Preparing to Go Abroad
Complete these tasks during the months prior to going abroad. Make sure to read all emails sent to you from StudyAbroad@berklee.edu for important information and notifications.
Confirm Passport & Visa Requirements
Carefully review our Passports and Visa Information page for details about the legal requirements related to studying and living in another country. All students must have a valid passport which will remain valid for at least six months beyond your period of study abroad at Berklee Valencia. Most students will also need to apply for a Spanish Student Visa before they travel to Spain in order to have legal authorization to study in the country.
To ensure you have enough time to apply for your student visa, if required, all students should have their valid passports in-hand no less than four months before the date they will travel to Spain.
Complete Enrollment Confirmation Materials & Pre-arrival Documentation
To confirm that you will be studying abroad at Berklee Valencia during an upcoming semester or academic year, all students must submit various Enrollment Confirmation Materials. After being admitted to an upcoming program, log into your Berklee Study Abroad portal, where you will be able to submit the necessary forms and items to the central Berklee Study Abroad Office.
Separately, there will be some Required Pre-arrival Documentation due to the Berklee Valencia campus approximately six weeks before your arrival in Spain.
Notify Relevant Offices on Campus
It's necessary to contact the relevant departments to let them know you will study abroad.
Current Berklee Students:
- Housing and Residential Education: If you live on campus in Boston, contact Housing to let them know when you will be studying abroad and to request housing for when you return.
- Student Employment Supervisor: If you currently have a student employment position, inform your supervisor of your plans to study abroad. Be sure to let them know when you will go abroad as well as when you are able to work once you return.
- International Student Services: If you are an international student, contact International Student Services, especially if you are close to graduating and considering Optional Practical Training (OPT) or other post-completion options.
- Accessibility Resources for Students: Contact Accessibility Resources to request academic or housing accommodations for your semester or year abroad.
- Counseling Services: Let your counselor know that you will study abroad. They can provide useful tips and help you set up counseling services in Valencia.
Non-Berklee Students:
- Communicate with your Study Abroad Office at your home institution to verify all relevant off-campus study policies and procedures.
Register for Your Classes
Berklee College of Music students: Make sure you have consulted with your major chair to determine the classes you should take. You will register online through your my.berklee.edu account at your scheduled appointment time during the college's regular registration period.
All other students: Make sure you have consulted with your advisor to determine the classes you should take and how they will be counted toward your degree program at your home institution. You will receive a registration form along with a list of courses and meeting times from Berklee. Registration takes place in April for the fall semester and in November for the spring semester.
Attend Your Pre-Departure Meetings
During the months leading up to your departure for Spain, the Berklee Valencia staff will organize several virtual information sessions. This is when you'll get to meet faculty and staff in Valencia and other students going with you to Spain! You'll also receive helpful information from students who previously studied in Valencia and from study abroad staff. Meeting details will be emailed to confirmed students. Recordings of the virtual sessions will also be shared with those who cannot attend the live event. You are welcome to share these links and recordings with your families so that they can learn more about the study abroad experience that you will be having.
Review Essential Resources & Packing Guide
Read and review the following documents for essential information on policies, procedures, and resources for academic and personal success.
Read the Student Policy Handbook
Read the Valencia Student Handbook
Refer to the Berklee Valencia Pre-Departure Guide for helpful tips on things like packing and travel arrangements.
Review Health and Travel Insurance Information
Before joining us in Valencia, it is important to review your health and travel insurance information. Understanding your coverage will help you stay safe and prepared during your time abroad. Please take a moment to ensure you have the necessary insurance and that it meets any requirements for travel and health care while in Spain.
Travel to Valencia!
How to Arrange Your International Transportation
Students are responsible for making their own international travel arrangements to arrive in Valencia by the program start date. Refer to our Study Abroad Program Dates page for details on when your study abroad program will begin and end. A majority of students will arrive in Spain by international flights. When booking your travels, pay close attention to the date that you are departing from home and arriving in Spain. Considering that many international flights will travel overnight, most students will find that they must actually depart home the day before they need to be arriving in Valencia.
We encourage students to shop around for the flights that best align with their schedules and travel budgets. Websites like Google Flights or Student Universe can be a resource for searching travel itineraries across different airlines. For overland transportation within Western Europe, sites like Trainline and Omio likewise provide options for finding trains, buses, and ferries between different regions and countries. You may also contact a reputable travel agency in your area for assistance.
It is usually best to fly into the Valencia Airport. The airport code is VLC. Some students may choose to fly into other cities, like Madrid or Barcelona, but be aware that connecting to overland transportation to Valencia can be challenging when traveling with a lot of luggage and instruments. The Valencia Airport receives flights from across Europe and the Mediterranean region, but not from places further away. Most students will fly to Valencia with a layover in another Western European city.
How to Get to the Berklee-Provided Housing in Valencia
Learn more about Berklee-provided housing in Valencia.
Follow this map for an easy route from the airport to your residence hall. It highlights the quickest path by metro or taxi, helping you navigate smoothly from the terminal to your new home on campus. The approximate cost of a taxi from the airport to Livensa will be around €30 and can be paid by credit card or cash in euros.
How to Get to Berklee Valencia from Livensa Living
Use this map to find the quickest bus route from Berklee Valencia to Livensa Living residence hall.
It is also easy to walk to campus within about 25 minutes, or bike within around 10 minutes.
Other Maps
Useful maps to help you find your way in the city of Valencia:
How to Get Your Free Public Transit Card
Students under the age of 30 can get a free public transportation card for unlimited access to Valencia's bus network! Follow these simple steps to apply and start exploring the city with ease.
Instructions: How to get the Abono Temporal Jove gratuito EMT
Livensa Living Marina Real Neighborhood Map
Explore the Livensa Living Marina Real neighborhood with this map, showcasing nearby attractions, dining spots, shopping areas, and essential services.