ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain

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!