Location
  • Spain
    • Valencia
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Biology Business Chemistry Cultural Studies Engineering Literature Mathematics Physics
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family
Language
English
Sep 25, 2024
Aug 16, 2024
13 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Live and learn in Valencia, one of Spain’s most cosmopolitan cities, while focusing your studies on Spanish language/culture and business. Its location on the Mediterranean coast and status as one of Spain’s most cultural and cutting-edge cities means that you can attend stimulating courses at one of Spain’s most beautiful and sustainable campuses, round off your day by visiting museums or performing arts venues, and grab a casual or upscale meal at one of the cities internationally-renowned eateries.

You will have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the intricacies of Spanish culture, history, and society through a wide selection of academic courses, supplemented by included field trips.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.
USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

Program Highlights

  • Live in a cutting-edge city rich in culture—with picturesque museums, historic monuments, modern performing arts venues, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a unique complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination.
  • Complete up to three semesters of university Spanish language coursework in only one semester or focus on STEM prerequisites.
  • Explore the third-largest city in Spain on Valencia’s 120+ kilometers of bike lanes and garden causeways that connect this bike-friendly city’s most important and desirable areas.
  • Enjoy all that this coastal city has to offer, from miles of beaches, to seaside promenades, ocean sports, and access to l’Oceanographic, the largest marine center in Europe

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 26 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.46%
  • 4 rating 11.54%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.05
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 26 reviews
Default avatar
Savannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in Valencia

I have always been a quiet student who focuses mainly on academics. I chose to study abroad to have a time where I focused less on academics and more on having a memorable experience. I lived with a host family who were incredible and helped me explore Valencia. I played beach volleyball and went swimming in Montanejos. Valencia is beautiful, and I found a community in Spain. My professors were so supportive. But more importantly, I gained experiences that I would have never done on my own. I was out of my comfort zone, but for the first time I felt capable and free.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My flight back to the States was nerve-racking. I had two hours to get to my next flight which was a decent amount of time except for the fact that my first flight was delayed by 45 minutes, and I had to cross through Lisbon airport which was extremely busy. I overcame this by practically running through the airport.
Pros
  • Experiencing Spanish culture
  • Challenging academics
  • Beautiful city
Cons
  • Little time to explore the rest of Spain
  • Not well organized group outings
  • Travel in city not included
11 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Amorese
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Trip!

I had an amazing time studying and living in Valencia, I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone who's considering it! Valencia was small enough to still have a safe, calm atmosphere while still giving you the Europe experience (not to mention how much cheaper the city is than the bigger destinations like Madrid or Barcelona). There's plenty to do in Valencia, especially if you take the USAC windsurfing or cooking classes, but it's also so close to so many more destinations (I went to Dragonstone from Game of Thrones on one of my weekends and Barcelona on another). I loved my time in Valencia and with USAC!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking thing was definitely the bus system. A lot of people figured it out, I just never quite did, but even then it was never the end of the world. It took me a bit to figure out where the bus stops were, and I'd gotten on the wrong bus a few times, but it was always easy enough to solve. I could always ask a local passing by on the sidewalk if I was confused, and when I realized I was going in the completely wrong direction, I just hopped off and double-checked before getting on my next bus. I also ended up getting a few taxis, just because I wasn't completely comfortable walking through the constuction zone near my apartment at 11pm, but I always loved getting to practice my Spanish and chat with the taxi drivers!
Pros
  • Sightseeing (Dragonstone, Catedral de Barcelona, Peñiscola, and so many more)
  • Making new friends & connections
  • Practicing my language skills & experiencing a new culture
Cons
  • Confusion in a new dining culture
  • Language barriers (catalan)
  • Trying to cram everything I wanted to do into four weeks
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Summer

Valencia was the most incredible place to spend my summer the sophomore year of undergrad! Although quite warm, it is the best location right on the Mediterranean shore, and the city is the best combination of old, historic, European cities, but also plenty of modern, urbanized city. It had everything I was looking for and UPV was such a great community to be a part of! The support and community through USAC was also exceptional. I made friends and connections I will hold onto for years. Additionally, my host family was exceptional, and living three blocks off the beach could not have been more convenient! Valencia is a hidden gem of Spain, and the USAC program located there is something anyone would be lucky to experience!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Stay longer! I am considering living their with my partner now!
Pros
  • Friendliness of locals
  • Perfect mix of Beach and City
  • Very historic but also modern
Cons
  • Very warm in the summer
33 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Addison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A way to try new things while feeling completely safe

I did so many things that I had never dreamed of doing before. Had windsurfing classes on the Mediterranean, tried new foods, learned Spanish dances, met people from around the world, and got opportunities to travel to so many countries. However, throughout all of these experiences, I never once felt unsafe. I also took many Erasmus trips and my organization helped me prepare for those as well. This organization helps you plan, gives you advice, and makes you feel prepared to take on anything you want!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take chances and always say yes! The money will come back later I promise, but right now you have the world at your finger tips and the best experiences waiting for you! Jump on the opportunity.
Pros
  • The city has everything. An old historical part, a new modern part, the beach, and a park that runs through the city.
  • Public transportation to take you anywhere
  • You get to meet people from so many parts of the world that can give you connections for later travels.
Cons
  • Your housing may be far away, but you learn to get used to it and to make the most of your commute.
  • It may be more expensive than other programs, but it is worth it.
35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brooke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My European Dream

When deciding to study abroad I was excited and nervous to see how I would grow as an individual and adapt to a new life oceans away from my home. I grew up in a rural town and even attend college in a rural town so the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain was unlike anything I had known before. Luckily when I arrived in Spain, I was quick to adjust to my new lifestyle thanks to the kindness of my host institution and the helpfulness of my program staff. Valencia is amazing and I would not trade my experience for the world! The breathtaking beaches, beautiful city, and delicious food are just three of the reasons why Valencia should be at the top of your list!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to study abroad again I would make more of an effort to truly immerse myself into the local culture and language. It can be easy to stick to speaking in your native language but you will take so much more away from your experience if you put in the extra effort.
Pros
  • Friendship
  • independence
  • growing world view
Cons
  • can be expensive for program costs
  • classes with other english speaking students
  • homesickness
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Savanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Spanish Experience

I had the best time studying abroad in Valencia! It was amazing to be next to the beach and getting around the city was so easy. USAC was so helpful in the admission process, they made it so easy and comfortable. I loved my classes they were super interesting and some even took us on field trips around the city. The field trips through USAC were some of my favorite adventures and I made amazing friendships with people in my program. My only regret is not meeting enough locals! I was able to easily travel to other countries and cities within Spain. It would have been nice to have classes with Spanish local students but it was amazing to be alongside with them.

Pros
  • Next to the beach
  • Easy city access
  • great walking
Cons
  • long bus rides
  • did not meet lots of locals
  • language barrier
55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Valencia,Spain review

My experience in Valencia, Spain was the best in my life to this point. Since returning I don't think I have stopped talking about it. I spent my days going to class, exploring the city, and soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches. It was truly a dream. One of my favorite memories was getting to experience San Juan. This is a festival on the beach to bring in summer and a new beginning. During this event, I met so many new people and got so much closer with the people in my program as we danced around the fires and sang our hearts out while participating in the ritual of jumping over the fire seven times, burning your 7 wishes, then jumping in the ocean 7 times. This truly was the experience of a lifetime.

Pros
  • Learning about Spanish culture
  • Exploring new cities and people
  • Immersing in the language
Cons
  • Having to be in class at school everyday
59 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Noel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

USAC Valencia -- An Unforgettable Journey

This summer I studied in Valencia, Spain for a month...and I would not have changed my experience for the world. If anything, I wish I could have stayed longer. Having the ability to meet new people, living with an incredible host family, and learning how to embrace a different culture helped not only grow my confidence, but also my character and change my perspective on life. I learned how to embrace differences, try new foods and activities without fear, and I was able to become a stronger Spanish speaker. Without my helpful host family, understanding teachers, and incredible and encouraging USAC community (both staff and students), I would not have had the most memorable time abroad. The opportunities and connections that I made during my study abroad will forever play a great part in my life and I hope to keep sharing my experiences with others in hopes that they choose to study abroad as well. So, take the chance without worrying about whether or not you'll have a good time, because I promise you will! Studying abroad will forever hold a place in my heart and I hope you get the chance to make these remarkable memories too!

Pros
  • Experiencing and understanding a different culture.
  • Unforgettable sights with adventures in every city and interesting history.
  • Great practice for application of Spanish through listening and communicating with native speakers.
61 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi Sydney, You can request to live with international students. Sometimes apartments are mixed too since Valencia has a high international student population, you're not always only living with American students.