International: Semester/Year Study Abroad Programs
Universidad Politécnica de Valencia Exchange Program
What is the Valencia Exchange Program?
The exchange program at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia will provide interested engineering students with the opportunity to build on their knowledge in the field of engineering and at the same time introduce them to new cultures and lifestyles. This study abroad program is currently being offered to engineering students. Participants will spend one semester or one year of study in Valencia. Students who have interest in European cultures are suggested to apply for this program.
Why the Valencia Exchange Program?
The Festivals
from www.aboutvalencia.com
The famous Tomato Fiesta is held in Buñol, and in the last week of August, Ontiyent holds its Fiesta 
of Moors and Chistians, as does Bocairent in February. Cocentaina and Paterna also hold their fiesta at this time, the latter with a firework display (known as The Cordá). The paredes with period costumes, moving in step to exotic music, recall the rivalry existing between the Moonrish and the Christian troops at the time of the Reconquest. This tradition is also kept in Albaida, Agullent and L´Olleria. The end of August and September is the time for the grape harvest fiesta in Requena and Utiel and also for Gandia´s big fiesta, dedicated to St. Francis of Borja, while in Algemesí, a fiesta is held in honour of the Virgin of Health. On October 9, the Valencian Community's official day, the main item on the menu is the traditional Sant Donis marzipan confectionery. The year's festivities come to an end with the Christmas Season, when nativity scenes and processions abound, not forgetting the Madman´s Fiesta in Jalance on the 28.
The Food
from www.aboutvalencia.com
The Valencian paella, made with rice, chicken, rabbit and greens, is the typical dish in Valencian cuisine. Each village has its own variations and preferences because rice mixes well with so many different ingredients. The most popular specialities are the meat paella (with chicken or rabbit), the seafood paella and the mixed one. Valencia is a land of tasty sweetmeats and bakery products. 
There is bread of all sizes and flavours, panquemados (toasted bread), Valencian doughnuts, turnovers, coconut cakes, anisette rolls, almond rosegons, egg-rings for Easter, Epiphany rings, and so on, all available at the many bake houses and confectioner's shops. As for drinks, a special mention must be made of orgeat (horchata), made from earth almonds, which is served as a cool refreshment, and natural orange juice mixed with cava (Catalonian wine similar to champagne) to make a drink known as agua de Valencia.
The Weather
from www.aboutvalencia.com
The region of Valencia has a mainly 
Mediterranean climate: warm and dry summers, and mild winters. The rainy season is mainly in spring and in autumn. There are often torrential rainfalls. Inland in the higher reaches of the region the rainfall may turn to snow. The temperatures are pleasant all year round, with an average that does not fall below 15ºC, with the exception of the mountain areas, where temperatures can fall below freezing.
Am I Eligible?
Qualified students must have:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Achieve junior standing in their engineering courses at the time of travel
- Plan to enroll in at least 9 credits of engineering coursework while at Valencia
How much time will I spend at CityU?
Students in the Valencia Exchange Program will spend one semester or one year of study at Valencia.
What will I study?
The Valencia Exchange Program offers coursework in a variety of engineering disciplines. English-instructed course listings and descriptions can be found here.
What will it cost me?
Costs include University of Maryland tuition, health insurance, and transportation costs. Housing costs and meals are the responsibility of the student.
How do I apply for the program?
Interested students should visit the Engineering Special Programs Office to obtain applications and further information. Application deadlines for 2008/2009 are as follows:
Full Academic Year (September - June): March 15th
Fall Semester (September - January): March 15th
Spring Semester (January - June): October 1st
Campus Contact
Mr. Caine Francis
Coordinator, International Programs
A. James Clark School of Engineering
1124 Glen L. Martin Hall
College Park, MD 20742-3011
Phone: (301) 405-5342
e-mail: cfranci4@umd.edu
Web site: Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
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