¡Hola!
We're USpain, a study-abroad program in Valencia founded by academics with decades of experience as faculty members and academic staff at American and Spanish universities.
​
Over the years, we've supported hundreds of students just like you in their dream of spending a term in Spain for its ancient heritage, vibrant culture, Mediterranean climate and modern infrastructure.
​
But our students wanted more than a big, one-size-fits-all travel program. They wanted more academic courses, more involved faculty, more avenues to pursue their own interests, more immersion in everyday Spanish life ... and for a lot less money. Sound familiar?
​
So we founded USpain, a small-scale academic program integrated into the University of Valencia. We advise, teach, tutor and mentor you in your progress to degree, while encouraging you to pursue your interests, engage in your surroundings and increase your Spanish fluency while abroad.
As USpain's founders and directors, we provide the highest-quality educational programming and support. And we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer any questions you, your advisors and your family may have about our program.
¡Bienvenidos!
Kristin
People
Pablo Ancos, PhD. Co-Founder and Academic Director
Pablo Ancos is a graduate of the University of Valencia and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (PhD, 2005), where he attained the title of Associate Professor with tenure and published extensively on medieval Spanish literature before founding USpain. Pablo also served as a thesis director, student mentor, director of the undergraduate Spanish-language residence hall and study-abroad adviser. He received several awards for outstanding teaching, including the University's Keikhofer Distinguished Teaching Award and the student-nominated Honored Instructor Award. As Academic Director, Pablo provides students with advising, instruction and guidance, as well as leads the Mediterranean Honors Field Seminar.
Kristin Neumayer, PhD. Co-Founder and Partnership Director
Kristin Neumayer studied Spanish in Boston University (BA, 1994), the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities (MA, 1996) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (PhD, 2008), where she served as a Lecturer and Course Coordinator before founding USpain. She received the Honored Instructor Award, as well as the Center for Educational Opportunity's Brenda Pfaehler Award of Excellence in teaching. As Partnership Director of USpain, Dr. Neumayer assists students, organizations and institutions with all administrative matters and questions.
Mission
USPAIN offers an academic study-abroad program especially designed for college Spanish majors by experienced academics, with an authentic immersion in everyday life for a fee that better reflects the true cost of studying and living in Spain.
Contact USpain to talk to one of our academic program directors!
