Spain: Valencia - Spanish Culture, Language, STEM Disciplines

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.