Residential Programs | Valencia: Overview | Valencia: Full Description
Valencia: Student Testimonials
Valencia Residential Program
TOGETHER WITH THE INSTITUTE OF SPANISH STUDIES
VALENCIA, SPAIN
- General Program Description
- Eligibility
- Course Information
- Internships
- Program Dates
- Application Deadlines
- Program Costs and Financial Aid
- Transportation and Documents
- About Valencia
- Living in Valencia
- Additional Information
- Application Form
- Medical Form
General Program Description
Nazareth College of Rochester invites you to explore the opportunities to enhance your education through our Residential Program in Valencia, Spain. 
By spending a year or semester in Valencia, you will ACHIEVE REAL PROFICIENCY IN THE LANGUAGE and learn from the truly multi-cultural experiences Spain has to offer. The historic atmosphere and cultural richness of Valencia are perfectly suited to provide students the right mixture of MODERN SPANISH URBAN LIFE AND THE HERITAGE OF OLD SPAIN.
A member nation of the European Union (EU), Spain participates fully in the European marketplace and helps represent the EU to the world. Students in the Valencia Residential Program can benefit significantly from the INTERNATIONAL ATMOSPHERE OF VALENCIA'S EDUCATIONAL AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS.
All Nazareth students and visiting students from other colleges and universities are invited to study in Valencia. Spanish majors and non-majors alike may apply. The semester experience and the course offerings are designed to serve a VARIETY OF STUDY TRACKS: international business, teaching, enhancement of a liberal arts curriculum, etc.
Established in 1975, the Program offers the choice of study for an academic year or a single semester (Fall or Spring). The semester calendars match the traditional US university terms: September to mid-December or mid-January to mid-May. All Nazareth College Spanish majors are required to study abroad for at least one semester. Participation in the program is also strongly recommended for those students with a concentration in Spanish, who want to enrich their academic preparedness in another major.
The Valencia Residential Program is open to qualified students from other subject area disciplines. Business Administration, Psychology, International Studies, Communication Sciences and Disorders, History, and many other areas of study can be successfully combined with the exciting experience gained by studying in Valencia.
For additional information, contact Dr. Cristina Carrasco, Director of the Valencia Residential Program (at Nazareth College) or Amy Sevcik, Resident Assistant Director (in Valencia).
Dr. Cristina Carrasco
Director of the Valencia Program
Nazareth College of Rochester
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618-3790
Tel. (585) 389-5146
Fax (585) 389-2682
Email: ccarras5@naz.edu
Amy Sevcik
Resident Assistant Director
Nazareth College Valencia Program
El Bachiller, 13
46010 - Valencia, SPAIN
Tel. +34-96-369-2178
Fax +34-96-369-2178
or
Fax +34-96-361-5189
Email: asevcik1@naz.edu
back to top
Eligibility
Spanish majors and non-majors alike may apply to the Program. Students regularly attend the Program in their junior year. In some cases sophomores are accepted, based on their academic performance and ability to work independently abroad. Normally, students have at least two years of college level of the language. Spanish majors at Nazareth are expected to have a GPA of 3.00 (non-majors a minimum of 2.30). Exceptions may be made in some cases, based on a student's overall capabilities. Nazareth students must obtain approval from their academic advisor. Visiting students must acquire formal approval from their home campus to study in the Program. (see Application Forms).
back to top
Course Information
All courses are conducted according to the American educational system. Classes are held in small groups so that the professors are able to direct the academic work in and out of the classroom more closely and to mentor each student. Faculty members are carefully selected for their intrinsic merits and their knowledge of the characteristics of the American student and teaching methods. Classes are held at the Institute of Spanish Studies.
Courses are conducted exclusively in the Spanish language (except for those that are specifically listed as classes in English). The i
nstructors in each course help students to develop the language skills required for classroom instruction and for effective interaction in the culture. While the Institute is not formally part of the University of Valencia, many of its students take English classes in the same locale and regularly become acquainted with students at the Institute.
Students who attend classes learn the most. Attendance in class is mandatory, and grades will reflect this. Emphasis is placed on the students' own initiative and organizational skills. Participation in class is very important.
Students take a full load of courses, normally 15 credit hours (on a semester calendar) and choose their courses based on the current course offerings and on academic advisement. Nazareth students take courses to fulfill Perspectives I and II and the "Global Studies" and "Writing Area" requirements. Students from other colleges and universities will pre-arrange their course schedules together with the Director of the Valencia Program and their own home campus advisors and/or Study Abroad Director.
back to top
Internships
An internship in Valencia comprises a part-time, unpaid work experience (8-16 hours per week). To qualify for an internship, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Upon successful completion of the internship, the student earns academic credit (3 semester credits). Internship credits may be applied to a major, a minor or to electives. All students must secure permission for specialized credit with their department as pa
rt of the application process. Specific employers may require additional coursework or skill levels. Selection is competitive.
Internships are currently available for several areas: Teaching; Ecology; Speech and Communication Disorders; Business Administration; Psychology; Law; Social Work; Translation. More options for work in non-governmental organizations are possible. The internship program in Valencia satisfies Nazareth College home-campus guidelines for internships and awarding of credit.
Admission into the Valencia Internship Program requires a separate Advisor Form and the student's current resumé.
back to top
Program Dates
Students may choose to attend either semester, the entire academic year or the summer program. The academic calendar for the Spanish Residential Program roughly follows the U.S. academic semester calendar.
A Summer Valencia Program is also offered each year. Click here for more information: Summer Valencia Program.
Students often choose to travel together to Valencia, although some may have to arrive separately.
Travel out of town is possible on some weekends. Students usually travel together to visit other cities and regions.
back to top
Application Deadlines
For study abroad in the Fall Semester:
March 1st
RETURN OF COMPLETED VALENCIA PROGRAM APPLICATION, TO INCLUDE:
- Application for Admission to the Valencia Residential Program.
- Two recent, passport size photographs with your name written on the back.
- Completed Housing Questionnaire.
- Completed Course Selection Form signed by your Academic Advisor (and Program Dir., for Nazareth College students).
- Completed Internship Application (if applying for an internship position).
- Signed Release of Reliability and Agreement to Indemnify (both forms if you are under 21).
- Deposit fee of $200 for one semester, or $300 for two semesters.
- CIE Study Abroad Contract.
FAF (FINANCIAL AID FORM)
If you are a Junior or Senior with a major in Spanish and wish to be considered for the Cindy Castell Scholarship Award (Nazareth students only), you must submit your FAF by March 1st.
June 15th
STUDENT VISA APPLICATION DUE. Click here for more information about the student visa.
For study abroad in the Spring Semester:
October 20th
RETURN OF COMPLETED VALENCIA PROGRAM APPLICATION, TO INCLUDE:
- Application for Admission to the Valencia Residential Program.
- Two recent, passport size photographs with your name written on the back.
- Completed Housing Questionnaire.
- Completed Course Selection Form signed by your Academic Advisor (and Program Dir., for Nazareth College students).
- Completed Internship Application (if applying for an internship position).
- Signed Release of Reliability and Agreement to Indemnify (both forms if you are under 21).
- Deposit fee of $200 for one semester, or $300 for two semesters.
- CIE Study Abroad Contract.
- Medical Report Form
November 15th
STUDENT VISA APPLICATION DUE. Click here for more information about the student visa.
back to top
Program Costs and Financial Aid
PRICE FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR: Nazareth students pay the on-campus cost for the Valencia Program and continue to use the financial package and payment plan. Visiting students to the Program will be assessed the standard year or semester costs for the Program in addition to a modest administrative fee.
PRICE FOR ONE SEMESTER ONLY: For students who register for one semester only, the cost is equivalent to a full semester at Nazareth College. This covers the same services as for the full-year program but only from September until December (for Fall semester students) or from January until May (for Spring semester students).
WHAT THE PROGRAM COST COVERS:
1. Tuition, 15 credit hours per semester.
2. Room and board are covered in Valencia from the scheduled day of arrival in Valencia until the schedul
ed day of departure from Valencia, excluding the January break for full year students. (During this period, students will be on their own. If they wish to remain in Valencia in the same home assigned to them by the program, they may do so if the family agrees, but they may have to pay an additional daily fee directly to the host organization in Valencia.) Three meals a day and laundry are included.
Students arriving or leaving on different dates must consult the Resident Assistant Director about homestay availability and will have to pay an additional daily fee directly to the host organization in Valencia.
3. Scheduled excursions as per itinerary in the school calendar: Sagunto and Peñíscola in the Fall; Sagunto and Teruel/Albarracín in the Spring.
4. Traveller's medical insurance.
5. Internet access.
FINANCIAL AID: U.S. students matriculated at Nazareth College participating in the study abroad program in Valencia are eligible for all financial resources for which they would qualify if they were studying on the Nazareth College campus. Detailed information is available in the College Catalog or in the Financial Aid Office, Smyth Hall, Room 132 (tel. 585-389-2310). Visiting U.S. students are normally eligible for all guaranteed loans that they would receive through their home institutions for the Program. Visiting students are advised to consult with their home campus Financial Aid Office for any other support they may receive from their institution. There is no opportunity for students to receive "work study" funding while studying in Valencia.
REFUND POLICY: In accordance with the Bursar's Office of Nazareth College.
back to top
Transportation and Documents
Nazareth College does not collect or charge for air travel and ground transportation to and from the study site. Students will be responsible for the cost of their round trip air fare, payable 
directly to a scheduled airline or a travel bureau. Nazareth College will advise all students of the best flight connections for timely arrival in Spain. Questions about travel are amply covered at orientation meetings on the Nazareth campus or personal advisement with visiting students. Travel on different dates is possible. Click here for more information about travel arrangements.
Students may use a Eurail pass for travel at the end of a semester. Eurail passes may mean a cost savings but must be purchased in the United States before departure.
back to top
About Valencia
Founded during the Roman Empire in 138 A.D., Valencia is one of Spain's oldest and largest cities. Today the city of 750,000 people is a vibrant European metropolis and the capital city of the State called Comunidad Valenciana. Valencia lies on the eastern cost of the Iberian Peninsula, directly on the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring warm weather all year round as well as miles of beaches 15 minutes from downtown. Valencia has both a major train station and an airport, allowing access to the rest of Spain and Europe. Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga, among other destinations, are each only about two hours away by train. Additionally, there are daily ferries to Mallorca, the large island off the coast that is one of Europe's hottest tourist spots today.
Valencia also has a very colorful and interesting history. The most famous event was the recapture of the city by El Cid, a Spanish general from the 11th century. The Poema de Mío Cid, a medieval epic poem, tells of his adventures. Valencia's literary 
connection doesn't end there. Blasco Ibañez, one of Spain's most famous playwrights, was born and spent his entire life in Valencia. Even today, his house is a major tourist attraction. The city is also host to numerous museums, including the Museo de las Ciencias with its ultra-modern building and interactive exhibits.
The Institute is a short distance from the city center. Most students live within 20 minutes by bus from the Institute. The Valencian bus system is very efficient, and most major lines come every five minutes. Calle Colón, one of Valencia's main streets , is easily accesible from the Institute. Many shops are located here, in the tradition of many large European cities. Not far away, CF Valencia, a top European soccer club, has its stadium.
One of the largest universities in Spain is located here, the Universidad Valencia. The metropolitan area is the home of the Spanish textile industry, and students have completed internships at several of the city's businesses, including a local speech clinic.
The most important festival in Valencia is Las Fallas, celebrated for a week every March. During this week the streets fill up with gigantic paper maché statues, which are satires on the problems facing modern society. The last night of the festival, March 19th, all the statues are lit on fire in symbolic destruction of life's difficulties during the year.
back to top
Living in Valencia
Students board in comfortable, private homes of reputable families in Valencia. The rooms, as well as the families, are carefully reviewed and approved by the Resident Assistant Director in Valencia. The families regularly receive foreign students as boarders in their homes. Most 
families live in apartments or flats, not individual houses. Three daily meals will be provided. Every effort will be made to place students with families located close to public transportation so that both the school and the center of the city are easily accessible. (Student rental of private living space is not allowed in the program.)
Students can expect the homestay to enrich the total experience. The host family will typify a particular segment of the society, the experience will serve as a basis for learning about the significant background and influences bearing upon the nation as a whole. It follows that as one acquires respect for another culture, one will develop a deepened perspective of one's own culture.
The Orientation meetings on the Nazareth campus and personal consultations with visiting students will cover important issues relating to living with a host family. Students should expect to converse in Spanish and to abide by the regular needs of the host family.
back to top
Additional Information
Follow the links below for additional information about many different aspects of the Valencia Program:
- Pre-departure Orientation Meetings (schedule and PowerPoint presentations)
- Courses, course descriptions, and information about the Spanish Major and Minor
- Summer Valencia Program Information
- Transportation arrangements
- Student Visas
- Photo Gallery
- Interesting links to newspapers and radio stations in Spanish, museums, travel information, etc.
back to top
Application Forms
The application forms for the Valencia Residential Program may be downloaded as a PDF file HERE. Completed applications should be sent to:
Dr. Cristina Carrasco
Director of the Valencia Program
Nazareth College of Rochester
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618-3790
Tel. (585) 389-5146
Fax (585) 389-2682
Email: ccarras5@naz.edu
back to top
Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
