Academic Year Study Abroad Programs in Spain

My time with RVF International as an English Auxiliary in Spain has been nothing short of fantastic. I am ethnically Spanish, but was adopted as a child, so this allowed me to get in touch with my roots. However, no one could have told me the extent to which I would fall in love with Spain and its people. Whether it’s tapas on the street, local dives, or beach trips to Alicante, everything is a lifetime adventure. There are places online that talk about the school experience in a stressful light. In my experience, it was a great chance to grow alongside the kids. Quickly, we adapted to each other, and I’ll miss all of them as I leave the school in San Lorenzo in the coming weeks. The area around my school is stunning, as the monastery is an authentic Spanish treasure. I am a little sad that you can only be in one school for two years, as I’ve formed strong bonds with the students and faculty during my time here. I came to Spain with a base level of Spanish that can only be achieved from an American High School. Needless to say, I wasn’t the strongest speaker. However, in Madrid, everyone was super nice and easy-going from the moment I stepped off the plane. My local alimentacion is run by a couple that speaks no English, but we crossed that divide and now check in with each other every few days if we don’t go to the store. While the city of Madrid offers the hustle and bustle and nightlife of a major city, it also has a sense of tranquility amongst the crowd. This program is 110% recommended for people of all ages looking to immerse themselves in a new culture.

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.