Nicole’s Spring in Valencia, Spain 

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Desirous to observe within the footsteps of a faculty scholar who studied overseas in Spain? We just lately caught up with Nicole from the College of Texas at El Paso, a advertising main and worldwide enterprise minor who studied overseas within the coastal metropolis of Valencia throughout spring semester. 

Uncover how Nicole’s research overseas expertise in Valencia helped change her perspective on life and develop her skilled community! 

Selecting The place & When to Examine Overseas 

AIFS Overseas gives many superb research overseas applications around the globe and all year long, so selecting the place and when to review overseas isn’t all the time straightforward. Hear Nicole describe why she selected Valencia, Spain, out of all of the Spanish-speaking research overseas locations: 

“I selected Valencia, Spain, as a result of I needed to expertise life in a vibrant, coastal metropolis that was wealthy in tradition however not as quick paced as Madrid or Barcelona. As a Mexican American and bilingual scholar, I used to be excited to deepen my connection to the Spanish language whereas exploring a special Spanish-speaking tradition. I’d suggest this program to college students who love a steadiness of seashore and metropolis life, admire artwork and structure, and are open to making an attempt new meals and traditions.” 

Deciding when to review overseas might rely in your tutorial observe or your private preferences. As Nicole stated, spring semester in Valencia gives some distinctive advantages, together with a one-of-a-kind spring competition: 

“I studied overseas throughout the spring as a result of it aligned completely with my tutorial schedule and gave me the prospect to expertise the town throughout one in every of its most iconic instances of 12 months—Las Fallas. The spring season introduced nice climate, fewer vacationers in comparison with summer season, and a extra native, genuine vibe. It was the proper time to settle into Valencia whereas nonetheless having fun with vigorous occasions and cultural traditions.” 

Budgeting Overseas 

Monetary issues can imply the distinction between learning overseas and staying house. Luckily, AIFS Overseas accepts scholar monetary help (simply ensure that to test with your private home college’s research overseas workplace!), plus we provide a number of scholarships and grants, to make our applications extra accessible. 

Right here’s how Nicole budgeted throughout her research overseas program: 

“I caught to a weekly price range and used a mixture of money and card to trace my spending. I prioritized experiences over procuring and made certain to make the most of free actions like metropolis strolling excursions or seashore days. My recommendation: plan forward, don’t underestimate how briskly small purchases add up, and all the time put aside emergency funds for journey hiccups.” 

College Expertise 

Learning overseas means that you can study in a very new tutorial surroundings. Your programs might embody college students from all around the globe, professors with native views on subject material, and the chance to use your research in a brand new context. Under, Nicole describes her college expertise: 

“I attended Universidad Católica de Valenica. The expertise was eye-opening. The professors have been passionate, the lessons have been interactive, and I obtained to review alongside college students from all around the world. The setting itself was lovely and historic, which made going to class really feel like a part of the cultural expertise. 

Lessons have been smaller and extra discussion-based than what I used to be used to again house. Most of my classmates have been different AIFS and worldwide college students, so it was straightforward to attach and make buddies. It was cool listening to completely different world views throughout lectures—it positively made class extra participating and private.” 

Learning overseas opens up alternatives so that you can enroll in lessons that will not be obtainable at your private home college or discover acquainted matters from a special standpoint. Hear Nicole clarify the influence of one in every of her programs in Valencia: 

“The category that stood out to me probably the most was my Worldwide Advertising and marketing course. It gave me actual perception into how manufacturers adapt their methods for various cultures, and we even labored on a bunch venture the place we created a advertising plan for a U.S. model getting into the Spanish market. It was hands-on, instantly linked to my profession targets, and made me much more enthusiastic about pursuing advertising on a world scale.” 

As Nicole says beneath, she was very blissful to expertise a classroom tradition that was completely different from what she was used to: 

“Lessons overseas felt extra relaxed in construction however nonetheless very participating. At my house college, lessons are usually extra fast-paced and lecture-heavy, whereas in Valencia, there was a stronger give attention to open dialogue, cultural context, and real-world utility. Professors inspired participation and took time to attach the fabric to native life, which made studying really feel extra private and immersive. The classroom tradition was additionally extra laid-back, however nonetheless respectful. College students weren’t afraid to talk up or ask questions.” 

Language Studying 

Language proficiency is not required for many AIFS Overseas applications. As a bilingual scholar who speaks English and Spanish fluently, Nicole was grateful for the chance to enhance her Spanish vocabulary and study the native slang: 

“Since I studied in Valencia, the place Spanish is the first language, being bilingual was an enormous benefit. You didn’t have to know Spanish to be eligible for this system, but it surely positively enhanced my expertise. Regardless that I used to be already fluent, I observed my vocabulary grew, particularly with regional slang and expressions distinctive to Spain. I turned extra assured talking in several settings—from informal conversations to extra formal conditions like class shows or procuring. My recommendation: immerse your self as a lot as attainable. Communicate the language every day, even should you’re nervous. Locals admire the trouble, and it’s the easiest way to actually join with the tradition.” 

Housing 

Housing is supplied for all AIFS Overseas applications. Nicole selected to reside in a shared residence with different AIFS Overseas college students, as she explains beneath: 

“I lived in an residence with six different roommates, which was an enormous adjustment for me since I had by no means lived with roommates earlier than, particularly not with folks I had simply met. Two of them have been male, and as a woman, I used to be actually nervous at first. It felt slightly intimidating not figuring out what to anticipate. However after only a few days, all of us turned tremendous shut, and it ended up being the most effective components of the expertise. We supported one another, explored the town collectively, and created such a enjoyable and secure surroundings. Surprisingly, having male roommates truly made me really feel safer, and I’m so grateful for the friendships we constructed.” 

Whereas shared residences could also be co-ed, bedrooms are all the time non-public. Moreover, any scholar who lives in an AIFS Overseas scholar residence the place they share a dorm room won’t ever be requested to take action with an individual of the other intercourse. 

Constructing Worldwide Connections 

Between group journeys and excursions, together with social and cultural actions, making buddies overseas is straightforward with AIFS Overseas! Under, Nicole explains some additional steps she took to make connections throughout her program: 

“I constructed private connections by stepping out of my consolation zone by saying sure to group outings, bonding with my roommates, and attending to know different college students in my lessons. Professionally, I made an effort to attach with my professors and took part in group tasks the place I obtained to collaborate with worldwide friends. These experiences helped me construct confidence and communication expertise in a world setting. My recommendation: be open, provoke conversations, and don’t be afraid to be the primary to succeed in out. The folks you meet overseas can develop into lifelong buddies or worthwhile skilled contacts, you simply must put your self on the market.” 

Cultural Appreciation 

Learning overseas allows you to authentically immerse your self in a brand new tradition. In case you’re like Nicole (and plenty of different research overseas college students), these cultural experiences might form your worldview, as she explains: 

“One thing I actually admired about Spanish tradition, particularly in Valencia, was how folks really work to reside, not the opposite approach round. Life there felt extra balanced and intentional. Folks took time to get pleasure from lengthy meals, walks by the seashore, and moments with family and friends. That slower-paced life-style made me rethink how I used to be residing again house. After I returned, I began prioritizing issues like relaxation, high quality time, and being current, as an alternative of all the time feeling the necessity to rush or overwork myself. It jogged my memory that success doesn’t have to return at the price of having fun with life.” 

Valencia is well-known for Las Fallas, an annual competition that celebrates the approaching of spring. Under, Nicole describes the impression Las Fallas had on her, alongside along with her favourite reminiscence throughout this time: 

“I obtained to expertise Las Fallas, which was palms down one of the unimaginable festivals I’ve ever seen. The fireworks, the sculptures, and the power have been unreal. I additionally went to a couple native meals festivals and out of doors concert events. Valencia is filled with life, particularly within the spring. 

One night time throughout Las Fallas, my roommates and I sat by the seashore watching fireworks gentle up the sky, consuming churros, and simply speaking about life. It was a kind of moments that felt so easy however so significant, it jogged my memory how lovely it’s to be totally within the second.” 

Journeys & Excursions 

Each AIFS Overseas research overseas program consists of unimaginable journeys and excursions that take you round your host nation. Under, Nicole describes her favourite tour: 

“Some of the memorable AIFS-sponsored excursions I attended was the weekend journey to Madrid. It was my first time visiting the capital, and the journey was filled with tradition, historical past, and enjoyable. We visited iconic spots just like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park, however what made it unforgettable was exploring the town with new buddies and having native guides who gave us deeper perception into all the pieces we have been seeing. It felt like the proper mixture of studying and journey, and it made me admire Spain’s variety much more.” 

Why AIFS Overseas? 

Hear Nicole clarify why she selected AIFS Overseas and the advantages of our on-site help: 

“I selected AIFS due to their sturdy status for providing well-organized, immersive applications with built-in help. I’d heard from earlier college students that AIFS made the method of learning overseas much less overwhelming, particularly when it got here to housing, cultural actions, and navigating a brand new metropolis. The truth that that they had on-site workers and excursions included actually stood out to me. 

My Program Director, Janan, [also] actually stood out to me. From the second I landed in Valencia I routinely felt secure and that I had somebody to belief at any time when I wanted something. She was the sweetest and most clever lady ever. We might all inform she really cared about each single one in every of us and solely needed the easiest for us. I couldn’t have imagined anybody else.” 

Are you able to take the leap and research overseas like Nicole did in Valencia? We’d love that will help you begin your journey! 

Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to school college students research overseas. Our applications are extremely inclusive, which takes a whole lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, journeys and excursions, 24/7 emergency help, complete insurance coverage, on-site workers, and extra, you’ll take consolation in figuring out you’ll have help all through your complete expertise overseas.