Valencia, Spain

The 2027 Valencia program will take place from May 10–14 in Lafayette, and May 24 – June 6, 2027, in Valencia, Spain.

About the Program

Study abroad in Valencia, Spain, where students combine hands-on engineering education with cultural immersion in one of Europe's leading centers for renewable energy innovation. Spain generates a majority of its electricity from renewables and is home to some of the region's most advanced grid technology and research institutions, making it an ideal setting to study power systems and smart grids in practice rather than only in theory. Students will visit energy companies and research labs in Valencia, then spend a four-day weekend in Madrid for additional site visits, including Spain's national grid control center. Alongside the technical coursework, students will experience daily life in Valencia and Madrid, gaining a broader perspective on how engineering, policy, and culture intersect in a country actively reshaping its energy future.

About Valencia

Valencia, located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and lively culture. With its blend of historic charm and modern innovation, Valencia offers students an authentic experience of Spanish life.

From the historic streets of the Old Town and the stunning Valencia Cathedral to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the city showcases a unique mix of architectural and cultural influences. Students can also experience Valencia’s famous cuisine, including paella, bustling markets, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

With its welcoming atmosphere, Mediterranean setting, and dynamic cultural scene, Valencia provides an enriching environment for academic discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

Program Requirements

The program cost is $TBD. After you have applied for your desired program, you must make a deposit of $500 via ULINK. The $500 deposit is applied towards the cost of the program. The initial deadline to apply and pay the deposit is December 15. A $100 late fee will be charged after December 15. View Payment Policies & Instructions.

The program's cost includes tuition for 6 credit hours, lodging, insurance, museums, entrance fees, field trips, and public transportation passes. 

Electrical Engineering courses with Ferdowsi Farzad

Ever wondered how a city keeps its lights on while running mostly on wind and solar? In this course, you will explore the technologies and systems behind the modern smart grid, from advanced metering and energy storage to renewable integration and real-time grid control, all while studying in Valencia, one of Spain's most vibrant cities. You will go behind the scenes at the Ai2 Laboratory of Renewable Energy, one of Spain's leading research institutes for power electronics and microgrids; visit Iberdrola's Valencia offices to see grid innovation in action; and tour Valencia's Parque Tecnológico Paterna, home to a growing cluster of energy-tech startups. A four-day long weekend in Madrid rounds out the experience with a visit to Red Eléctrica de España's national control center, where engineers manage the supply and demand of an entire country's power grid in real time. Beyond the classroom, you will enjoy Valencia's beaches, the City of Arts and Sciences, and world-famous paella, making this one of the most rewarding academic and personal experiences of your engineering degree.

How does electricity travel hundreds of miles from a wind farm to your apartment without interruption? In EECE 450G, you will explore exactly that, examining how large power systems are designed, analyzed, and kept stable. Studying in Valencia, you will visit Grupo Ecoenergías/Elecnor to see grid infrastructure engineering up close, tour Grupo Segura/Solaria's solar operations, one of Spain's largest solar developers, and go behind the scenes at the Ai2 Laboratory of Renewable Energy. A four-day long weekend in Madrid brings you to Red Eléctrica de España's national control center, where engineers balance supply and demand across a transmission network of over 46,000 kilometers in real time. Pair world-class engineering education with Valencia's beaches, culture, and food, and this becomes an experience you will never forget.