Kayla Dummer is an ISA Site Specialist for Spain. Kayla works with students studying abroad in Valencia, Sevilla and Santander.
Valencia is an amazing study abroad location that is oftentimes overlooked by students that want to study abroad in Spain. Why is it so amazing, you ask?
Rachel Wadsworth, a student studying for the academic year 2012-2013 in Valencia, boasts some of the few reasons why studying in Valencia was the best choice for her.
“I have had the opportunity to take some interesting classes taught by professors who are really passionate about what they teach. I live with an awesome host family who cares for me endlessly. I’ve made amazing friends that have truly become my family. I’ve gone swimming in the Mediterranean, whitewater rafting in the mountains of Montanejos, and even driven a horse-drawn carriage at a barraca.”
If Rachel’s words are not enough to convince you to hop on a plane to Spain’s Eastern coast, below are seven more reasons why you should study in Valencia!
1. The 3rd largest city in Spain — Get the modern feel of a big city, without the overwhelming environment of a mega metropolis.
2. Historic yet modern — Valencia, with its “city within a city” (the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), is one of the most modern Spanish cities while still maintaining Spanish traditions, culture and architecture.
3. The birthplace of paella – If you have not tried a paella Valenciana, why not try it in place of its origin? This tasty traditional Spanish rice dish will blow you out of the water!
4. Minutes from the beach – Walk only minutes from the center of the city and you will be wading in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.
5. Convenient for Travel – Only about 3 hours from either Barcelona or Madrid, Valencia is very well-situated for further travel throughout the Mediterranean, Spain and the rest of Europe.
6. Diverse Student Population – Many students from all over Europe and the rest of the world choose Valencia as their study abroad location. With Spanish as your common language, you’ll be able to meet students from all over the world in this vibrant and diverse city.
7. Academic Variety – Whether you wish to study Spanish at the University of Valencia or take classes in English at the Florida State Unviersity – Valencia Study Center, this city has classes for everyone at any language level.
As Rachel Wadsworth puts it, “Studying abroad is all about learning and growing, and the best way to do that is to experience things … So, my future study-abroad-er: just try it!”
Take Rachel’s advice and start your adventure to Valencia today.
