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Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in Spain? We recently spoke with AIFS Abroad student Sara from University of Colorado Denver who spent her spring semester in the city of Valencia.
Discover how Sara’s experience as a student with AIFS Abroad in Valencia gave her hands-on academic experience and helped her develop valuable career skills!
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
Deciding when and where to study abroad can be a tough decision for many students (our team can help with that!). There are many options and both personal and academic factors to take into account. Fortunately, with an AIFS Abroad program, you’re guaranteed a quality academic experience in an exciting city abroad, no matter which one you choose. Here’s why Sara chose to go to Valencia in the spring:
“I chose Valencia for my study abroad program because it offers the perfect balance of rich cultural heritage, modern innovation, and an amazing quality of life. The city’s deep history, vibrant local traditions like Las Fallas, and strong sense of community made it an ideal place to immerse myself in Spanish culture. Plus, its location on the Mediterranean meant I could enjoy beautiful beaches, great weather, and incredible food—especially paella, which originated here!
I chose to study abroad in the spring term because it felt like the perfect time to experience Valencia at its liveliest. One of the biggest highlights of studying in the spring was getting to witness Las Fallas, the city’s most famous festival. The energy, the massive artistic sculptures, the fireworks, and the nonstop celebrations made my experience unforgettable. Spring also meant great weather and warmer [without] the intense summer heat, so exploring the city, the beaches, and even nearby destinations was comfortable and enjoyable.”
Academic Experiences
You can think of the study abroad experience as being made up of two parts. First, there’s the cultural and travel aspect—all of the benefits of getting to live like a local in a new country and immerse yourself in the culture while you build a global perspective and become more independent. The second part is the academic experience, which is also very important (after all, it is called study abroad)—taking courses abroad gives you unique opportunities and helps you build useful academic and career skills. Fortunately, all AIFS Abroad programs are held at renowned universities and host institutions where courses will advance your academic knowledge.
“While studying abroad, I attended Universidad Católica de Valencia (UCV), and the experience was truly unforgettable. The university had a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making it easy to adjust to life in Spain. The small class sizes allowed for more interaction with professors, and I appreciated how engaged and approachable they were. Classes were structured differently than what I was used to back home, with a greater emphasis on independent learning and critical thinking, which challenged me in a good way.
One of the best aspects of studying at UCV was its location in the heart of Valencia—being surrounded by historic buildings, local cafés, and vibrant city life made every day feel like an adventure. The university also had a strong focus on global perspectives, which made it easy to connect with both local and international students. Whether it was through coursework, cultural activities, or simply navigating daily life in Valencia, my time at UCV was an incredible blend of academic growth and cultural immersion. I’d highly recommend this program to students looking for a balance of academics, cultural exploration, and a supportive learning environment.”
Sara explains one of the great benefits of studying abroad—it exposes you to people from all around the world, such as locals, other international students, and AIFS Abroad participants from across the U.S.:
“In my classes, there were other AIFS Abroad students, but I also had classes with local Spanish students and other international students from different countries. This made for an interesting dynamic, as we got to hear different perspectives and experiences. Having local students in class also helped me improve my Spanish skills and get a better understanding of Spanish culture from their point of view. It was a great way to connect with people outside of the AIFS program and get a more immersive academic experience.”
Many study abroad programs offer academic opportunities you can’t get at your home university. For example, Sara was able to study Marine Ecology in the Mediterranean Sea—how’s that for hands-on learning!
“One of the most memorable aspects of my academic experience in Valencia was the Marine Ecology course, which combined classroom learning with field trips to the Mediterranean coast. Getting to study marine ecosystems in a hands-on way made the material feel so much more real and engaging. Another standout was my Service Learning: Social Justice class, where I had the opportunity to engage with the local community and learn about social issues in Spain from a firsthand perspective. The lectures on Spain’s cultural and historical evolution in my Culture and Society in Contemporary Spain class also deepened my understanding of how history shapes modern Spanish identity. Outside of class, attending guest lectures on sustainability and urban planning in Valencia was eye-opening, especially seeing how the city integrates green spaces, public transport, and environmental initiatives into its infrastructure. These academic experiences not only challenged me intellectually but also gave me a deeper connection to the city and its people.”
Language Learning
Although you do not need to be fluent in another language to study or intern abroad, some students choose to go to a country that already speaks their native language, as Sara did:
“Since I’m a native Spanish speaker, studying abroad in Valencia was a unique experience because I didn’t have to worry about a language barrier the way many other students did. However, I quickly realized that Spanish in Spain is different from the Spanish I grew up speaking. The accent, slang, and even some everyday words took some getting used to. I became more confident using formal Spanish, improved my listening skills, and even picked up a few Valenciano words along the way.”
If you only speak English and don’t want to study abroad in a country that speaks another language, no worries! We offer several program destinations in English-speaking countries.
Making Connections Abroad
When you intern or study abroad, you’ll be around lots of new people who are eager to meet you. Studying or interning abroad is the perfect opportunity to make friends and grow your professional network, as Sara experienced:
“Building personal and professional connections while studying abroad in Valencia was one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. I made friends through my AIFS Abroad program, classes at UCV, and my homestay, but I also pushed myself to meet locals and other international students. One of the best ways I connected with people was by saying yes, whether it was to a group dinner, a weekend trip, or just grabbing coffee after class. Being open to new experiences and stepping out of my comfort zone helped me form meaningful friendships that I still cherish.”
Adjusting to the Local Culture
Culture shock may sound a bit scary, but it’s just part of the process, and most study abroad students manage just fine while they adjust to their new environment. For many American students who study abroad in Spain, the more relaxed lifestyle and later meals can be a bit of a challenge initially:
“One of the biggest culture shocks I experienced while studying in Valencia was adjusting to Spain’s daily rhythm and lifestyle. The later mealtimes were a big change—lunch around 2-3 PM and dinner as late as 9-10 PM. At first, I found myself starving at what would normally be dinnertime back home, but over time, I adjusted by snacking strategically and embracing the slower pace of meals.
The siesta culture was another shift. While not everything shuts down in big cities, I did have to plan errands and grocery shopping around mid-afternoon closures. Instead of fighting it, I learned to use that time to relax, explore, or catch up on reading, which actually helped me slow down and enjoy my days more.
Socially, I had to get comfortable with Spain’s more direct communication style. At first, I mistook it for rudeness, but I realized that Spaniards are just more straightforward—which made conversations easier once I adapted. One of the things I really admired about Valencia and Spanish culture was the emphasis on living in the moment and prioritizing community and connection over constantly rushing through life. The slower pace of daily life, from long, relaxed meals to evening strolls (paseos) through the city, really stood out to me. People take their time to enjoy their food, their conversations, and their surroundings, which felt so different from the fast-paced, always-on-the-go mentality back home.”
Housing
All AIFS Abroad programs include housing. Depending on your program location, housing options may include a student residence, a shared apartment, or a homestay. Here’s why Sara was so glad she chose a homestay:
“I stayed in a homestay during my time in Valencia, and it was honestly one of the best parts of my study abroad experience. My host mom and I became besties, and she made me feel like part of the family from day one. Living with her gave me an inside look at daily Spanish life, from home-cooked meals to long conversations about everything from history to local traditions. It was also the best way to fully immerse myself in the culture. I got to experience firsthand how Spaniards structure their days, from late dinners to weekend family gatherings.”
Weekend Trips
As Sara emphasizes below, weekend trips are a huge bonus of studying abroad. Remember, when you’re not in class, your time is yours to do as you choose—if you’ve still got the travel bug while abroad, you can choose to travel beyond your host country!
“One of the best parts of studying abroad was having the opportunity to take weekend trips, and my absolute favorite destinations were Morocco and Portugal. Visiting Morocco was an unforgettable experience. I got to explore the vibrant markets of Marrakech, ride camels in the Sahara Desert, and experience the incredible hospitality and rich culture firsthand. The colors, the food, and the energy of the city were unlike anything I had ever seen. Portugal was equally amazing, with its stunning coastal views, charming streets, and laid-back atmosphere. I fell in love with Lisbon’s colorful architecture, the famous Pastéis de Nata, and the incredible viewpoints overlooking the city. The blend of history, culture, and adventure in both Morocco and Portugal made these trips some of the most memorable experiences of my study abroad journey, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a mix of culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.”
Career Opportunities Abroad
Studying abroad will not only lay a strong academic foundation for your future career but it will also help you build a global professional network and develop soft skills that will be invaluable in your professional life. Here’s how studying abroad helped broaden Sara’s professional horizons:
“Studying abroad in Valencia has had a huge impact on my career goals and future plans. Living in a new country, adapting to a different culture, and navigating challenges independently gave me a level of confidence and adaptability that I know will set me apart in any professional setting. I’ve learned how to communicate across cultures, problem-solve in unfamiliar situations, and build relationships with people from various backgrounds, all of which are highly valuable skills in today’s global workforce.
This experience also deepened my interest in sustainability and global issues. Seeing firsthand how Valencia integrates green spaces, sustainable transportation, and environmental consciousness into daily life inspired me to explore ways I can incorporate these values into my career. I now feel even more motivated to seek out opportunities that align with my passion for sustainability, international collaboration, and social impact.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
There are so many reasons to choose AIFS Abroad, such as our great program inclusions, exciting study abroad destinations, and our dedicated on-site support staff. One of the things about AIFS Abroad that stood out to Sara is our commitment to sustainability:
“I chose AIFS because of its strong reputation for providing immersive and well-supported study abroad experiences. I had heard great things about the organization’s commitment to cultural exchange, student support, and academic excellence. What really stood out to me, though, was AIFS’s focus on sustainability. The fact that they integrate environmentally responsible practices into their programs, from encouraging sustainable travel to supporting eco-friendly initiatives, made me feel confident that I was choosing an organization that aligns with my values. I wanted to study abroad with a program that not only prioritized education and cultural experiences but also cared about its environmental impact.
During my time abroad, the on-site AIFS Abroad staff in Valencia were amazing. They made sure we had everything we needed, checked in regularly, and organized excursions and cultural activities that helped us experience Spain beyond just academics. If I ever had questions or concerns about academics, safety, or just navigating daily life, the staff were always available and supportive.”
Final Thoughts
Finally, to sum up the impact of her experience, Sara said:
“I didn’t expect how much this experience would shape my future. Whether it’s my career goals, personal confidence, or just how I view the world, studying abroad has expanded my perspective in ways I never imagined. I now feel more independent, more open to new opportunities, and more connected to a global community.”
Are you a student whois ready to take the leap and study abroad with AIFS Abroad like Sara did in Valencia? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs come with many valuable inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like trips and excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and cultural and social activities, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.