Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain with WorldStrides

I had the most amazing time with Worldstrides in Valencia, Spain. Through my program, I took two classes at the University of Valencia, "Spanish Cinema" and "Spanish History and Culture." In these daily classes, I spent valuable time with the people in my program and learned so much about the history and culture of Spain. My time spent with my host family was equally enriching, if a bit intimidating. When I first arrived in Valencia and met my host mom, I realized she spoke absolutely no English. I certainly wasn't fluent, and I was terrified at the idea of having to communicate entirely in Spanish with her. By the end of my trip, though, my Spanish language skills had increased tenfold, and I was having daily conversations with my host family about their lives and interests, as well as what it was like to live in Spain. I made connections with my host family and my classmates that will last a lifetime, and I owe much of this to the Worldstrides program and team. The on-site staff made us feel comfortable being in such a new environment, and they always had advice and recommendations to help us feel more at ease. I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to improve their language skills and get to know a different culture and country.

This program was absolutely amazing! From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported by both the ISA and UCV staff, who were incredibly kind and helpful throughout. I made lifelong friends that I now get to see at my home university, and I formed a deep, lasting bond with my host mom that I’ll always cherish. Although I was super homesick at first, this experience turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. I grew so much personally and academically, and gained a new perspective on the world. I highly encourage everyone to study abroad if they have the chance—it’s truly life-changing and unforgettable!

Staying with a host family in Valencia was one of the most immersive and rewarding experiences I have ever had. From the very first day, I felt welcomed into their home not just as a guest, but as part of the family. This made all the difference in how I experienced Spanish culture—rather than observing it from the outside, I was able to live it day by day. The warmth of my host family, their traditions, and even the small details of daily life opened my eyes to a new way of connecting with people and a culture that was both familiar in some ways and completely new in others. One of the greatest advantages of living with a host family was the language immersion. While I had studied Spanish before, nothing compares to the challenge and reward of speaking it constantly in real-life situations. From breakfast conversations at the kitchen table to late-night chats about Spanish customs, I found myself improving not just in vocabulary, but also in confidence. My host family was patient and encouraging, helping me navigate moments when I stumbled over words and celebrating my progress when I managed to express myself more naturally. This daily practice gave me a comfort with the language that I don’t think I could have achieved in a classroom alone. Weekends in Valencia brought another layer of adventure. The city itself is vibrant and full of history, but I also took advantage of the opportunity to explore beyond its borders. Solo travel became an unexpected highlight of my time in Spain. At first, the thought of traveling alone felt a little intimidating, but it quickly became one of the most empowering parts of the experience. I learned how to navigate new cities, plan my own itineraries, and rely on myself in unfamiliar situations. Whether it was wandering the narrow streets of Seville, marveling at the architecture in Barcelona, or tasting regional specialties in smaller towns, each trip gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Spain’s culture and landscapes. Living in Valencia also gave me the chance to connect with local traditions on a personal level. Festivals, food, and family routines all became part of my daily rhythm. I discovered how meals are more than just eating—they’re about connection, sharing stories, and taking time to be together. I joined in on local celebrations, experienced the lively energy of Spanish music and dance, and even learned the subtle cultural gestures that make conversations feel authentic. These moments helped me see Spain not just as a place to visit, but as a culture to belong to, even if only temporarily. Looking back, I can honestly say this experience was a 10/10. It combined the joy of travel with the depth of cultural immersion, while also teaching me about independence, adaptability, and the value of human connection. I would absolutely do it again—and in fact, I can’t wait for the opportunity to return. Staying with a host family in Valencia didn’t just give me memories; it gave me a new perspective on travel, language, and community.

The summer that I spent in Valencia was one of the most rewarding summers that I have ever had. Not only did it allow me to finish my Spanish minor; which I would not have been able to do at my home university. But Valencia also allowed me to grow as a person and become more confident with who I am. I made lifelong friends that I know I will always have a special bond with and got to experience another culture first hand. I think that world strides does an amazing job at providing the right amount of activities so that you can experience Spain but you still have time to yourself to choose what you want to do. I also always felt supported and safe knowing that there was amazing staff that would always be able to help me.

My time in Valencia with ISA has been incredible. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and fully immersed in Spanish culture. The city itself is the perfect balance of historic charm and modern energy—whether I was walking through the old town, enjoying the beach, or grabbing food in Ruzafa, there was always something new to explore. Academically and personally, this program exceeded my expectations. My Spanish improved so much through both coursework and daily life interactions, and I felt like I was truly living the language. ISA’s on-site staff were amazing—they were always available, organized fun cultural excursions, and genuinely cared about our experience. They made it easy to feel at home even while being abroad. One of the best parts was getting to connect with other students from across the U.S. and locals in Valencia. I made close friendships, had unforgettable experiences, and grew more independent and open-minded. Whether we were visiting Albufera, biking through the Turia Gardens, or just sharing tapas after class, there was always laughter and good memories. This experience not only confirmed my passion for international education, but also helped shape my personal and professional goals. I can’t recommend ISA Valencia enough—it’s a fun, rich, and life-changing program in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities.

I always dreamed to study abroad and finally doing it was the best experience of my life! I traveled to 6 different countries while I was abroad and made life long friends. I’ll never forget the memories I made in Valencia. A piece of me will always remain there! Fulfill your dreams, do it even if you’re sacred, I was too! It turned out to be better than I could have imagined.

I loved studying abroad in Valencia! It’s a great city for someone looking for a vibrant, mid-sized city—not as big as Barcelona or Madrid, but still full of life. Valencia has a huge student population, beautiful access to the sea, and an incredible social and cultural scene that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been. I highly recommend going with ISA. From pre-departure support to the in-country staff, excursions, housing, and university options, my experience with ISA was excellent. I was placed in a beautiful top-floor apartment with a large terrace overlooking the city. I had the best roommates and I think ISA was intentional in matching up roommates when it came to homestay pairs or apartments which I know we all appreciated! ISA local staff make an effort to know the students. They took us out for not only our excursions but also typical Spanish meals and taught us about the culture. I can't imagine going with another program. One thing I would do differently is be more intentional, earlier on, about joining clubs, sports groups, international meetups, and local volunteer organizations. Some of my most lasting connections outside of class and my ISA program friends came from getting involved in the community. Whether it was playing weekly beach volleyball, volunteering for flood cleanup, or joining the American Space to help Spanish students with English, these experiences helped me connect with locals and immerse myself in Spanish culture in a deeper way. The amazing excursions, like paella-making and ISA-organized trips, were incredible opportunities to experience Spanish culture within the program. But I also loved seeking out activities on my own. I really appreciated that the local ISA support staff would send out volunteer opportunities or organize extra social events beyond the main group activities. Thanks to their recommendations, I even joined a kite surfing class—and I absolutely loved it!

My study abroad experience was truly incredible. The classes were challenging, but they pushed me to grow both academically and personally. I learned so much, not just about the language, but also about the culture and history of the country. My professors were fantastic—engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about their subjects. I genuinely enjoyed listening to them speak, and they made learning an immersive and exciting experience. Housing was also a highlight of the program. I lived in a beautiful apartment that was equipped with everything we needed, and they even sent a cleaner every other week. We were immersed in a real apartment complex with local residents, which made the experience feel even more authentic and connected to the city. Beyond academics, the program organizers did an excellent job of helping us connect with each other and with the local culture. They planned a variety of fun activities, from cultural excursions to social events, that made it easy to meet new people and truly experience life in the city. The staff was incredibly supportive, always available to help with any concerns, and made sure we felt safe and well taken care of. Overall, this study abroad experience exceeded my expectations. It was an amazing balance of academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal adventure. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad!

Amazing food, great nightlife, beautiful architecture, the Mediterranean Sea, and safe streets; Valencia has it all. Not only that, it was voted Europe's most eco-friendly city, has the largest aquarium in Europe, and was rated the #1 place in the WORLD to live for expats (people moving to a new city; that's what you'll be!). My friends and I say every day how grateful we are that we chose not only Valencia but also ISA to take this journey with. We made lifelong friends, but it was more like a family. Maria, Manu, and Francesco, our program directors, were there for all of us, at any hour, whenever we needed anything, to ensure that we had an advocate so far from home. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for both ISA and Valencia; I have had the experience of a lifetime. Do yourself a favor and join this program; I promise you won't regret it!

Valencia was an amazing city to study abroad in. It truly is so easy to navigate, and you have the chance to immerse yourself in a culture immediately. There are always random festivals to go check out, and there are many international students. There are many opportunities where you can practice your Spanish with people at coffee shops or even meet people from different countries! A great city overall! Additionally, the airport is convenient to get to when going on those international trips! :)

My experience in Valencia, Spain with ISA was nothing but amazing. The 3 months I spent living there were my favorite 3 months of college yet. Valencia is a wonderful city, one of the cleanest and safest I have ever been too while also having amazing history, culture, and cuisine. The ISA program was a fantastic program which I cannot recommend enough. I build connections with the staff and other students from all over, through our many different activities and excursions that were offered.

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.

In the summer of 2022, I had the amazing opportunity through ISA to study abroad in Valencia, Spain. During 6 weeks of living there, I had classes from 9 to 1 Monday through Friday, and then I had my evenings and weekends to explore the city and all it has to offer. I enrolled in a Spanish Cinema class and a Spanish culture class, the other option being Spanish literature. Although I enjoyed my classes, I wish there were more options. My advisors helped me plan out places to visit like restaurants, beaches, and sightseeing areas. Through the program, I also saw Barcelona, Peñiscola, Granada, and other places around Spain. On a free weekend, I was able to take a train to Madrid. I highly recommend this program to others as you can see a new side of the world without breaking the bank.

My experience was the most fantastic it could be, I was extremely lucky. My experience was great mainly because of my host family. I lived with a couple named Ana and Ricardo and I will consider them my family for life. Not only were they caring and considerate hosts, they genuinely took an interest to my life and hobbies. For example, I once said my favorite food at the dinner table and Ana made it for dinner the next night. Another instance of their kindness was when Ricardo took us to a theme park to ride the rollercoasters he used to ride with his children. Overall, my experience with my host family was beyond anything I could have imagined. All of the experiences that ISA provided me went above and beyond and I'm thankful I got to experience so many places and events through the program. I would recommend ISA to everyone and I will always have a special place in my heart for Valencia and my host family.

ISA US is great, I had problems uploading every single document and they helped me out once I called. Unfortunately, they only do visas for Texas or something and the Boston consulate was so terrible and I found the false advertising of ISA doing visas to be obnoxious (thankfully though my home university stepped in for the visa process). ISA Valencia did not release housing until around one week before our departure, the apartment I lived in was in a great location however all the flatware was sticky (all of it!!). The orientation right when we landed was extremely long and it felt unnecessary. We all had just finished 18 hours of travel and we were hungry and jet lagged and the office said they would give us a brief orientation. It was not brief at all, maybe it was Spain’s version of brief. My classes were harder than I had expected for study abroad and there didn’t seem to be any fun classes. The university, Universidad Católica de Valencia, was gorgeous and I met great people, but the advisors and administration was very different than what I am used to. I think it is a Spain thing and perhaps a small university thing as well. The ISA trip to Granada and all the activities were fun and it was nice to connect with the other people in the group. The first dinner was really nice, as well! I enjoyed the security of the 24hr ISA help line. It was helpful when trying to find the circuit breaker. My roommates, classmates, and fellow ISA valencia groupees totally changed my expectations of study abroad. I made great friends (every so often we still catch up), had great experiences, there were ups and downs, but overall I can say that I’m so glad that I went. Valencia is a lovely city. UCV has various locations but the majority are in the city in central areas. The bus/tram/underground train network is vast and cheap compared to Barcelona/Madrid. The Turia Park is a five-ish mile park that cuts through the city center (used to be a river, it kept flooding, they directed it south of the city, and built a park) you have to walk down stairs or a ramp to access the park and it has big walls blocking it partially from the road. There’s picnic spots, the occasional bathroom, the occasional bar, pickpocketers, group fitness classes, 2 running paths, baseball fields, 2 multi use paths, it is absolutely lovely. Valencia has some lovely historical buildings. The beachfront is amazing. Also people clean the sidewalks every single day! Thank you Valencia for a wonderful experience!

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!

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.

This year has obviously been a rollercoaster for all of us, but the way ISA handled my study abroad experience during this uncertain time was very professional and gave me the best experience of my life. I had so much fun being immersed into the culture in Spain! I was able to visit other cities in Spain during my time abroad, but by the end I called Valencia my home away from home!

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.

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 reccommend this program because of how easy ISA makes everything and also because Valencia is the perfect combination of history, modernity, and beach.