We think that the previous preparation of the participants for their internship is of great importance in order to live a successful mobility experience abroad.

The VIRGIL-MOB online course goes in that direction, as well as our personalized Welcome Meeting presentation.

Each group that steps into our office is welcomed by their ESMOVIA tutor in the Welcome Meeting.

During the years we have improved and adapted the information that participants receive in their first meeting with ESMOVIA, paying always attention to our participants’ profile as well as their feedbacks.

The Welcome Meeting presentation takes place the following day after participants’ arrival. It is composed of 4 different sections where the staff of ESMOVIA explain all necessary aspects connected with their stay in Valencia:

1.) What is this all about?

In the first section of the meeting with their Group Coordinator, participants are informed about:

Presentation of ESMOVIA
Programme
The people they will be in contact with and who to contact in different situations
Services foreseen
The ESMOVIA handbook and the documents to fill in

2.) Tips for free time

Participants are also informed about cultural activities and tips to enjoy their free time and take the most of their stay in Valencia.

3.) Traineeship Preparation

The Work Placement Coordinator leads the traineeship induction. With this completely interactive session, we prepare the participants for their internship, helping them to reflect on their value, the skills they possess, what they can offer to the company, make them conscious of their capacities, and believe in themselves.

It foresees:

Information on working places and foreseen tasks
Self-awareness dynamics to identify participants’ objectives, skills and expectations
Useful communication tools

We are always positively pleased and surprised to discover some hidden talents, passions and interests that this session brings to the surface.

4.) Easy Spanish

Finally, we involve students in a short language Spanish course with basic and necessary words and expressions, like a survival kit that all participants need to know for their daily life and in the companies. Students are involved in dynamic activities recreating real situations.

Now everyone is ready to start the internship experience!

Experience
Erasmus for all: Mobility Programs for Seniors
Experience
Las Fallas, a unique festival
News
EMoCC Project - Transnational Meeting in Valencia
News
Valenciaphoto 2023, the photography festival of Valencia

Reasons to spend your Erasmus experience in Valencia: Las Fallas

Valencia offers an ideal setting for your Erasmus adventure, boasting the status of Spain’s third-largest city with a pleasant climate and less congestion compared to other major cities like Madrid or Barcelona. The city’s year-round sunny weather and easy access to beaches make it an enticing destination. If you’re considering Valencia for your Erasmus experience, there’s one compelling reason that stands out: Las Fallas.

Las Fallas is a traditional festival in Valencia, renowned worldwide and recognized as a ‘Festival of International Tourist Interest’ and part of the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.’ This celebration is a must-see experience, showcasing elaborate monuments and vibrant festivities.

Monuments of Fallas

Originally stemming from ancient carpenters’ traditions, Las Fallas has evolved into grand structures made of cork and wood frames, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. These monuments feature central figures surrounded by ‘ninots,’ incorporating elements of humor and satire reflecting current events.

What to Expect During Las Fallas

Las Fallas is not just a local event but a global spectacle, with unique aspects often overlooked. The festival’s name originates from medieval torches known as ‘fallas,’ used in the city’s watchtowers. While Valencia is the festival’s epicenter, other places like Argentina also celebrate their version of Las Fallas. The festival’s duration has expanded since 1932, spanning from March 15th to 19th, with activities starting as early as February.

Mascletàs and Other Highlights

The festival’s signature mascletàs offer a daily display of rhythmic firecrackers at Town Hall Square, reaching intensities exceeding 120 decibels. The plantà marks the official placement of monuments for judging, while the ofrenda sees ‘falleras’ presenting flowers to the ‘Virgen de los Desamparados,’ creating a stunning tapestry. The grand finale, cremà, involves burning the monuments to ashes, symbolizing the end of the festival.

Experience Las Fallas

For those embarking on an Erasmus journey in Valencia during Las Fallas, essential experiences include exploring the monuments, indulging in local delicacies like fritters or churros with chocolate, witnessing breathtaking fireworks displays, and strolling through illuminated streets in Ruzafa.