Paradise in Cadiz Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were all in Spanish and did not stop for international students making it that much more intense and serious in terms of learning the language. The system is also very different than the education system in the states in that in order to succeed you must put in the effort. There are no study guides or hand out...you must go to class in order to know what's happening and you must ask questions if you don't understand something. Living in Spain and Cadiz especially makes learning Spanish constant...the option of taking the easy route and speaking in English all the time or when you don't know something is removed. It can be frustrating but also incredibly rewarding once the language is mastered.

On-site administration of your program

Vicky (the on-site program go-to woman) is incredibly kind and always there for support. She shows you the best of Cadiz and parts of Spain as well. She also gives you resources for anything you desire...if you want to travel more and see more of spain she knows the guy that can give you affordable trips to any parts of Spain that you wish. She knows the city very well and shows you the best spots cadiz has to offer. Her kindness and knowledge is not often found in most people...being homesick, having trouble with school, not fitting well with your host family, etc. Any worries or doubts that may present themselves while abroad, Vicky is was and always will be there to support and guide you.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were complicated, due to my own personal character. However, I found the families to be kind and always ready to feed me. My first family just didn't click right, but my second family was amazing. They were everything I could ask for and more. They did not pressure me to follow a curfew, they were flexible and communicative always. When you go from living without your parents in college, then into a sorority, then move to Spain and live with a family with children the change can be a bit challenging. My second host family was the best family I could have imagined. They showed me cadiz as well and truly cared for me as if I were one of their own. I do think however, that the housing options should be explained better in order to fit the student to the best option possible. Sometimes living with a family is still strange once you're use to doing whatever you want when you want. No matter how understanding and kind a family is...coming home late after the bars (la punta) is uncomfortable. Be that as it may Api and primarily Vicky make this transition as smooth as possible.

If there is a heaven on earth it would be in Cadiz, Spain. By far the greatest food and restaurant experience I have ever been a part of. People here cook their food with love and pride. They are only happy when you eat so much you can't move. And the price of food is very cheap considering it's the best quality. Some host families may not cook as much as others. But eating in the street will never disappoint. For a smaller city such as Cádiz the variety of food is incredible. You can go to the market and get local food to make, or sit down in any restaurant and receive a delicious meal. From paella to fried (but so much better and healthier than American fried) fish, Spanish ham, traditional Spanish dishes, even classic Mexican (when you need your spicy food fix). I was a very picky eater before I came to spain...I did not eat calamari or really anything that is "weird" or "gross". But I became obsessed with the food in Cadiz. I ate calamari, snails, dogfish, any fish actually, fresh tomatoes (I wouldn't touch a tomatoe in America before), shrimp in paella, shrimp tortilla (a bean flour patty with shrimp and fried) etc. I still crave the Spanish food because there is truly nothing better. Writing about the food even now makes me mouth water and crave some jamón. Their drink accompaniment is like no other- sangria, tinto de verano, wine, beer, everything. Nothing hits the spot like some fried squid, fried dogfish and tinto de verano. The culture around meals is also one to desire and cherish in that lunch and dinner are almost sacred times of the day- to be with your family and friends and enjoy the time you have with them. Throw in flamenco if you really wanna make your meal that much more special. And Cadiz has it all.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cadiz became my second home. I say that my heart is split in two...one half is for colorado my native home and the other half is for Cadiz my Spanish home. I've been back twice since I left because I love it so much. The people, the food, the culture, the beach...everything about it makes me smile. It a city like none other because it embraces you and makes you feel welcome and loved. The Spanish people but more specifically the gaditanos (cadiz people) are the most embracing, hilarious and warm people I've ever met. In terms of culture, Cadiz is a place like none other. They are a part of spain, but they have their own cultural differences that are unique to them as well. They have flamenco, soccer, late night dinners, etc. But in my eyes they have more than any other Spanish city could offer. Unlike madrid they are not a big international hub...they are removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the modernization of a large city. Cadiz is a Spanish paradise and is its own little world in the south of Spain. If you want true and authentic Spanish culture and experience than cadiz is where you will find that.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is healthcare. You wait until you can see a doctor but doctors and nurses care for you no matter where you are from. Vicky accompanied me to the doctors because I was sick and I got antibiotics and received great treatment. It was nice that Vicky came because when it comes to health and your body the language barrier can be tricky and miscommunication makes the process longer. However, this was never an issue because Vicky came with to make sure it was correctly communicated and there was no issue. It's easily accessible, I don't get sick often and so when I did it spain it was nice to have Vicky there to assist me and comfort me. I did not need any vaccines or prescriptions prior to my program or during my stay. Healthcare workers are the same no matter where you go- they are here to care and treat the health of others.

Cadiz is the safest city I've ever been to. Walking home late/early in the morning from the clubs is not scary. All the streets are lit at night, there's always people around, etc. Once you've gotten your surroundings down and know where you are and where you are going it is totally easy to maneuver through the city. I as a woman never felt threatened or in harm while I was here. My theory is that the people of cadiz are in paradise...there's no motive to be violent or to do harm. The vibe of the city and the people is totally beach town chillin. Also there are always police around just wandering and keeping an eye on rowdy folk. It's totally safe. (But do make sure to still know your surroundings and know where the homeless people hang out). There is one area where the homeless people are often. They are harmless and usually just drunk but knowing your surroundings is still important no matter what country or city you're in. However, Cádiz has very very little crime and is very safe. As a female I have zero fear walking alone at night in cadiz. I have no fear of sleeping in the street or on the beach in cadiz.

My program location was unique and exactly what I wanted. I would not have fallen in love with Spain if it weren't for my experiences I had in Cadiz.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food and drinks are cheap. Shopping for clothes and shoes is less cheap but still decent. I didn't have a financial issue.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I only spoke in Spanish. I chose cadiz specifically to not be tempted to speak in English. Spanish was highly encouraged by Vicky but was also my sole reason in going to cadiz. I wanted to speak the language proficiently. Vicky did not force anyone to speak the language to a certain extent. It is what you make it. You get what you put in. Vicky would help with Spanish but obviously if you had trouble with something or needed help saying it in Spanish you could say it in English. But a small group in a smaller city made speaking in Spanish necessary (which isn't that the purpose of study abroad?) Spanish was encouraged, but misunderstandings were easily clarified.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

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• International Students
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Smaller group (more personal)
• Bunch of included excursions
• LOCATION!! (Cadiz is magical)

• Price
• Before being abroad preparation
• More flexibility

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer