Spain: Valencia - Spanish Culture, Language, STEM Disciplines

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!

There’s no words I can say here that will sum up the experience I had. YOU have to experience it for yourself! I am so happy I took a leap of faith and decided to move abroad. It was so scary at first, but it’s so freeing and you finally feel alive!! We are meant to explore the world we live in. We aren’t meant to stay in one place. This program helped me grow as an individual AND gave me many opportunities to travel in my free time. I wish I had more time. My advice? Do it. Even if you’re scared. You won’t regret it.

Along with the obvious improvement on language that one gains while studying abroad, one can expect to create strong connections with not only the other students from the states that are studying withing the same program, but also with many other global students. I now have connections with friends all across the United States and could probably drive anywhere in the continental US and be at most an 8-hour drive from one of my new friends, and if I choose to travel to Europe in the future, I have friends in over 7 countries that have offered to host me (hopefully that puts the power if study abroad into perspective). While abroad I stayed with a host family, and I could not have asked for a better experience. My family really pushed me to work on my Spanish and was overjoyed to take me out and explore not only Valencia, but many areas outside of the city. We grew very close, and I can't wait to visit them soon. As a student, Valencia could not have been a better city to study in. The weather was always fantastic, and you couldn't turn the corner without finding something interesting to explore. I was able to balance school, life, and travel very easily. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone considering studying abroad. It has altered my perspective on the world and helped me to grow more than I could have imagined.

I did not have many expectations going into my first study abroad and international travel involvement however thanks to the USAC (University Study Abroad Consortium) program, I have been provided the most life-enriching experience of my lifetime.

Studying in USAC Spain was the best location because of all the various geographies within or around the city. No matter your preference- sandy beaches, a lively downtown, interesting architecture, and numerous beautiful hikes- Valencia will provide pleasingly. With super accessible transportation services, the city of Valencia was your oyster! And if you needed a getaway to another country, there is an airport nestled in the center of the city.

Our USAC program gave students a perfect balance of program involvement and independence. There were 5 scheduled field trips with USAC, an opening and farewell dinner. The field trips allowed to inter-mingle with our USAC colleagues while touring exclusive places. USAC enabled me to create new lifelong friends with different backgrounds, friendships I could have never created on my own.

It should be taken into account that USAC prioritized my academics and has enhanced my future career prospects.

I have and always talk about in an enlivening and encouraging manner due to the fulfilling time I had with USAC spain. I can't recommend the experience enough. Eternally grateful for everything that USAC has provided to me.

Sweetness and love,
Grace.

Studying abroad in Valencia, Spain led to more personal growth than I could have ever imagined. I gained a far deeper understanding of the world, and confidence in myself to thrive. I had the opportunity to learn spanish starting from scratch, gain clinical hours shadowing a local doctor, and meet people from all over the world. I travelled many cities within Spain, and had the opportunity to visit other countries like Morocco, Italy, and Switzerland during spring break and long weekends. It was an extremely impactful time for me, and has left me inspired.

I studied in the city of Valencia, Spain in fall 2022, and it truly was a once in a lifetime experience. Valencia is a beautiful city full of rich history, culture, and architecture, with perfect weather and beaches. I would say studying abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The amount of new experiences and lifetime friendships I made will stick with me forever. I still have connections with the people in my program and have made future travel buddies. I can’t wait to go back to Valencia again and experience all the city has to offer!

All my life I have been urging you to go to Spain. I am still studying Spanish, and my time abroad really helped me understand the importance of language and what travel means to me. When I saw Valencia, I knew immediately that this program would provide me with a well-rounded experience! From excursions to just being able to talk to someone who would understand any problems I may run into, USAC did a good job. I really recommend this program and Valencia to those wanting to make friends and know what it is like to travel abroad for a semester. The program made it easy to understand the area and the teachers through the host university provided were also great advisors for learning more about local tips and tricks. Although Valencia is the 3rd larger city in Spain, I still recommend it to everyone looking to get an overall experience in Spain, since it is busy, but still homelike, and it provides great transportation to anywhere in Spain or even Europe in general. My greatest piece of advice is that if you travel to Valencia between January and May, please please bring layers or winter wear. Spain still gets cold! Buenas suerte! (Good luck!)

Studying abroad in Valencia allowed me to immerse myself in the Spanish culture within a larger city. Valencia was the perfect place to feel like a local rather than a tourist as places like Barcelona and Madrid were overwhelming in regards to the amount of tourists in the city. Valencia was a very family and local oriented city, not many people spoke English so it was a good challenge and helped with learning more Spanish. The apartment housing through the program was fine. The neighborhood that we were placed in was a family oriented. There were a lot of kids around and a very cute place on the outskirts of the city center. The metro is incredible and can take you anywhere in Valencia. Learn how to use the metro, it is simple and efficient and I wished I had learned it earlier rather than walking long distances or taking a taxi.

My classes were good. My Spanish language classes were great. The professors only spoke Spanish which really helped with learning the language. The amount of work was never overwhelming but insanely manageable. The university that we were at was great. There were so many programs that allowed for the abroad students to get involved. We also had access to the gym and such. I wish we had more information given by our program about our university.

My favorite part about studying abroad was being able to travel every weekend! I would highly recommend doing that. It was so easy and cheap. We were able to take the metro to the airport and then take a cheap flight to basically anywhere in Europe.

The beach in Valencia was great and just a walk away after class each day.

Overall, Valencia was the perfect spot to be immersed completely in the Spanish culture and truly feel like a local. It was not overwhelming like Barcelona and Madrid and no where near as many tourists which was nice. I wish I was able to do it all again. It was such a great experience and would highly recommend this program to anyone.

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