Hi again! A few days ago I received my Valencia Orientation Handbook from ISA! This 45 page pdf will be my lifeline while studying abroad. The handbook is divided into three sections: Before You Leave, While You’re There, and Useful Information.

The Before You Leave section includes information about passports, packing, money/budgeting, and cell phones abroad. I’ll have to contact my phone provider and upgrade to international/global coverage for two months since I’ll be out of the country for 7 weeks.

 I was most focused on the packing lists and tips in this section- I’ve been trying to slowly collect simple, yet functional clothing items that are super versatile so I can mix and match while abroad, minimizing the amount of clothes I have to bring.

It will also be important to let my bank know I will be in Europe so they don’t freeze my card when I try and use it in a foreign country! It was also helpful to see what previous students’ budgeted for certain items like transportation, dining, entertainment, shopping, and souvenirs.

In the next section, While You’re There, I learned quite a bit about culture shock, jet lag, and important Spanish customs. This part of the handbook also went in depth about housing and food accommodations (which I appreciated since I’m gluten free), as well as public transportation. The handbook also listed the resources that will be available to be through the University of Valencia, where I will be taking two classes. This section also gave information about receiving letters and packages. Anything anyone would like to mail to me (please do!) must be sent through the ISA office. The address is as follows:

Maggie Bryant
Pasaje Doctor Bartual Moret No 6, oficina Ñ
46010 Valencia, Spain 

Directly from the handbook: “It is best to send packages, especially ones of importance, via courier services such as FedEx or UPS to avoid lost parcels. Keep descriptions simple and easy-to-understand such as, ‘used clothing, value $25’, and avoid complex descriptions such as, ‘leather jacket, value $250’. Goods sent from outside the European Union will be subject to a customs tax, as set by Spain and European law. The local delivery agent customs representatives may also charge a handling fee in addition to the customs tax. Tax can be charged for any item of value, in general most packages with a declared value of under $50 arrive untaxed.”

The last section of the Valencia Orientation Handbook focused on advice from previous students, as well as tips and tricks from the ISA staff who have ample experience with Valencia specifically. I downloaded some of the apps listed to help ease my time abroad, as well as printed off the helpful words and phrases page. This section also talked about the climate and weather to expect in Valencia. While I’m there, from June 26-August 1, the average high is 85 degrees and the average low is 68 degrees. I’m packing almost exclusively dresses, skirts, and a pair of shorts!