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La Ciutat de València
La Ciutat de València
Heading to Spain, Settling in, The UVa Center, Valenciano
Heading to Spain
Heading to Spain
The Valencia program offers a group flight that always flies out of JFK in New York. It's not a requirement that you join this group as there are limited slots available. If you have decided to fly with the group flight, you will need to make sure you have a way to get the airport the day of the flight. UVA in Valencia staff will be at JFK to see you off and you will be met in Valencia and taken to a central location to meet someone from your host family.
Students on the program flight will also get assistance if they miss the flight, if their luggage is lost, and if they want to extend their return ticket after the end of the program. The charges for the program flight are billed to your UVA account.
If you decided to travel separately, there are some important things to know before you leave:
1. If you have a connecting flight, don't sweat it if your passport is not stamped in Valencia.
Upon arriving to the airport, it may be initially concerning when your passport is not stamped (and a little frustrating if you specifically want the Valencia stamp on your passport). However, know that your passport will be stamped when you go through customs on when you first arrive into the European Union (E.U.) for the first time within your trip and then you're good to go for the rest of your stay.*
*Note for later travel: if you take trips within the E.U., your passport will not be stamped, but if you go outside of the E.U., you will be required to get your passport stamped.
2. Getting to your host family.
After spending a significant amount of time in Spain, your Spanish definitely will improve. When you arrive to Valencia, you may not be as confident or have the proficiency to navigate. We recommend printing out your host family's address to give to your taxi driver or have it ready on your phone to show them. Also be sure to ask if he or she accepts credit card payments ("¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?") **Do note that many do not accept American Express**
3. Meeting your host family
This part of studying abroad can be exciting, awkward and overwhelming but don't worry because everyone eventually settles in well. It is recommended to bring your host family a small gift. Some people bring things such as wine, staple gifts from their respective U.S. state, or University gear to give to their new family.
Settling in
Settling in
- Advice about learning Spanish
The most important thing to remember about acquiring a new language is that it is perfectly acceptable to make mistakes while you are speaking. Some of the best advice I received was to not strive for perfection but rather getting the message across. Remember that just being in Spain in itself is a gift. You have an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity that many will never be able to participate in. For that reason, speak up! You are here to learn about the Spanish language and culture, so don't ever be afraid to ask questions and jump into a new conversation, even if it's with someone you just met on the street.
2. Your host family
Host family experiences vary greatly, but the majority fortunate enough to have a fantastic experience and are invited to be a part of the family from day one. However, if you sense that great troubles are immanent, talk to the program director immediately. If you family isn't providing you with meals for example, this is not acceptable. Living with another family is a two way street and you must respect the wishes of your family. The most important thing you can do as a member is communicate. Tell your family if you cannot make a meal, if you are traveling, or staying at a friend's house. This is not only courteous, but shows you care about your family as well.
3. Classes and work
Everyone learns differently and it is not abnormal to struggle at first with learning Spanish. However, you may notice that you have more free time than usual after classes. This is to practice your Spanish in the real world. Take advantage of it. Go out and explore the city and make new friends. Talk to natives and get to know the area with locals. Don't stay in and watch Netflix or attempt to make flash cards to learn Spanish. The best way to learn is out on the street talking to people, flash cards are something you can make anywhere. There is plenty of time to talk to Americans at home, so please immerse yourself and you won't regret it!
4. Cultural Adjustments
One of the most intimidating parts about studying abroad is being completely immersed in a culture that is not your own. You are going to find somethings as abnormal or different to what you are personally used to, and that is okay. Spaniards, can be more direct than Americans. There are going to be times where you are in a conversation and something comes up, whether it be comments about your complexion, build, or general personality that are not meant to be aggressive or mean in any way at all. It's just a part of Spanish culture that you learn to love over the course of your time there.
The UVA Center
The UVA Center
Located at Carrer de Ramón Gordillo, 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain, the UVA center is nestled in Benimaclet near the Universitat de Valencia. Here you will be attending your classes and have access to a library and wifi! Nearby you will find a Mercadona, El Gimnasio Olimpic, and a variety of cafes within the block!
El valenciano
El valenciano
Written on almost every sign in the city*, you probably won't find it too difficult to discern the meaning of Valenciano, especially if you have experience with the Spanish language, but it might come as a surprise when you first arrive. As a regional language of Spain, Valenciano is spoken through the Province of Valencia, and shouldn't be mistaken for it's close relation with el Catalán, spoken in Catalonia. Each province of tends to have its own language, apart from el Castellano, and customs and the Spanish are proud of these differences.
To the right is a quick guide to el valenciano in case you are confused about why you will frequently see Valencia spelled with an "è" (Valenciano) or not!
*It's essential to know that every street and area of the city will have two names, one in Castellano and one in Valenciano. This can cause problems, especially when using services like Google Maps that may only know one of the names!
Quick guide to Valenciano:
la placa - la plaza
la avinguda - la avenida
el carrer - la calle
el barri- el barrio
el edifici - el edificio
la ciutat - la ciudad
la comunitat - la comunidad
la universitat - la universidad
mare meva - madre mía
Que fort! - Que fuerte
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