Spain is ranked as the best country in Europe where to live an exchange program (read more about it here). And Valencia, a big and bustling international melting pot, is the perfect background for your adventure. Here are few tips for studying abroad in Valencia, that hopefully will help you get ready to live your incredible experience abroad.

Moving to a foreign country for a semester or a year abroad is an amazing adventure that will lead you to new paths and will bring many opportunities to you (beside the extreme fun experiences you’ll live). But adapting to a new country, with its lifestyle, language and culture is not the easiest thing to do.

Check out our guide for studying abroad in Valencia and discover the tips we collected for you!

Yes it is worth to study in Spain!

When it comes to choosing a country where to study abroad there are many doubts and questions to answer to.

If you’re wondering if study in Spain is worth, you just landed in the right article! 

Spain welcomes every year thousands of international students coming to live their experience abroad or to enroll for a university career. This country hosts several important universities, business schools and academies broadly known for their great educational offer. 

If you’re not convinced yet, here comes the fun part: Spain is the most popular countries among young people to study abroad and also one of the best tourist destinations for its great landscapes, art, culture, food and entertainment (definitely the best one!). 

Last but not least, you can live an experience abroad on a budget, since the cost of life in Spain is quite affordable if compared to the other very popular student exchange destinations in Europe. 

If you want to get more info about this, check out this article about the cost of living in Valencia that will help you planning the budget for your incredible experience abroad.

6 Things you need to know before studying abroad in Valencia

As soon as you step into the aircraft, ready to take off for your adventure abroad, you’ll need to change your mindset. Get ready to meet new people, new cultures, new languages and food...everything will be different.

We have experienced this before and here we are to provide you with some tips that may help you for studying abroad in Valencia (but they also suits most of the other places in Spain).

1. First of our tips for studying abroad in Valencia: learn basic Spanish words and sentences

No worries, English is widely spoken among young Spanish people, but you will have to deal with all kinds of folks. Not all the locals can properly speak English, that’s why our suggestion is to learn some basic Spanish words and sentences: this will get closer to the other speaker, that will probably be more likely to help you (even trying with some English!).  

2. Enjoy the art of tapas, the typical Spanish dining out

In Spain, dining out is a very specific cultural feature: Spaniards call it tapas and these are homemade dishes (patatas bravas, jamón, calamares, and more) to share with all your friends, while sipping a beer or some sangría.

Local folks usually gather after work, right before dinner, but their meeting last for hours!

When in Valencia, you’ll find loads of tabernas, market and restaurants where to taste delicious tapas meals.

3. Get used to slower lifestyle rhythms

Just like most of the Mediterranean countries - and possibly a little more in Spain -, life here runs slow. Every meal starts very late: in Spain you won’t eat dinner before than 8.30 pm (at least). Another very Spanish tradition is the siesta, an afternoon nap or chill moment that takes place right after work, to get ready for a long thrilling night out! 

4. Spanish fashion is a real thing: make the most of your shopping time

Spanish fashion is definitely underrated! Here you’ll find the trendiest shops (do not forget that Spain is the home country of Zara, Mango, Bershka and many more cool brands) and living in such a cool city you’ll meet the most diverse styles!

5. Get ready to party in Valencia!

Valencia is home to some of the most popular clubs in the whole country. Spain is famous for its incredible nightlife, among the best in the world.

In this city you’ll find so many clubs and bars in every neighborhood - from the historical side to the beautiful beaches - you won’t be able to choose!!

You need to know that in Spain, clubs open around midnight, but people won’t start partying before 1.30 am and they’ll dance till the dawn.  

6. Pay attention to pickpockets 

Pickpocketing is a real thing here, especially for foreigners. But no worries, you can easily avoid it. Do not put anything in your pockets and make sure to close your bag or backpack.

Be careful when you go out to party: the clubs are the most spotted places from thieves looking for smartphones to steal. Our tip is to buy a very cheap phone for your nights out and to take just the essentials with you.

Travel around Spain and to the neighbour countries

This country has plenty of great cities, landscapes, mountains and islands to visit. Not even a year abroad program is enough to see it all! 

Moreover, you’re very lucky, because Spain is geographically located in the heart of Western Europe; this means you’ll have the chance to travel for a cheap price to many European countries and also to Northern Africa (Morocco is just few kilometres away from Southern Spain).

Well, we hope this little guide will be useful for you to fully enjoy your experience in Valencia. Get ready to dip into the Spanish culture and live the most exciting adventure ever!