University of Valencia

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s B1 Spanish

Agreement Scope Biology department exchange

Exchange Places 1 full year place for 2026/27

University of Valencia exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

Established in 1499, the University of Valencia is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Serving nearly 60,000 students, the university is spread across three campuses and offers classes in over 90 departments including the humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences.

Highlights:

Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city of Valencia is a lively centre for young people, as students make up 10% of the city's population. The university offers many cultural and recreational activities including musical performances, museums, and sports. For example, Valencia is best known for 'Las Fallas', where the entire city participates in building gigantic wooden and plaster models. On the night of the celebration, they are set ablaze amid a fireworks display and a large street fair. The city is also very well-connected due to its excellent public transport system, which means it is very easy to access both Madrid and Barcelona.

Location:

Valencia, Spain

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

For more details of modules available, see the full list of degree programmes.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. University of Valencia uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods:

Fall Semester: Mid-September to late January

Spring Semester: Early February to mid-July

Language:

While there may be some classes taught in English, the majority will be taught in Spanish, so a B1 level of Spanish is required.

Free Catalan language classes and Spanish language courses are available. Check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.

Student life

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of accommodation options for students to apply for, for example, halls of residence. Generally speaking, university residences can be either owned by or affiliated with the university. The two halls of residence owned by the University are the "Lluís Vives" Hall of Residence (currently closed for renovations) and the "Rector Peset" Hall of Residence.

Orientation / Welcome week:

The university organises a welcome session to provide students with general information about the University of Valencia and daily life in Valencia.

Support Services:

Different departments have their own academic coordinators for exchange students, who are responsible for subject-specific matters.

The university also offers a buddy programme, whereby a current student will support your transition into university life, offering support such as help regarding your arrival in the city, advice on getting around the city, phones, money matters and other practical considerations.

Visas:

You may need a visa to study in Spain. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for Spain and its Living in Spain guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Travel insurance:

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.

Health insurance:

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Student experiences

Clara, Biology, year abroad, 2024/25

"During my study exchange I was able to study a broader range of subjects within my degree field, which I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do at York. Having to adapt to a different university system helped me develop new academic approaches, which has strengthened my academic skills. Studying most of my modules in Spanish has greatly improved my language skills, confidence, adaptability, and resilience.

Some difficulties I experienced was the language barrier, adjusting to a new university system a new culture and making friends regardless of the language barrier. I overcame all these difficulties with time and developed problem-solving and interpersonal skills. I can use all these skills professionally and academically in the future, and it's also opened the opportunity for me to study or work in a Spanish-speaking country. I also had the opportunity to travel different parts of Spain and also neighbouring countries, which was a very culturally enriching opportunity. Something I wish I'd known is to have more confidence in myself and realise that everything works itself out, even if it doesn't unfold exactly as expected.

Overall, this experience has shaped me not only academically and personally, but it has made me realise what I am capable of, which has given me the confidence to face future challenges in both the academic and professional environment."

Imogen, Year Abroad in Spain (2019/20)

"My experience in Madrid was incredible, I have managed to meet so many people and different types of people that I hadn't interacted with before. I also integrated myself into Spanish life, and have learnt a lot about the culture and the way of life of the people there. I have definitely gained many new experiences, not only linguistically but also in terms of experiences that I could not have experienced in England."

Kate, Year Abroad in Spain (2019/20)

"I think the experience has changed me, both in terms of my language skills but also in terms of personal growth. I think it has made me a lot more confident, not just in terms of speaking Spanish, but also speaking to people in general. I really noticed this when I came home for Christmas and was much more outgoing than I usually am- probably because I was just excited to be speaking my native language again! I think this experience has been challenging and sometimes isolating, and I'm really proud of myself for being resilient and pushing through, even when I was missing home, or had a knock to my confidence. I really learned how to bounce back after setbacks such as having a lesson where I didn't really understand anything and I felt like I had taken a step back instead of forward, and I don't think I would have experienced it in York."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Top Tips for Studying in Spain

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in Spain - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking:

Monthly budget: The University of Valencia estimates that living expenses will be roughly €750, including rent.
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.

Staying Connected:

Phone contracts: You can buy a pay-as-you-go sim from most phone shops; the main providers are Orange, Movistar, Vodafone, and Yoigo plus there are also a number of smaller providers.
Making plans:
- Erasmus events are a great way to meet people initially. There are often Erasmus Student Network Facebook pages for your destination where you can be updated with any events happening in your local area.
- The best way to meet new people is being open and not afraid to talk with strangers. Find something in common and use it to have a conversation and hang out more.
- Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone either, you will thank yourself for it later!
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.

Food:

On-campus: On average, a meal at the campus can cost you around 6 euros.
Food shopping: There are also several Mercadona's in Valencia, where you can buy most food items. You can go shopping in València any day of the year. Although normal shop opening hours are from 10 am to 8.30 pm, you will find malls and shops in tourist areas that are open every day, including Sundays and public holidays.

Paperwork and bureaucracy:

Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible. Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help. If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host insition are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

What I wished I'd known...

Public holidays: That there are many national holidays in Spain! So be prepared as shops and transport will likely be affected on these days.
Lifestyle: People in Spain tend to eat very late in the evenings, but it is because there is a siesta period in the afternoon so, shops close in the mid-afternoon.

Useful links

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Contact Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities - Drop in and see us at Derwent College D/A/023, Tuesdays-Thursdays 11-1pm

Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors here, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.

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