The pleasant city of Valencia is the third-largest in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona and the 15th largest city of the European Union. Valencia has a large population due to its relative size, of approximately 810,000 and over 1 million in the surrounding region. The city's port is one of the biggest in the Mediterranean region, and by handling 20 percent of all Spanish export it is the number one in Spain. The main exports are oranges, ceramic tiles, furniture and textiles. The city and port are the hosts of the America's Cup, the most prestigious Sailing event and regatta in the world. The port was forced to undergo moderations for the event and is now as popular and attractive as ever. The city's architecture is both beautiful and historic with buildings dating back to Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th Centuries and is of Gothic style primarily but also contains Romanesque and Baroque elements. Apart from the cathedral, the gothic Basilica of the Virgin and the 15th Century towers of Serrano and Quart are part of what was once the ancient wall surrounding the city. Valencia has evolved into a major cultural and economic centre with film, music, and theatre featuring prominently. Most intriguing of all is the brand new Çiutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Science) with a futuristic Imax-cinema shaped as a human eye. Thanks to its rich history, it is also a city with an attractive and cosy city centre. Strolling through the bustling streets of the old town centre gives you a real feel of the typical Spanish atmosphere. There are many bars and restaurants to visit, both in the new and traditional styles and of course the food here is renowned world wide with Paella being the speciality.
Learn Spanish in the city centre
The Spanish school Españolé is located just in the city centre, in one of the most traditional streets of the city, close to the old University of Valencia. The Cathedral, Town Hall and other interesting sites are within walking distance. This school occupies an entire four-story building and offers high-quality Spanish language courses in a familiar and friendly atmosphere. There are 10 air-conditioned classrooms, a computer area, a well-stocked library with Spanish literature, a student common room, computers with free internet access and a rooftop terrace. On arrival students are given an oral or written Spanish test to determine the correct class for them. By placing students of equal standard together, learning and development will happen quicker. The accommodation for students is in the form of host families and student shared apartments. Both types of accomodation provide the student with a great opportunity of practising their spanish and meeting new people. All accommodation has been selected and is visited regularly by the staff.
Social programme
Apart from language courses, our partner school regularly organises a wide range of alternative activities including: city walks, picnics at the beach, paella parties and dancing lessons. Valencia offers many opportunities to practise your favourite sports. Near the school you can play tennis, basketball, football, squash, or do aerobics, fitness and steps. Moreover, every student can take part in an intercambio (exchange). By teaching English for instance, to a Spaniard, you can immensely improve your oral skills or fluency in spoken Spanish. What´s more, you get to make many Spanish friends in this way!
If you require further information or would like to find out more about StudyTravel, please follow this link or contact us via the following telephone numbers:
Call FREE from the UK: 0808-2348578
Call FREE from the USA: 1-866-864-4489
Impression
The school’s programme of activities enables students to meet many people from different backgrounds, therefore getting to know more about other cultures. I am halfway through my 8 month language course and I just don’t want to think about returning to Denmark. Everyday I say to myself, “Make the best of your time in Valencia. It is an experience you’ll never forget in all of your life!”.
Charlotte Knudsen, Denmark.
