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.
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 Policies12 semester credits
Wide variety of courses available; taught in English and Spanish
Homestay or apartment
3 meals per day for homestay students
Day trips to a winery with vineyard and Peniscola, Albufera National Park and a 2-night excursion to Spain’s capital city, Madrid
A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience
To help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program
24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways
Airport transfers to and from campus
Seville (3 days)
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.
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.
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.
Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Valencia
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.
Valencia receives over 300 days of sun each year, great for exploring the beautiful coastline.
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.
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:
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!
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Program is closed
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.)
For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com
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