Palma de Mallorca: A Summer I'll Never Forget Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The two summer courses I took were the perfect work load for a summer program. We had class every day for 3 hours, with a 20 minute coffee break in the middle. For my Mediterranean Marine Environment class, we had to write small one page reports after each excursion and our final was a presentation on where we would put a new marina, according to everything we had learned. For the Intermediate Spanish class I was expecting it to incorporate both 3rd and 4th semester Spanish material, since I was in Spain to get my 4th semester done with for my Ged Ed. I never learned anything new material-wise in the class, and still got credit for a 4th semester Spanish class. I did however learn a lot about the Spanish culture. It was slightly disappointing I never learned anything new, but again, it was nice because I never had to study outside of doing the daily journals, and worksheets assigned to us. The classes were run by CIEE, so they were very easy on grading. I've heard that classes through the actual university are much more difficult. The professors are nonetheless amazing at what they do. They love interacting with American students and helping us learn and develop our Spanish. I learned so much from them and truly wish that my professors back in the States had as much enthusiasm for teaching as they do.

On-site administration of your program

Every single expectation I had was far exceeded. Antonia is an amazing woman and so knowledgeable about everything. She is extremely helpful and every question I had for her was answered perfectly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment I stayed in was very large to what I was expecting. I had my own bathroom and bedroom. It was very close to class, but pretty far away from nightlife, luckily 3 other kids lived near me and we would split taxi rides home. I did not have to buy anything besides shampoo and conditioner once I got there. My madre was very accomodating and sweet. She has had a lot of American students before, so she knew that we liked our freedom and alone time, but she would interact with me when I wanted to talk and socialize with her. My Spanish was awful so I felt very shy and never really comfortable holding long conversations with her, but she was always encouraging.

My madre could cook very well and remembered what I did and didn't like, but I just didn't like a lot of the Spanish food. They eat A LOT of pork, and I'm not the biggest fan of it. Their pastries are amazing, and the Diet Coke over there is out of this world (it's made with a different sweetener). The highlight of every Tuesday and Wednesday was going to La Ruta Martiana, where 20 or so bars served tapas and cañas (small beer or wine glass) for 2 euros. We would pig out there every Tuesday, it's a must do!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Noche de San Juan was a once in a lifetime experience and a must do when in Palma for the summer! It's a giant celebration for the shortest night of the year, with demons and fireworks everywhere. And they don't take your safety into consideration...aka FOLLOW THE CLOTHING GUIDELINES!!!! We ignored them because it was hot and we didn't want to wear long sleeves and pants, but do it! I got several burns from firecracker sparks! The trip to Formentor was definitely the most memorable trip we took. The views are simply breathtaking and you must experience for yourself because words don't do it justice.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to deal with health issues, but the safety of Palma is very good. I was never pick-pocketed and no one else in my group was either. I bought one of those secret money pouches you wear under shirts, but I never used it. I openly carried an across the body purse and I had no problems. You just have to be smart and never leave your stuff unattended.

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

We practiced our Spanish in class and in our home stays. My madre did not speak any English, so I quickly had to learn how to communicate with her. The city of Palma itself is very touristy however and near the beaches and tourist areas, most people would speak to you in Spanish. If you tried to speak Spanish with them, they loved it and tried helping you! My speaking and comprehension skills improved a millionfold while in Palma.

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• Host Family

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• The length of time abroad

• nothing!