Valencia 2026

The trip leaders are Blake Boles and a female co-leader TBA.

Blake is the founder of Unschool Adventures, a long-time intermedio Spanish speaker, and the author of multiple books about self-directed learning. He’s looking forward to speaking mucho Español contigo, finding amazing lunch spots in Valencia alongside you, encouraging you to have MORE delightfully awkward conversations with Spanish teenagers, and messing around with whichever crazy AI language-learning tools have been invented by February.

The female co-leader—like all our past leaders—will have a youth leadership background, experience with self-directed learning, and be excited to do some serious language acquisition alongside you.

The Unschool Adventures program fee includes:

• Homestay accommodation
• Breakfasts and dinners
• Spanish classes, tutoring, and all group-sponsored activities
• Laundry once a week
• Trip t-shirt

It does not include:

• Roundtrip airfare to Valencia International Airport
• Lunches (purchased independently each day in the city)
• Public transport in Valencia (~$2 per journey), which may or may not be necessary depending on your homestay location

Our minimum age is listed as 15 for this trip due to the restrictions placed on young travelers by most major airlines. Those under age 15 are often required to use Unaccompanied Minor services, which is a service that UA cannot always make happen. But if you have a 14-year-old applicant who’s dying to go on this trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we’ll explore what’s possible.

The maximum age that we typically accept is 20 or 21; before offering a spot to an older applicant, we will have a conversation about expectations and social dynamics inherent to mixed-age groups.

To make the most of this program, we want everyone to arrive with an A1 (beginner) level of Spanish proficiency. This is a level that most learners can achieve with an introductory Spanish class or spending a while with online apps. There are many free Spanish self-assessment tests available online; feel free to test yourself as many times as you’d like! (Our language school will conduct its own proficiency test with everyone upon arrival in order to match you to one of two possible class levels.)

Yes! Homestay families can accommodate all of these restrictions. Gluten-free diets will incur a small surcharge. More severe dietary restrictions (such as celiac or specific allergies) may be challenging or impossible to accommodate. Please describe your specific needs and restrictions in the online application.

Valencia in February is typically cool and sunny, with some days of rain. Blake spent a month there last winter, and he very much enjoyed it—and he’s a spoiled California boy, so that says something. (averages)

All you’ll need to bring are basic city clothes, with a few layers for different weather conditions. Qué fácil!

We will be matching you with experienced homestay families who work with our Spanish school (Taronja) as well as other Spanish schools in Valencia. Typically 2-3 participants stay with each family, though it could be up to 4. You might share a room, and rooms are typically gender segregated. (Non-binary/non-conforming participants are welcome!) Some families have kids and pets, others don’t. Some are within close walking distance to the Spanish school; others may be a 45-minute walk or 20-minute bus ride away. You’ll have a chance to express your preferences beforehand, and we’ll do your best to match you with a family that suits your needs!

During the day, you can go pretty much anywhere in downtown Valencia as you tell a trip leader where you’re going, when you plan to return, and any changes you make along the way. Nighttime outings are different and subject to trip leader approval (we won’t always say yes).

Following Unschool Adventures tried-and-true rules for group outings, we require that you always go out in a group of 3 or larger. (Exceptions will be made for participants going to/from homestays with just two people.) Please understand that these rules do limit your autonomy, but we have them for important reasons, which we are always happy to explain to you.

We expect participants to get around Valencia by public transport and foot. Rental bikes and scooters are unfortunately not part of the deal (due to injury and insurance considerations). Regarding swimming at Valencia’s lovely beaches, it’s possible with leader supervision.

Since our first trip in 2008, Unschool Adventures has facilitated independent exploration of foreign cities by teen groups without serious incident. While no such exploration is risk-free, we encourage you to think of Valencia as you might think of New York, San Francisco, Chicago, or Vancouver: a big city that young people can successfully navigate with basic precautions, budding street smarts, and regular communication with caring adults (the UA staff). If you’re unsure whether this level of freedom and responsibility is appropriate for your teen, don’t hesitate to contact Blake (blake@unschooladventures.com) prior to applying.

Over the years, Unschool Adventures has accommodated countless neuroatypical young adults. If you’ve read this webpage carefully and feel like you can and really want to participate in what we’re offering—we’re happy to have you.

We do expect all participants to participate fully in the program, unless you’re deathly ill. UA trips are not a la carte “join only if you feel like it” programs, but rather “go big or go home” experiences for young people ready to boldly step into a higher level of challenge, freedom, and responsibility, regardless of labels and diagnoses.

Our trip is drug- and alcohol-free, and the use or possession of any substances are cause for immediate dismissal.

Apply by September 30th (the priority application deadline) for your best chance of joining this program. All applications received by this date will receive equal priority. After this date, we will conduct brief interviews with all applicants to make sure that they’re a good fit for the program. We will then make offers of enrollment. When offered enrollment, you’ll have two weeks to submit your paperwork and the $1500 non-refundable deposit—then your spot is secured! (The remaining balance is due in early December.)

By mid-October we should have solid knowledge about the size and composition of our participant group. If we don’t have sufficient enrollment at this time, we may cancel the program. After September 30th, applications remain open and interviews are conducted a la carte until the program fills to capacity.

Wonderful! Please email it directly to blake@unschooladventures.com.