HOST CITIES

As a student traveling abroad to one of our locations, you will get the chance to explore, live in, and experience a new city! We have curated some information about each of our program locations below. Feel free to scroll to your program and browse helpful information about each location site: Leipzig, Oxford, and Valencia!

Leipzig

  • Leipzig, Germany, is located in the region of Saxony. The city is known for its musical legacy, being the hometown of Bach, and for its historical significance - from the Napoleonic Wars to the Cold War period. Aesthetically, it boasts a captivating mix of medieval and modern architecture. The city's vibrant atmosphere, marked by bustling markets and a dynamic arts scene, makes it a compelling destination where history and contemporary life converge.

    • Visit the Thomaskirche and Nikolaikirche, each church rich in historical significance.

    • Explore the historical and cultural exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Grassi Museum.

    • Attend a classical music performance at the famous Gewandhaus.

    • Enjoy a stroll or run in one of Leipzig's pristine parks.

    • Explore Leipzig's many diverse districts, such as Plagwitz or Südvorstadt.

    • Visit the Leipzig Zoo, one of the oldest in the world.

  • Leipzig will feel like a second home! There are many grocery stores - some even seconds from the villa - such as ALDI, Konsum, Lidl, and more. Market days occur twice a week in the Old Town! There are also several schools, including an international school near the villa. Leipzig offers an endless supply of unique local coffee shops and cafes to work at. Finally, many past students have found community at nearby churches, such as the Leipzig English Church.

 

Oxford

  • Oxford, England, is known as the "City of Dreaming Spires." Oxford's skyline has iconic structures like the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. It is home to the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, with its many colleges. Wandering through the cobblestone streets today, you see a blend of medieval and modern elements, from the bustling Covered Market to the tranquil Christ Church Meadow. Whether exploring the scholarly halls, admiring the centuries-old architecture, or wandering along the Cherwell River, Oxford offers a quintessentially British experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the legacy of knowledge and culture that fills this program location.

    • Explore the historic Bodleian Library.

    • Visit colleges such as Christ Church and Magdalen.

    • Walk through the Christ Church Meadow.

    • Discover the Ashmolean Museum.

    • Explore the University of Oxford's various campuses.

    • Enjoy a meal or afternoon tea at a traditional Oxford pub or cafe.

  • England offers a blend of academic pursuit and cultural richness. Students here are immersed in a centuries-old tradition of scholarship and innovation. You will have endless opportunities to explore Oxford's colleges and libraries during their time abroad. Oxford's vibrant cultural scene includes theater productions, art galleries, and literary festivals, providing faculty with ample opportunities for experiences outside the classroom. Oxford also offers beautiful meadows, winding streets, cafes, and markets to explore. Weekends may involve excursions to nearby London or other English cities.

 

Valencia

  • Valencia, founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, evolved through various periods, including Visigothic rule and Islamic influence in the 8th century. It became a Christian city in 1238, thriving as a trade hub in the 15th century. Economic decline followed in the 16th century, exacerbated by the Moriscos' expulsion. The city gained prominence as a silk manufacturing center in the 18th century and served as the Spanish government’s seat during the Civil War (1936-1937). Today, Valencia is known for its bustling port, rich cultural heritage, and the UNESCO-recognized Fallas festival.

    • Visit one of the nearby beaches.

    • Go to Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

    • Explore local markets, malls, and cafes.

    • Visit Parque Natural de la Albufera

    • Walk around Old Town

    • Visit the Valencia Cathedral

  • Valencia, Spain, offers a dynamic blend of academic engagement and cultural immersion. Students in Valencia get to live alongside students from all over the globe. You can explore the unique city and enjoy its local parks, markets, and many cafes, from strolling through historic districts to enjoying leisurely meals by the waterfront. Valencia gives endless opportunities for cultural exploration and learning. Weekends invite you to delve deeper into Valencia, Spain, and the rest of Spain and Europe’s rich heritage. Overall, life as a student in Valencia encompasses global learning, cultural discovery, and endless opportunities for exploration.