{"id":7204,"date":"2026-10-28T12:39:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T12:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/?p=7204"},"modified":"2026-10-28T12:39:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T12:39:30","slug":"sea-studies-and-student-life-in-valencia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/sea-studies-and-student-life-in-valencia\/","title":{"rendered":"Sea, Studies, and Student Life in Valencia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Name: <\/strong>Emily Gosden<\/p>\n

Your academic school: <\/strong>Modern Languages<\/p>\n

Where did you go? <\/strong>Spain\/ Valencia\/ Universitat de Valencia<\/p>\n

Wha<\/strong>t type of placement did you complete? <\/strong>Study<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?
\n<\/strong>I wanted to challenge myself by living and studying in a completely different environment, while improving my Spanish through full immersion. I was also excited by the opportunity to meet new people, experience Spanish culture first-hand and become more independent.<\/p>\n

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad?
\n<\/strong>Joining the University of Valencia choir \u2013 it was a great way to meet local people, immerse myself in the culture and continue doing something I love.<\/p>\n

The friendships I made \u2013 meeting people from all over the world and experiencing Valencia together was one of the best parts of the year.<\/p>\n

Travelling and exploring Spain \u2013 being based in Valencia gave me the opportunity to visit new places, experience different parts of Spanish culture and make the most of living abroad.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?
\n<\/strong>My biggest challenge was adjusting to a completely different university system and studying in another language. At first it was quite daunting, but I overcame it by putting myself out there, asking for help when I needed it and fully immersing myself in Spanish both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career?
\n<\/strong>It has strengthened my Spanish and given me a much better understanding of different cultures and international environments. As I hope to pursue a career with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the experience has also developed my independence, adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills, which will be valuable when working internationally.<\/p>\n

What is the one thing you wish you\u2019d known before you left?
\n<\/strong>I wish I\u2019d known just how quickly the year would go! I would have worried less about the small things at the beginning and focused on saying yes to as many opportunities as possible from day one.<\/p>\n

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?
\n<\/strong>I\u2019d say go for it, even if it feels daunting at first. Stepping outside your comfort zone is a huge part of the experience, and you gain so much confidence and independence from it. A year abroad goes incredibly quickly, so take the opportunity while you have it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What are 3 things to do in your host destination?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Watch the sunset at Albufera \u2013 take a boat trip and stay for the sunset; it\u2019s one of the best spots just outside Valencia.<\/li>\n
  2. Spend a day at Malvarrosa Beach \u2013 grab some friends, head to the beach and stay for food or drinks afterwards.<\/li>\n
  3. Explore the Old Town \u2013 wander around El Carmen, visit the Central Market and finish with tapas or an Agua de Valencia.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Share your top tips for thriving in your programme destination\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    My top tips would be to get involved from the beginning \u2013 join societies, sports or groups, as they\u2019re some of the easiest ways to meet people. For accommodation, research different areas before you go and try to find somewhere with good transport links to both the university and city centre. For food, explore beyond the tourist areas for cheaper, more authentic tapas and local restaurants.<\/p>\n

    Valencia is really easy and affordable to get around, so make the most of public transport and Valenbisi bikes, and look into student travel discounts. Before arriving, research your university timetable, enrolment\/admin requirements, accommodation and transport so you know what to expect.<\/p>\n

    For packing, don\u2019t just pack for the sunshine! Valencia gets colder in winter than you might think, so bring layers and a proper jacket as well as summer clothes. Comfortable shoes are essential, and definitely leave some space in your suitcase for everything you\u2019ll accumulate throughout the year!<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    My year abroad in Valencia strengthened my Spanish, developed my independence and adaptability, and gave me valuable experience of studying and living in an international environment.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Name: Emily Gosden Your academic school: Modern Languages Where did you go? Spain\/ Valencia\/ Universitat de Valencia What type of placement did you complete? Study \u00a0   What motivated you […]","protected":false},"author":7101,"featured_media":7205,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[268,475],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-go-student-ambassadors"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4QQbz-1Sc","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6704,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/meet-the-go-ambassador-2026-27-emily-gosden\/","url_meta":{"origin":7204,"position":0},"title":"Meet the GO Ambassador 2026\/27 – Emily Gosden","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"September 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: Emily Gosden School, degree programme and year of study: School of Modern Languages - BA Spanish Host destination: Spain, Valencia \u00a0 Your experience abroad Tell us about your global opportunity\u2014where did you go, and what did you do? I studied abroad at the University of Valencia in Spain as\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2026\/09\/IMG_5628_Emily-Gosden-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2026\/09\/IMG_5628_Emily-Gosden-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2026\/09\/IMG_5628_Emily-Gosden-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2026\/09\/IMG_5628_Emily-Gosden-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2026\/09\/IMG_5628_Emily-Gosden-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6170,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/meet-the-ambassador-francesca\/","url_meta":{"origin":7204,"position":1},"title":"Meet the ambassador – Francesca – MLANG, Spain & Italy","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"October 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: Francesca Deronda School, Degree Programme: School of Modern Languages, Spanish and Italian Year 4 Host destination: Valencia in Spain and Brescia in Italy Tell us about your global opportunity\u2014where did you go, and what did you do? As part as my degree we have to go on a year\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Profile-Photo-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Profile-Photo-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Profile-Photo-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Profile-Photo-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Profile-Photo-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Profile-Photo-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1058,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/arrival-to-valencia-and-first-impressions\/","url_meta":{"origin":7204,"position":2},"title":"ARRIVAL TO VALENCIA AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS","author":"Simona Dundova","date":"September 8, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"No words can ever describe the excitement I felt in the last few days before heading off to Spain. Visiting this beautiful country has been my dream since I was a child and there was almost no room for worries in my brain. Besides, I had already had the experience\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"14199547_1442374442445269_8823806125901765666_n","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2016\/09\/14199547_1442374442445269_8823806125901765666_n-450x253.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1103,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/tour-around-valencia-tapas-evening-and-first-lectures\/","url_meta":{"origin":7204,"position":3},"title":"Tour Around Valencia, Tapas Evening and First Lectures","author":"Simona Dundova","date":"September 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"As I mentioned in my previous post, there are a lot of activities organised for Erasmus students here in Valencia. One of the many organisations that deal with this is the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). On Friday they offered a free tour of the city and I went there with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"14330052_1449668398382540_1190899350075876155_n","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2016\/09\/14330052_1449668398382540_1190899350075876155_n-450x253.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1611,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/valencia-the-perfect-place-to-get-fit\/","url_meta":{"origin":7204,"position":4},"title":"Valencia – The Perfect Place to Get Fit","author":"Simona Dundova","date":"December 26, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Sports activities are an important part of Spanish lifestyle. The climate makes it possible to practice anything from ice-skating, football to beach volley and surfing. We all know that food and celebrations are the essence of Mediterranean culture. However, when you come to Spain (or any other country in Southern\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"bici","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2016\/12\/Bici-450x307.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1658,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/lingomap-entertainment-and-leisure\/","url_meta":{"origin":7204,"position":5},"title":"LingoMap: Entertainment and Leisure!","author":"Sarah Gregory","date":"January 5, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Hola a todos! Hello and welcome to my first blog post for the Routes into Languages LingoMap Blog. 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Before I head back from my Christmas break\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Valencia's central market","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2017\/01\/FullSizeRender-338x450.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"meta_box":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2026\/10\/IMG_2580_Emily-Gosden-scaled.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7101"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7204"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7204\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7223,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7204\/revisions\/7223"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}