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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in Spain? We recently caught up with Nicole from the University of Texas at El Paso, a marketing major and international business minor who studied abroad in the coastal city of Valencia during spring semester.
Discover how Nicole’s study abroad experience in Valencia helped change her perspective on life and grow her professional network!
Choosing Where & When to Study Abroad
AIFS Abroad offers many amazing study abroad programs around the world and throughout the year, so choosing where and when to study abroad isn’t always easy. Hear Nicole describe why she chose Valencia, Spain, out of all the Spanish-speaking study abroad destinations:
“I chose Valencia, Spain, because I wanted to experience life in a vibrant, coastal city that was rich in culture but not as fast paced as Madrid or Barcelona. As a Mexican American and bilingual student, I was excited to deepen my connection to the Spanish language while exploring a different Spanish-speaking culture. I’d recommend this program to students who love a balance of beach and city life, appreciate art and architecture, and are open to trying new foods and traditions.”
Deciding when to study abroad may depend on your academic track or your personal preferences. As Nicole said, spring semester in Valencia offers some unique benefits, including a one-of-a-kind spring festival:
“I studied abroad during the spring because it aligned perfectly with my academic schedule and gave me the chance to experience the city during one of its most iconic times of year—Las Fallas. The spring season brought great weather, fewer tourists compared to summer, and a more local, authentic vibe. It was the perfect time to settle into Valencia while still enjoying lively events and cultural traditions.”
Budgeting Abroad
Financial considerations can mean the difference between studying abroad and staying home. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad accepts student financial aid (just make sure to check with your home university’s study abroad office!), plus we offer multiple scholarships and grants, to make our programs more accessible.
Here’s how Nicole budgeted during her study abroad program:
“I stuck to a weekly budget and used a mix of cash and card to track my spending. I prioritized experiences over shopping and made sure to take advantage of free activities like city walking tours or beach days. My advice: plan ahead, don’t underestimate how fast small purchases add up, and always set aside emergency funds for travel hiccups.”
University Experience
Studying abroad allows you to learn in a totally new academic environment. Your courses may include students from all around the world, professors with local perspectives on subject matter, and the opportunity to apply your studies in a new context. Below, Nicole describes her university experience:
“I attended Universidad Católica de Valenica. The experience was eye-opening. The professors were passionate, the classes were interactive, and I got to study alongside students from all over the world. The setting itself was beautiful and historic, which made going to class feel like part of the cultural experience.
Classes were smaller and more discussion-based than what I was used to back home. Most of my classmates were other AIFS and international students, so it was easy to connect and make friends. It was cool hearing different global perspectives during lectures—it definitely made class more engaging and personal.”
Studying abroad opens up opportunities for you to enroll in classes that may not be available at your home university or explore familiar topics from a different point of view. Hear Nicole explain the impact of one of her courses in Valencia:
“The class that stood out to me the most was my International Marketing course. It gave me real insight into how brands adapt their strategies for different cultures, and we even worked on a group project where we created a marketing plan for a U.S. brand entering the Spanish market. It was hands-on, directly connected to my career goals, and made me even more excited about pursuing marketing on a global scale.”
As Nicole says below, she was very happy to experience a classroom culture that was different from what she was used to:
“Classes abroad felt more relaxed in structure but still very engaging. At my home university, classes tend to be more fast-paced and lecture-heavy, while in Valencia, there was a stronger focus on open discussion, cultural context, and real-world application. Professors encouraged participation and took time to connect the material to local life, which made learning feel more personal and immersive. The classroom culture was also more laid-back, but still respectful. Students weren’t afraid to speak up or ask questions.”
Language Learning
Language proficiency is not required for most AIFS Abroad programs. As a bilingual student who speaks English and Spanish fluently, Nicole was grateful for the opportunity to improve her Spanish vocabulary and learn the local slang:
“Since I studied in Valencia, where Spanish is the primary language, being bilingual was a huge advantage. You didn’t need to know Spanish to be eligible for the program, but it definitely enhanced my experience. Even though I was already fluent, I noticed my vocabulary grew, especially with regional slang and expressions unique to Spain. I became more confident speaking in different settings—from casual conversations to more formal situations like class presentations or shopping. My advice: immerse yourself as much as possible. Speak the language daily, even if you’re nervous. Locals appreciate the effort, and it’s the best way to truly connect with the culture.”
Housing
Housing is provided for all AIFS Abroad programs. Nicole chose to live in a shared apartment with other AIFS Abroad students, as she explains below:
“I lived in an apartment with six other roommates, which was a big adjustment for me since I had never lived with roommates before, especially not with people I had just met. Two of them were male, and as a girl, I was honestly nervous at first. It felt a little intimidating not knowing what to expect. But after just a few days, we all became super close, and it ended up being one of the best parts of the experience. We supported each other, explored the city together, and created such a fun and safe environment. Surprisingly, having male roommates actually made me feel safer, and I’m so grateful for the friendships we built.”
While shared apartments may be co-ed, bedrooms are always private. Additionally, any student who lives in an AIFS Abroad student residence where they share a dorm room will never be asked to do so with a person of the opposite sex.
Building International Connections
Between group trips and excursions, along with social and cultural activities, making friends abroad is easy with AIFS Abroad! Below, Nicole explains some extra steps she took to make connections during her program:
“I built personal connections by stepping out of my comfort zone by saying yes to group outings, bonding with my roommates, and getting to know other students in my classes. Professionally, I made an effort to connect with my professors and participated in group projects where I got to collaborate with international peers. These experiences helped me build confidence and communication skills in a global setting. My advice: be open, initiate conversations, and don’t be afraid to be the first to reach out. The people you meet abroad can become lifelong friends or valuable professional contacts, you just have to put yourself out there.”
Cultural Appreciation
Studying abroad lets you authentically immerse yourself in a new culture. If you’re like Nicole (and many other study abroad students), these cultural experiences may shape your worldview, as she explains:
“Something I really admired about Spanish culture, especially in Valencia, was how people truly work to live, not the other way around. Life there felt more balanced and intentional. People took time to enjoy long meals, walks by the beach, and moments with friends and family. That slower-paced lifestyle made me rethink how I was living back home. When I returned, I started prioritizing things like rest, quality time, and being present, instead of always feeling the need to rush or overwork myself. It reminded me that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of enjoying life.”
Valencia is well-known for Las Fallas, an annual festival that celebrates the coming of spring. Below, Nicole describes the impression Las Fallas had on her, along with her favorite memory during this time:
“I got to experience Las Fallas, which was hands down one of the most incredible festivals I’ve ever seen. The fireworks, the sculptures, and the energy were unreal. I also went to a few local food festivals and outdoor concerts. Valencia is full of life, especially in the spring.
One night during Las Fallas, my roommates and I sat by the beach watching fireworks light up the sky, eating churros, and just talking about life. It was one of those moments that felt so simple but so meaningful, it reminded me how beautiful it is to be fully in the moment.”
Trips & Excursions
Every AIFS Abroad study abroad program includes incredible trips and excursions that take you around your host country. Below, Nicole describes her favorite excursion:
“One of the most memorable AIFS-sponsored excursions I attended was the weekend trip to Madrid. It was my first time visiting the capital, and the trip was packed with culture, history, and fun. We visited iconic spots like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park, but what made it unforgettable was exploring the city with new friends and having local guides who gave us deeper insight into everything we were seeing. It felt like the perfect mix of learning and adventure, and it made me appreciate Spain’s diversity even more.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
Hear Nicole explain why she chose AIFS Abroad and the benefits of our on-site support:
“I chose AIFS because of their strong reputation for offering well-organized, immersive programs with built-in support. I’d heard from previous students that AIFS made the process of studying abroad less overwhelming, especially when it came to housing, cultural activities, and navigating a new city. The fact that they had on-site staff and excursions included really stood out to me.
My Program Director, Janan, [also] really stood out to me. From the moment I landed in Valencia I automatically felt safe and that I had someone to trust whenever I needed anything. She was the sweetest and most intelligent woman ever. We could all tell she truly cared about every single one of us and only wanted the very best for us. I could not have imagined anyone else.”
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad like Nicole did in Valencia? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, trips and excursions, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
