Why Valencia is the Perfect Study Abroad Destination
Choosing the best city to study abroad can be a difficult decision! Big cities are typically very international, which can be great, but not the best environment for learning the local language. Small towns are great for learning the local language, but might be a little intimidating if you are new to the culture and in the process of learning the language! So how do you choose and what’s the best balance? We have the answer!
Valencia is one of the top cities in Europe for studying abroad for many reasons. The third largest city in Spain and located just on the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is the perfect combination of old and new, from the hectic high streets to the relaxing beach, the ‘Barrio del Carmen’ (Old Town) in the city center to the modern City of Arts and Sciences or the brand new Marina area. Many students probably choose Valencia in and of itself for the beach, but the beach is just one of the many benefits of coming to Valencia! Read more below for a full list of reasons why Valencia is the perfect study abroad destination.
Reasons to Study in Valencia:
Valencia is the perfect location for studying Spanish since the people here are known for having a neutral accent. Other Spanish cities often have strong accents which makes it more difficult. Since it’s not as international as other cities, it’s much easier to connect with locals and practice your Spanish!
The beautiful Playa (beach): Spend your afternoons at one of the amazing beaches in Valenica, full of cafes, volleyball courts, and the picture perfect esplanade lined with palm trees. The beach goes on for miles so it’s never too crowded either!
The weather in Valencia is about as good as it gets. Valencia has mild winters and warm summers, with little rain throughout the year. They say it is sunny around 330 days of the year – perfect for all those days at the beach!
The cost of living is considerably cheap compared to other big cities in Spain or Europe, especially given the quality of life and weather.
The entire city is easily accessible within 30 minutes or less (walking or biking). It is completely flat, making it easy to walk or bike just about anywhere; and no matter where you decide to live, access to the beach is easy with public transport. You can also reach the beautiful Turia Park from pretty much anywhere in the city. Turia Park runs through the whole city and all the way to the beach. Here you’ll find the famous City of Arts and Sciences, along with people jogging, biking, doing group fitness activities, or just taking a stroll or picnicking.
Another plus is that there are great flight connections available to major European cities such as London, Rome, Paris or Amsterdam in case you want to travel around Europe.
If you’re interested in coming to Valencia, check here for more details about Spanish classes.