with this program it was by far the best decision I have ever made in my life! I made some of the best friends I could ask for that I have visited since I've come back home and I know I will continue to see for a long time. Definitely come to Valencia!!

95 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers