The University of Virginia is a global institution, grounded in the idea that a true education is informed and enriched by an international perspective. We welcome hundreds of faculty and thousands of students to UVA from across the world. And through our extensive study abroad programs, we pave the way for students to take their educations out into the world.
Daniel Everhart:
Study Abroad is a really amazing opportunity for people to learn about new cultures and have new experiences that they wouldn’t have in their home country.
UVA in Valencia’s program is very great for the students because we have the center here and it kind of creates this unique opportunity for students to be able to experience studying and living in Spain while having the familiarity of UVA as well.
Hannah Purvis:
It’s definitely been unique taking classes here.
Justin Shalap:
I’m gaining these tools of communication, of understanding of the Spanish language, and then when I leave the classroom it’s not just that Spanish leaves my minds and I move on to the next subject.
It’s that my Spanish comes with me, it carries with me outside of the University of Virginia Center and I use it in a real-world setting every day.
Everhart:
We see a quick change because they’re put into a setting where they have to use the target language and it’s really great to see how fast students move and how fast students develop in the language.
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and it is a really big metropolis, so students have the opportunity to experience a large city.
Purvis:
Being in Valencia has been so incredible not just because of the city itself but because it has given us a chance to see other parts of Spain as well.
We went to Madrid where we saw the Royal Palace and the Real Madrid Stadium. And in Barcelona, we got to see the Sagrada Familia which is this enormous Cathedral designed by Gaudi.
Shalap:
Everyone knows that there’s this great big world full of about eight billion people but it’s easy to get caught up in your work and just the things around Grounds but once you actually go out and you experience this world, the memories and the life lessons that you take you can’t forget.
3K
students studying abroad
106
Countries Represented at UVA
311
majors in Global Studies program
Today, our level of engagement in the world is stronger than ever—from research initiatives designed to address key global challenges, such as our partnership with the Max Planck Society, which seeks to research new, renewable, environmentally friendly and economical energy sources; to our office in Shanghai, where we’re working to internationalize our curriculum and strengthen global partnerships; to the efforts of Darden and McIntire to expose students to the global business landscape. For years, the University of Virginia has maintained a strong dedication to helping students and faculty experience and better understand the world. We’re committed to fostering new knowledge about global dynamics and a deeper cross-cultural understanding.
