My first week in Quart de Poblet and Valencia

During my stay, I had the chance to visit the City of Arts and Sciences  a really impressive place, very modern, with unique architecture. I also took some time to explore the old town, which felt much more authentic, with its narrow streets and historic buildings.

I spent some time at the beach, even though the weather wasn’t always perfect. I got to experience Valencia’s famous rain too!

I also discovered several local markets around the city, which was a nice way to see a more local and everyday side of life here.

When it comes to food, I tried some tacos and went to a few restaurants mostly pasta dishes. Nothing too traditional, but still tasty.

I did a bit of shopping, without really looking for anything in particular just walking around and checking out the stores.

In the evenings, I went out to a few bars and clubs to get a feel for the city’s nightlife. For getting around, I mostly used the metro and the bus, which were both really convenient.

What stood out the most, though, were the people I met. I spent time with people who didn’t speak French, and it was interesting to communicate differently, mixing languages.

All in all, a great start to the experience.

Since the beginning of my gap year in Spain, I’ve had the opportunity to discover a new cultural, linguistic, and administrative environment.

The first few weeks were focused on settling into my accommodation, completing local administrative procedures, and getting familiar with the city. This process allowed me to develop practical skills in autonomy and adapting to a new system.

Language immersion is also an important part of this experience. Being exposed to Spanish on a daily basis helps me improve my listening skills and feel more comfortable in everyday conversations.

I’m also using this time to get involved in local activities, especially with Quart de Nit, which allows me to meet new people and better understand certain social and cultural dynamics in the country.

In parallel, I’ve dedicated time to personal projects and taken a step back to reflect on my journey. This gap year offers me a real opportunity to pause, gain new skills, and define my goals more clearly for the futur.