Undergraduate Voices: Angelina Cara Dolan on Studying Abroad at Berklee Valencia

Angelina Cara Dolan

Program: Study Abroad

Major: Professional Music

Semester: 4th

Semester Abroad: Spring 2025

"There are so many more opportunities here than you might think. I’ve grown in more ways than I could ever have imagined and made huge strides in my career."

Angelina Cara Dolan

What made you decide to study abroad at Berklee Valencia?

I had heard so many great things from previous Study Abroad students, how they’d had so many opportunities that were unique to Valencia, and that made me excited to come and experience it myself.

What does your course load look like?

I’m taking a lot of my core classes that are offered here. The professors are so incredible and passionate about what they teach. They bring so much love to the class and the Berklee Valencia community.

I’m also taking two Valencia-specific classes that I really enjoy: Live Sound and Stage Craft and Music Video Production and Dissemination. Both of these courses intrigued me and I’ve learned so much from them, things that I know will help me both in my personal life and professional career.

What creative opportunities have stood out to you during your time here?

There’s a really unique series of concerts run by Berklee Valencia called Un Lago de Conciertos. These open-air concerts are open to the public and take place right here, in the City of Arts and Sciences. I got to perform four of my originals there and I think it was one of my favorite performances since arriving in Valencia. People wander in from the park and just sit and listen and it was such a special experience for me and my band.

I also have a residency at a bar near our dorms called El Viento. We’ve played there a few times and have already been approached about performing on the radio. It just seems like there are so many opportunities here because the community is so close and so friendly, and you can really take advantage of that.

What was your favorite aspect of the Berklee Valencia experience?

I think one of my favorite aspects of Berklee Valencia is the tight-knit community. Just walking down the hallways and saying hello to all my peers—it feels like one big family. We’re all excited to see each other and talk to each other; it’s a really beautiful thing.

Everyone feels very relaxed and happy here—I don’t know if it’s because of the beach or the city, but we’re able to create even more beautiful things as artists. Collaboration is such an important thing here and that really helps you grow as an artist.

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about the number of opportunities here. There are so many interesting things going on—I’m probably the most productive I’ve ever been. I’ve made so much progress in my career and personal goals.

What was life in Valencia like outside the classroom?

One of the best parts of living in Valencia is the music scene. There are so many talented musicians around and there’s live music everywhere. 

The city is so beautiful, too. I love how different parts of the city are: you can be in the center surrounded by old, historic buildings and then you come here, to The City of Arts and Sciences, and it’s this amazing, futuristic place. It feels like you can do anything in this city. 

What would you say to someone who is considering studying abroad?

If you’re debating about coming abroad, you should know that there are so many more opportunities here than you might think. I’ve grown in more ways than I could ever have imagined and made huge strides in my career, and I don’t think that would’ve happened if I hadn’t pushed myself to go outside my comfort zone and leave my home country. 

I think experiencing different parts of the world—seeing different areas and living in a different culture—is just such a great way to grow as a person.