USAC Spain: Valencia - Spanish Language, Culture, & STEM

The dorm rooms were perfect, clean and spacious. It was a nice walk to campus everyday, and I learned a lot from my professor. The students and administrators of our group were great people as well. They had group meals and traveling, which helped make it feel like family. They also encouraged us to grow in every aspect. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

My study abroad experience with USAC in Valencia exceeded every expectation I had. As a STEM student, I appreciated how well-structured and engaging the courses were—rigorous enough to feel meaningful, but flexible enough to allow exploration beyond the classroom. What made the experience truly exceptional, though, was the balance between academics and cultural immersion. Living in Valencia gave me the chance to fully engage with Spanish life. I practiced the language daily, not just in class but in markets, cafés, and conversations with locals. The food culture alone was unforgettable—from authentic paella to fresh horchata, every meal felt like part of the learning experience. USAC also organized cultural activities that made it easy to connect with the city’s history, traditions, and people. The program created a supportive environment where I could grow both academically and personally. I gained confidence navigating a new country, formed meaningful friendships, and developed a deeper appreciation for global perspectives. This experience didn’t just add to my education—it transformed how I see the world and my place in it.

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My time studying abroad in Valencia, with USAC, was phenomenal. I went without knowing anyone, but USAC did a great job of hosting events where all the students could get together and build relationships. This made exploring a new country a lot less intimidating, and very fun. We got to go on field trips, and experience awesome holidays. I would love to go back some day, for sure!

I learned so much and got to experience so many new things. I even took a windsurfing class which was highly educational. I honestly could not say enough good things about my four months there because I have a lifetime of memories and experiences.

Everything about the USAC program was unbelievable! Whether it was the prestigious academics at UPV or exploring the beautiful city of Valencia, USAC make the experience one of a kind. Was lucky to be given an apartment in walking distance from my university and the gorgeous beaches that line the coast of Valencia. Would definitely recommend.

My study abroad experience in Spain was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I arrived, I felt an inexplicable connection, a sense of belonging that made it feel like a home away from home. Immersing myself in the Spanish culture was a truly enriching experience. I relished the opportunity to explore ancient cities, each with its own unique story etched into its architecture and cobblestone streets. The warmth of the Spanish people embraced me, making me feel like a part of their community. I savored the tantalizing flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine, from paella to tapas, each dish a celebration of local ingredients and culinary artistry. Engaging in conversations with locals, I marveled at their passion for life, their deep-rooted traditions, and their unwavering sense of community. This immersive experience broadened my horizons, challenging my perspectives and deepening my understanding of the world. It was a journey of self-discovery, where I learned to embrace the unfamiliar, adapt to new environments, and appreciate the beauty of cultural diversity. Studying abroad in Spain was an adventure that will forever hold a special place in my heart, shaping the person I am today.

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Studying abroad in Valencia was the best decision I have made for many reasons. It had all the benefits of a city by the beach with amazing nightlife and cultural activities. The zoo and aquarium are must do activities! The city was very clean, safe, and easy to travel through. Public transit was amazing but you could also walk to plenty of places! It is also in a great area to travel out of. During my time I took a train to Madrid, a bus to Barcelona, and flew to France and Italy! The field trips were a great way to see areas outside of the city with other students but there was still so much free time to do what we wanted. I could not recommend the program more and wish I could go back every day!

Studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, has truly been a dream come true for me. From the moment I met the incredible staff and fellow students, I felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and belonging. This experience has been nothing short of magical, and I couldn't imagine sharing it with anyone else. The classes offered have opened my eyes to the rich and vibrant Spanish culture in ways I never imagined. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to take the leap, leave their fears behind, and embrace the adventure of studying abroad.

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Hi, my experience abroad was amazing. I miss it. I want to go back. Great food, people and experiences I’ll never forget. I lived in an apartment, near the beach, and my school. I traveled every weekend, and was able to go to many countries and cities!!

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). I loved my time in Valencia and with USAC!

As soon as I got back, everybody was asking me, how was it! I found myself struggling to properly convey how this experience changed my life. I typically say, "It was a dream" a dream that reminded me that all of life is simply a dream and that we have the power to co-create this dream in whatever way we can imagine. It was a reality shattering experience that allowed me to see that we are put a piece of a massively complex yet beautiful project that we call life. This experience showed me that the world is truely my oyster and that we should never put our dreams on the back burners. We must live for ourselves, and by doing this, we will harmonize with the the flow of life and everybody around us.

I met so many amazing people through this experience. Those in my program, both staff and students, were amazing support systems and helped me find so many opportunities. The trips that we went on through USAC and personally gave such a new perspective to life.

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I expected to have a great time, learn new things about different cultures, and meet great people while studying abroad, but it truly changed my life in the best possible way. I would recommend anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad to do so, especially in Valencia! During my 4 months there, I fell in love with Valencia’s community, culture, festivities, and day-to-day living. Another amazing advantage of studying abroad is conversing in the language of the host country you’re in. I had taken Spanish in high school and college, but I was so surprised at how much my Spanish improved! One of my favorite field trip activities we did through our USAC program was go to an orange orchard. Valencia is known for their oranges, so if you study abroad here, you know you’ll have the most fresh orange juice! Overall, study abroad if you’re interested, it is SO worth it!!

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Being able to live in Valencia the last 4 months has changed my life to say the least. Not only was I able to experience living in a different way than I traditionally do, there's so many things I will be taking home forever. Coming with no spanish speaking, i was a bit nervous at first. But being able to live with an incredible family, take spanish classes daily, and immerse myself in the daily life of Spain, I am leaving with an expanded vocabulary and extensive ability to understand Spanish. My teachers and really everyone I met were so welcoming and warm, I felt at home right away. And my confidence of being in a new place, knowing no one initially, has exceeded higher than I could have imagined! Thank you so much for this experience

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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!

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This program was amazing! It was so organized, there were so many opportunities to meet to meet new people and do activities that you have never done before in your life. Doing new things can be scary, but with the staff and the other students in this group, you feel like you can take on anything! This program encourages growth and there are only positive things to say.

Growing up in a Rural town, the opportunity to live in a big city such as Valencia Spain both excited me and scared me. I did not know how I would adjust to using public transportation daily, living by myself oceans away from my family, and adjusting to an entirely new culture. To my surprise, I quickly adjusted due to the kindness of my host institution, the helpfulness of my program staff, and the friendliness of my classmates. While abroad not only was I able to explore the rich culture Spain has to offer but I was able to travel around Europe to over 5 different countries. Even after venturing to other cities, Valencia truly took my breath away. The beach intertwined with the busy streets, and the city of arts and sciences park running through the center of the city was truly unlike anything I had ever seen before. As I am writing this, I am reminiscing on the slow-moving and kind Spanish culture that made one feel at peace, but the thing I miss the most is the food!

Study abroad was amazing! Travel is much more affordable in Europe! I spent lots of long weekends visiting places like Rome, Switzerland, Finland, Madrid, Barcelona and more! I was able to do all of this while staying on track for my major in Mechanical Engineering!

I had always wanted to study abroad, since early on during High School. I am so glad I chose to do it in Valencia. Valencia is an absolutely incredible city, that perfectly blends culture, history and modernity. The food in Valencia was excellent, the night life was exciting, the beaches were incredible and the people were so friendly. Also, there is so much to do in Valencia. My experience there with classes was also great. The professors were passionate and truly cared about their students. The USAC staff was also excellent, providing fun activities for the students and help whenever needed. I truly find Valencia to be very underrated, and just as good of an option as the main draws in Madrid and Barcelona. I highly recommend any student looking for a great new experience to consider Valencia.

The two best choices I made in planning my study abroad experience were to stay a full two semesters and to do it with a host family. My family was the sweetest couple in the world. They made me feel welcome from day 1, I got to eat the authentic cuisine, and they were always happy to talk and talk and talk. I learned sooo much about the Valencian culture that I'm certain nobody in Dorms or Apartments did. Not to mention tons of Spanish practice! Enough advice though. My experience was legendary. Valencia was the perfect middle ground to explore the more touristy and ultra local extremes of Spain. Take the train to hike in Buñol and swim in the waterfalls nestled in the rural Spanish countryside. Go to Benimaclet's open mic nights to enjoy spectacular musicians. Go to more than one Flamenco show. Eat everything. Use TooGoodToGo to snag cheap food from restaurants you otherwise would've overlooked. Valencia has it all! Take advantage of the astronomically low tickets from Ryanair, flixbus, and BlaBlaCar. You'll never see an €8 plane ticket anywhere else probably. And apply for USAC scholarships. This once in a lifetime experience doesn't have to come at a once in a lifetime expense. And yes, you will still advance your STEM curriculum. I miss Spain every day and fully plan on moving back when I graduate. En Valencia se vive bien :)

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