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UAlbany in Valencia

Valencia, Spain
SUNY code: 818 Minimum GPA: 2.5 Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore

Study in Valencia, the 3rd largest city in Spain, located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Enjoy the City of Arts and Sciences with massive modern architecture over water and the historic Valencia Cathedral that lays claim to housing the Holy Grail. Valencia is filled with museums and fine dining as well as beaches and night life. Study abroad in a city full of life that mixes history with modernity.

Program Information

Academic Program

No prior study of the Spanish language is required; however, all students have the option to study Spanish while studying abroad on this program.
Create the study abroad academic experience that is best for you! Courses are available in either English or Spanish, and Spanish language learning courses are also available. You must choose a minimum of TWO courses taught at the AIP Language Institute per semester.
There are THREE main types of courses available:

  1. UAlbany courses taught in English at the AIP Language Institute – 3 SUNY credits per course

*Fall semester courses typically include:

  1. Global International Marketing (UAlbany equivalency: BMKT 376
  2. Entrepreneurship (UAlbany equivalency: BMGT 400
  3. Intercultural Communications (UAlbany equivalency: ACOM 371
  4. Survey of Western Art and Architecture I (UAlbany equivalency: AARH 170, satisfies ARTS of UAlbany’s general education requirements) 
  5. Social Problems (UAlbany equivalency: ASOC 180, satisfies CHALLENGES and SOCIAL SCIENCE of UAlbany’s general education requirements) 
  6. Social Psychology (UAlbany equivalency: APSY 270 NOTE: prerequisite of APSY 101, Introduction to Psychology 

*Spring semester courses typically include:

  1. Marketing Principles (UAlbany equivalency: BMKT 310) NOTE: junior class standing preferred, second semester sophomores considered 
  2. History of Economic Thought (UAlbany equivalency: AECO 314 or AECO 030) NOTE: Prerequisite(s): A ECO 110 and A ECO 111, microeconomics and macroeconomics 
  3. Comparative and International Politics (UAlbany equivalency: RPOS 102, satisfies CHALLENGES and SOCIAL SCIENCE of UAlbany’s general education requirements) **Pending approval by UA Political Science department
  4. Rhetoric and Social Movements (UAlbany equivalency: ACOM 379
  5. Psychology of Human Sexuality (UAlbany equivalency: APSY 340) NOTE: prerequisite of APSY 101, Introduction to Psychology 
  6. Survey of Western Art and Architecture, part II (UAlbany equivalency: AARH 171, satisfies ARTS of UAlbany’s general education requirements) 

*Course offerings are subject to minimum enrollment requirements and are subject to change.
 

  1. Optional Spanish language course: 3 SUNY credits Optional Spanish language courses taught at the AIP Language Institute accredited by Instituto Cervantes with more than 20 years of experience teaching Spanish language and culture. AIP’s team of extremely qualified teachers, high-quality Spanish language courses, small groups, and individual monitoring are some of the key components for successfully improving your Spanish while in Spain. AIP Spanish Language Courses Syllabi – all levels
UAlbany equivalencies for optional Spanish language courses at AIP:
Cervantes Level A1 – ASPN 100 or 000  
Cervantes A 2 – ASPN 101  
Cervantes B 1  – ASPN 200  
Cervantes B 2 – ASPN 201 (first course to count toward our SPAN minor or major)  
Cervantes C 1 – ASPN 205 or 206  
Cervantes C 2 – ASPN 208 or 209  

 

  1. Coursework in Spanish or English taught at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) for students with all levels of Spanish. With more than 40,000 students, the UPV is a prestigious public institution, leader in research, and considered the #1 technological university in Spain.

There are more than 150 courses available the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in English OR in Spanish which may include the following subject areas:

  • Spanish culture, literature, and compositions courses
  • Art
  • Business & Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
UPV course information including the language of instruction (English or Spanish), term each course is available (fall or spring), and course syllabus can be found here.
* Course offerings are subject to minimum enrollment requirements and are subject to change.
 
Need help determining which courses in Valencia are right for you? Schedule an advising appointment, or visit the office to speak with the UAlbany in Valencia Program Coordinator.

General Education Information for UAlbany Students

Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.

Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students

Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.

Transcript

All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary. 


Your Instructors

All courses are either taught by local faculty in Spain, hired by the AIP Language Institute in conjunction with the UAlbany in Valencia program, or are taught at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) by UPV instructors.


Housing

During the semester program, you may choose to live either in a student residence hall or with a homestay family. Shared apartments (single room) may also be available. All housing options are subject to change based on the number of program participants per term and space availability.
AIP staff reserve and coordinate your housing placement. AIP also helps to liaise and communicate with the housing provider(s) on your behalf to support you during your stay in Valencia.
Residence Halls
The Colegio Mayor Ausias March is an example of a possible accommodation provider in Valencia. In this residence, you will have the opportunity to integrate into Spanish culture by sharing an apartment with local students. Bedrooms and common spaces are comfortably furnished. You can select a single or double occupancy room. Students who select a double occupancy room can choose to have a Spanish roommate or be placed with another student on the UAlbany program. Full board (light breakfast, lunch and dinner) is provided.
Homestay
Living with a host family can be a wonderful way to experience Spanish culture first-hand. Not only is it a great way to practice your Spanish skills, it also will provide you a window into Spanish families, customs, and cuisine. Your host family provides a bedroom and meals, as well as laundry service. You will be in a single occupancy room. Full board (light breakfast, lunch and dinner) is provided.
Shared Apartment
Single occupancy room with a common living space, kitchen, and bathroom. Typically, there will be four students per shared apartment. No meals are provided. This option is subject to availability based on the number of participants.

 


Estimate of Costs

Review this program’s Estimate of Costs.  Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated semester abroad.

More Information

Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.


Academic Requirements

No prior study of Spanish is required to take the available coursework in English – absolute beginners are welcome!
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or above are eligible to participate. Applications are welcome from students in all majors. 
Certain courses may have specific eligibility, prerequisites, and/or language level requirements.  


Experiential Learning

AIP offers you the opportunity to attend many different activities. Some activities will already be included in the program charge, but you can also choose to go to some other weekly events offered through AIP for all students. This includes a great variety ranging from outdoor activities to weekend field trips such as the following:

  • 3 day/2 night Madrid “soft-landing” welcome tour
  • Beach volleyball and sunsets at Valencia’s marina
  • Historical tours around Valencia and other locations nearby
  • Paella Master Class with a local chef
  • Cultural events such as Fallas Festival
  • Game of Thrones sites such as Peñiscola

 NOTE: Specific destinations vary; schedule is tentative and subject to change.
 You can also take part in other activities and events at an extra cost. AIP plans trips for students to go to European capitals, Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Seville, and even a once in a lifetime experience in Morocco. There is always something to do! Whether you want to have a movie night on the beach or go to a Flamenco Show, you will certainly enjoy your experience in Valencia!


Funding Opportunities

Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.


In Their Own Words

 


Speak with an Advisor

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Map of Valencia, Spain

About the City

Many think of Spain as the country of flamenco dancers and bullfights, siestas and sangria, a slow-paced place filled with sun-kissed, smiling people. It is all this and much, much more. Spain has 17 distinct provinces, and its people speak 5 different languages. It is a country with a unique blend of old and new. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean and known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and the capital of the Comunitat Valenciana, which is the surrounding province. The city’s short, mild winter, long, lush spring, and almost year-round sun make it a great place to visit and live. Although surrounded by beaches, Valencia is much more than a weekend getaway; it boasts a rich cultural heritage mixed with modern industry and trade. Founded in 137 BC, Valencia has been the home of Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and a host of others. Each culture has left its mark on the city, where a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles can be seen in the art and architecture.

Where will class take place?
You will have class at the following location(s):
AIP Language Institute – Calle Bachiller 7, 46010 Valencia (Spain)(Google Maps)
Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) Edificio 6-G, 4ª planta. Camino de Vera s/n. 46022 Valencia (Spain)

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required to participate in this program. More information regarding the Spanish student visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.


Application Availability

Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:

  • Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
  • Fall/Year/Summer programs: December

Program Dates

Academic Year 2023-2024

This program is not offered for a full academic year. You can only participate on this program for one semester. 

Fall 2024

Saturday, August 31, 2024 to Friday, December 13, 2024

Spring 2024

01/12/2024 to 05/09/2024


About the Program

The AIP Language Institute in Valencia was founded by the Advisers for International Programs in Spain (AIP) to combine academic instruction with cultural activities that truly enhance the study abroad experience of our students. Located in the heart of Valencia, the Institute boasts a modern building, 23 classrooms equipped with smart boards, and a variety of student services like a travel agency to help you to plan your trips around Europe. Although AIP is not a Spanish university, courses are taught by Spanish instructors. In addition, AIP’s Language Partners Program allows Spaniards and Americans to get together to practice their language skills. The classes, cultural excursions and field trips with the group, and your interaction with Spaniards outside the classroom combine for an invaluable experience.

Program Orientations

Participants are required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The Fall semester pre-departure orientation is typically conducted before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival to Spain, you will participate in a mandatory program orientation.

Support Services

UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.

The AIP staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving any academic or non-academic issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
UPV offers a fully equipped, modern campus for more than 40,000 students with excellent sport facilities and many additional services available as described here.


Program Dates

TermApplication DeadlineDecision DateProgram StartProgram End
Spring 2024October 1, 2023October 15, 2023January 12, 2024May 9, 2024
Fall 2024March 1, 2024March 15, 2024ForthcomingForthcoming
Academic Year 2024March 1, 2024March 15, 2024ForthcomingForthcoming

Additional Details

Locations
  • Valencia, Spain
Subjects
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Communication
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • International Business
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
Terms
  • Academic Year
  • Fall
  • Spring
Minimum Class StandingSophomore
Minimum GPA2.5
Program Open to Visiting StudentsYes!
Credit Load12-18 per semester
Exchange ProgramNo
SUNY code818