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Study Abroad | Valencia

Spain | Universidad Católica de Valencia | Spring 2024
Study abroad in Valencia, Spain.
Albufera national park.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the buzzing Mediterranean city of Valencia, Spain with AIFS! Choose from a wide range of course options at the Universidad Católica de Valencia (UCV). Centrally located in Valencia, the city that invented paella, UCV is dedicated to providing its 15,000 students with a strong college community.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    12 semester credits

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English and Spanish

  • Housing

    Homestay or apartment

  • Meals

    3 meals per day for homestay students

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Day trips to a winery with vineyard and Peniscola, Albufera National Park and a 2-night excursion to Spain’s capital city, Madrid

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • Onsite Program Director

    To help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

Program Details: Study Abroad | Valencia Multi Discipline

Program is closed

Dates

January 18, 2024May 24, 2024

Term

Spring

Institution

Universidad Católica de Valencia

Application Deadline

October 1, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$14,990

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

Students must apply for a student visa with the Spanish Consulate for programs over 90 days. Upon acceptance AIFS will provide instructions and the necessary official documents about the academic year or semester in Spain; however, students must contact the Spanish Consulate directly for the appropriate visa forms. For many consulates, AIFS is able to apply for your visa on your behalf, provided you submit the needed visa information documents to AIFS by stated deadlines.

Areas of Interest

  • Art
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Film Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Internship
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Medical Science
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Service Learning & Community Service
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Spanish Language

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Education, Social Services, and Psychology
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Global Sustainability
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
  • Social and Criminal Justice
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

The Universidad Católica de Valencia (UCV) has quickly become an incomparable center of creativity, providing its students with a university experience of the highest quality. The UCV seeks to facilitate a strong college community while also providing a highly personalized experience for each student. There are exciting academic and professional opportunities at UCV and learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students have access to a rich variety of community service opportunities, professional internships, clubs, associations and intercollegiate sports. 

  • Art
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Film Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Internship
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Medical Science
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Service Learning & Community Service
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Spanish Language

This program is designed for students who wish to take Spanish language courses (Beginner through Advanced) with elective courses taught mostly in English from a variety of study fields including the humanities, health and natural sciences. Students take 4 courses each recommended for 3 U.S. credits. All students take a Spanish language course along with 3 additional elective courses. Electives can be chosen from among the courses designed specifically for the UCV-US study abroad program, direct enrollment courses (alongside Spanish and other international students) and internship placements. Students may take an additional course (for a maximum of 15 credits) for a supplemental fee of $945. Contact your AIFS Program Advisor for details. 

Spanish level is determined by an on-line placement test prior to arrival and also after arrival. An on-line meeting is held with each student, the Program Director and the UCV to better determine proper enrollment of courses and to ask questions.   

Students wishing to enroll in courses taught in Spanish should have an Advanced level (four or more semesters) of Spanish. Students should contact the AIFS Program Advisor as early as possible for course availability and schedules. 

The UCV-US Program offers internship positions in areas of health, education, and social justice. Students earn a minimum of 3 credits during the internship through their academic department. Internships are generally unpaid, full-time or part-time work assignments. Specific placements cannot be guaranteed but the UCV-US Program seeks to accommodate every qualified student with an appropriate internship. 

Applicants should note competition for most internships is extremely fierce, so if you are considering applying for one, be sure to submit a thorough application that illustrates your qualifications and commitment. 

You will need to provide your academic transcript, résumé, cover letter and, if necessary, an FBI background check. A letter of recommendation is optional. 

Internships are available in English and Spanish. Some internships in Spanish will require an Advanced level of proficiency. 

This is a competitive program with limited placement and we recommend that you apply early. Some internships may require an additional fee. For further information on the application process please contact the AIFS Program Advisor. 

UCV is an urban campus and most faculties are located within a few minutes’ walk of each other. Please note that the Sports campus is approximately a half hour journey from the center by Metro. 

This program is designed for students who wish to take Spanish language courses (Beginner through Advanced) with elective courses taught mostly in English from a variety of study fields including the humanities, health and natural sciences. Students take 4 courses each recommended for 3 U.S. credits. All students take a Spanish language course along with 3 additional elective courses. Electives can be chosen from among the courses designed specifically for the UCV-US study abroad program, direct enrollment courses (alongside Spanish and other international students) and internship placements. Students may take an additional course (for a maximum of 15 credits) for a supplemental fee of $945. Contact your AIFS Program Advisor for details. 

Spanish level is determined by an on-line placement test prior to arrival and also after arrival. An on-line meeting is held with each student, the Program Director and the UCV to better determine proper enrollment of courses and to ask questions.   

Students wishing to enroll in courses taught in Spanish should have an Advanced level (four or more semesters) of Spanish. Students should contact the AIFS Program Advisor as early as possible for course availability and schedules. 

The UCV-US Program offers internship positions in areas of health, education, and social justice. Students earn a minimum of 3 credits during the internship through their academic department. Internships are generally unpaid, full-time or part-time work assignments. Specific placements cannot be guaranteed but the UCV-US Program seeks to accommodate every qualified student with an appropriate internship. 

Applicants should note competition for most internships is extremely fierce, so if you are considering applying for one, be sure to submit a thorough application that illustrates your qualifications and commitment. 

You will need to provide your academic transcript, résumé, cover letter and, if necessary, an FBI background check. A letter of recommendation is optional. 

Internships are available in English and Spanish. Some internships in Spanish will require an Advanced level of proficiency. 

This is a competitive program with limited placement and we recommend that you apply early. Some internships may require an additional fee. For further information on the application process please contact the AIFS Program Advisor. 

UCV is an urban campus and most faculties are located within a few minutes’ walk of each other. Please note that the Sports campus is approximately a half hour journey from the center by Metro. 

View All Courses For Multi Discipline
Chloe Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE Valencia

Meet Chloe, a college student from Texas A&M University, who took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Valencia, Spain during her fall semester! Watch as Chloe highlights what a typical day in the life looks like there.

Living Abroad

Homestay

The best way to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain. Many students choosing this option find that it is the most rewarding part of their time abroad.

  • Double room
  • Weekly laundry
  • 3 meals per day with your host

Shared Apartment

Students can opt to live in a fully furnished apartment in Valencia. Apartments are shared with other AIFS students and may be co-ed. Apartments are centrally located and within easy reach of the university by public transportation.

  • A limited number of single room may be available on request
  • Shared kitchen, bathroom and living room
  • Washing machine
  • Cleaned every other week

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Valencia

Culture

Valencia, the official birthplace of paella, combines beautiful beaches with both historic and modern architecture. The vibrant Mediterranean city is known for music, light and festivals.  

Climate

Valencia receives over 300 days of sun each year, great for exploring the beautiful coastline. 

Cuisine

In Spain, meals require an almost complete readjustment of eating habits, especially the times of the meals. For example, locals eat five times a day, and dinner isn’t typically served until around 9:30pm. Valencia is surrounded by farmland and is known for produce and rice. 

AIFS in Valencia Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Janan Batteh

Originally from Florida, I feel right at home in Spain’s Mediterranean Valencia, which has been my home for over 20 years. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a minor in art from the College of Charleston, I decided my passion was to work in the field of cultural and international education. While in college, I studied abroad in France. From this point on, I had a strong desire to travel, learn about other cultures and the history of how they came to be. Before joining the AIFS team I worked with their partner company guiding high school groups and teachers through Spain.

I find offering students a unique opportunity for personal growth, education and an immersion into Valencia culture both exciting and rewarding. As your Program Director, I will ensure all aspects of your program run smoothly and that you experience this marvelous city from a different perspective, as a local Valenciano. Light, music, fire, orange blossoms, ancient ruins and rice fields are only a few words that describe the unique characteristics and sites of Valencia.  I look forward to giving you an authentic and meaningful experience as we go on your study abroad journey.  

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser-known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Spanish life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:

  • Guided city tour including the historic center
  • Paella cooking class
  • Las Fallas (Valencia’s most famous festival, spring only)
  • Museo de Bellas Artes
  • Cathedral
  • City of Arts and Sciences
  • Mercado Central food market
  • La Lonja, the old silk exchange and UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • The bullring
  • San Nicolas Church
  • Fallero Museum
  • Bike Tour through Turia Riverbed Park

Students may pay a small additional fee for some of the activities listed.

Introduces students to the study of social justice, attempting to link social theory, particularly the theories of Catholic social teaching, with social action and change. Students explore the diverse meanings and definitions of social justice while developing a critical understanding of key concepts and theories. Presented in relation to some of the most important social justice debates today, this course encourages students to apply their knowledge to a wide range of subject areas and social issues. As a key component of the course, students choose a relevant placement in a community service organization/NGO, complete a minimum of four hours of service per week, and engage in meaningful reflective practice with their peers. 

UCV organizes a Buddy Program program  which enable you to practice your Spanish with a native speaker while a Spanish speaker practices their English with you!

Excursions

This program offers day trips and excursions which will take you outside Valencia and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Spain. 

Valencia wine region.

Wine Tour and Peniscola

Visit a vineyard and wine cellar that uses organic and sustainable practices. Learn about agriculture, vegetation, and the elaboration of Spanish wines. Finish with a wine tasting and then head the charming town of Peniscola known as the “city of the sea.” Includes round- trip transportation.

  • Spain
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Albufera Fishing Village near Valencia, Spain.

Albufera National Park

Explore the natural freshwater lagoon of Albufera via traditional fishing boat and visit the farmland of Valencia learning how traditional Valencian Paella is made. Includes round-trip transportation and lunch.

  • Spain
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Madrid.

Madrid

Locally guided tours to Prado Museum, La Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Espana and Gran Vía. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, entrance fees and daily breakfast. 

  • Spain
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Seville palace.

Seville

Guided walking tour of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and entrances with tour to the Cathedral and Real Alcazar. Includes round-trip transportation accommodation with daily breakfast.
*A minimum enrolment of students is required for tour to run

  • Spain
  • 3 Days
  • $695
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    October 1, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    October 20, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    October 1, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    January 17, 2024
  • Program Begins
    January 18, 2024
  • Program Ends
    May 24, 2024
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    May 25, 2024
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $2,120
  • Boston
    $1,920
  • Buffalo
    $1,980
  • Charlotte
    $2,000
  • Chicago
    $2,000
  • Cincinnati
    $2,000
  • Columbus
    $1,980
  • Dallas
    $2,060
  • Denver
    $2,120
  • Des Moines
    $2,100
  • Detroit
    $1,940
  • Houston
    $2,140
  • Los Angeles
    $2,020
  • Miami
    $1,960
  • Minneapolis
    $1,980
  • New York
    $1,780
  • Newark
    $1,780
  • Orlando
    $2,040
  • Philadelphia
    $1,900
  • Phoenix
    $2,060
  • Pittsburgh
    $2,000
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $2,040
  • San Francisco
    $2,160
  • Seattle
    $2,080
  • St. Louis
    $2,020
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,940
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Valencia?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com