Hispanic Studies
Universitat de ValènciaValencia, Spain
- Choose your term :
- Summer
Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Hispanic Studies
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Location
Valencia
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Host University
Universitat de València
As a well-respected university in Spain since the 15th Century, the Universitat de València (UV) has a student population of over 45,000 and several active and scenic campuses. You will take classes at the Facultad de Filología located on Blasco Ibañez Avenue, minutes away from the ISA office. With courses focused on the language and culture, history, art, and literature of Spain, the UV provides a fantastic environment in which you can dive into these subjects while also immersing yourself into the culture outside of your classes. You will be in class with other North American students, but will also have the opportunity to interact with local students through language exchanges.
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Term
Summer 1 + 2 2025
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Program Dates
May 22, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 10, 2025
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Credit
180 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$9,995
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
With content course offerings exclusively at the advanced level of Spanish in art, culture, history, and literature, this program is perfect for students looking to enhance their Spanish skills. All classes are taught in Spanish by host university faculty at the Universitat de València and will be taken with other ISA students.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of four semesters (six quarters) of college-level Spanish
For Summer 2, Fall, and Academic Year: 4 college semesters of Spanish
For Summer 1: 2 college semesters of Spanish for the Intermediate courses and 4 college semesters of Spanish for the Advanced courses
What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.

24-Hour Emergency

24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.

Airport Reception*

Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.

Spanish Visa Support

Spanish Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for Spain, if a visa is needed for your program. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed. A Spanish student visa is required for U.S. students participating in academic programs in Spain lasting 91 days or more. For non-U.S. citizens, you should contact your consulate to verify specific entry requirements.
To obtain a Spanish student visa, you must:
A) schedule an appointment (where applicable) and apply in person at the consulate, or
B) take part in the ISA Spain Visa Service* (if applicable), where you may pay an extra fee for ISA to schedule and attend an appointment on your behalf.
Note: the ISA Spain Visa Service typically has deadlines well in advance of your program application deadline, often 1 month earlier or more. This is due to the appointment dates the consulate gives ISA. Should you want to use the ISA Spain Visa Service, we encourage you to apply to your program as early as possible.
Failure to obtain a visa for programs lasting 91 days or more could result in you having to cancel or switch programs.
Please contact your ISA Program Manager for more information regarding the Spain Visa Service or any visa related questions or concerns.

Tuition at the Host University

Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.

Housing

Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.

Meals and Laundry Service*

Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.

Bridging Cultures Orientation

Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.

Full-Time Resident Staff

Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.

On-Site ISA Offices

On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.

Internet Access

Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.

ISA Discovery Model

ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.

Excursions*

Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.

Cultural Activities

Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.

Insurance

Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.

Official Transcript from the Host University

Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.

Professional Development Toolbox

Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
180
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18
Academic Information
Course Availability
The course list below indicates the proposed courses for the upcoming semester. The host university has not yet confirmed the current course list at this time. This site will be updated once ISA receives the updated list of courses, along with a note notifying students of the change.
Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations.
Language Level Requirement
Students must have completed at least 2 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent to be accepted into the program. Students with only 2 completed semesters of college-level Spanish must enroll in the Intermediate level classes for Summer 1.
Course Selection
Courses and course hours of instructions are subject to change.
Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the ISA Valencia Program Manager.
Course Credit
Students are required to enroll in 2 courses (90 contact hours) per session to be considered full-time. Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
Transcripts
The transcript from the Universitat de València will reflect recommended U.S. semester credits. The ISA Cover Letter that will accompany your transcript will reflect the contact hours for each course. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding transfer credit for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
As part of your Veritas experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in ministry work in your host community and experience Christianity in another culture. At each of our sites, you will be connected with a Veritas Mentor who will meet with you regularly to help you connect to ministry opportunities and Christian community.
Our goal is to support the long-term goals of the local community. For this reason, we are very intentional about partnering with organizations that are well-established in the area and have a deep understanding of the needs of the local community. Depending on organizational needs, students may serve directly with communities in need or support activities behind the scenes. Service opportunities vary by location and season, allowing students to gain experience in cross-cultural service while building relationships and sharing their faith. Past opportunities include, but are not limited to, support for local churches through events, prayer teams, and youth ministry.
While all students are encouraged to serve as much as possible, students may choose to serve as much or as little as they want. While the Veritas Mentor will connect students to local opportunities, it is up to each individual student to take the initiative to serve.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Nina Ellsworth
Program Manager, Spain
A born and raised Michigander, Nina obtained her degree in Psychology and Social Relations & Policy from Michigan State University. Nina’s passion for global understanding started from a young age, which led her to participate in service learning and education abroad in Ecuador, Brazil, Amsterdam, and Spain, ultimately bringing her to the role of Program Manager at ISA. In her free time, you’ll often find her relaxing by Lake Michigan or cooking with family. Her background in international relations and experience living and studying abroad allowed her to see firsthand the transformative impact of cultural exchange. Nina is dedicated to helping students navigate their own journeys abroad, ensuring they have meaningful, enriching experiences.
VALENCIA TEAM

Manuel Gutierrez
Resident Director, Spain

Manuel Gutierrez
Resident Director
Manuel "Manu" Gutiérrez Olavarría began working with ISA in 2001 as a Resident Dirctor in several ISA sites: Sevilla, Santander, Barcelona, and is now in Valencia. Manu enjoys being surrounded by different cultures and believes this aspect of the job is the most rewarding.

Julia Simó
Student Services Coordinator, Spain

Julia Simó
Student Services Coordinator
Julia was born and raised in Valencia, Spain. She studied Audiovisual Communication and has always been fascinated by cinema, as it allows her to travel to different countries, cultures, and times without ever leaving her seat. She loves cycling and uses her bike to get everywhere, embracing the freedom it gives her to explore her city. She thrives in the sunshine but also finds beauty in gray, rainy days. She lived in Utrecht, Netherlands, where she connected with an international community and made friends from all over the world. This experience broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new films, spending time with friends, and soaking up the outdoors. She believes in the power of stories to connect people and inspire understanding.

María Vilar
Student Services Coordinator, Spain

María Vilar
Student Services Coordinator

Francesco Pomponio
Cultural Activities Coordinator, Spain

Francesco Pomponio
Cultural Activities Coordinator
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Studying abroad in Spain gives you the opportunity to experience various aspects of the Spanish culture you wouldn't otherwise have. Depending on your housing option, you will either be within walking distance to your university or conveniently located near public transit routes. Travel times to the various university buildings (with the exception of the Residencia to the UCV and FSU) generally range between 15 and 40 minutes will be contingent on housing and class locations. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Rent and utilities are included in the program price, and each apartment is fully furnished. Apartments, spread throughout the...

Homestay
Host families are a great choice if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA’s resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable situation. Homestays will provide three meals...

Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.

Student Residence
The student residence is a great choice if you would like to be independent while living with other international and local students. With availability limited on a first-come, first-served basis, you will room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may also be available...
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

Albufera

Albufera

Barcelona
During the weekend that you will be in Barcelona, Spain's most cosmopolitan city and one of Europe's top destinations for tourism, culture and commerce, you will explore the medieval part of Barcelona such as the Gothic Quarter and the bohemian El Born district, as well as the emblematic monuments such as Park Güell, Casa Batilló, and La Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona
During the weekend that you will be in Barcelona, Spain's most cosmopolitan city and one of Europe's top destinations for tourism, culture and commerce, you will explore the medieval part of Barcelona such as the Gothic Quarter and the bohemian El Born district, as well as the emblematic monuments such as Park Güell, Casa Batilló, and La Sagrada Familia.

Cultural activities in Valencia
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Valencia. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Valencia special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included tours of local museums such as the Oceanografic Valencia and the Museo Fallero, and a Farm to the table paella cooking experience where students went to a local rice farm to see how ingredients for paella are produced before participating in a paella cooking course.

Cultural activities in Valencia
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Valencia. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Valencia special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included tours of local museums such as the Oceanografic Valencia and the Museo Fallero, and a Farm to the table paella cooking experience where students went to a local rice farm to see how ingredients for paella are produced before participating in a paella cooking course.