Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was about average [neither too much nor too little]. The teaching methods varied from professor to professor and some methods worked better than others did. The grading system was the same as it is at Longwood. The professors and administration at ISS were very easy to get along with, except for one professor. I also got the feeling that in Europe, more is expected of students than in America. In almost every school I've been to growing up, there have been many teachers with an apathetic attitude towards their students and the students' success, but with my experience in Spain, the professors really wanted us to learn what they were teaching us whether it was the Literature, Cinema, Art, or phonetics of Spain. All of the professors were very passionate about their classes and making sure we were able to come home and share everything they taught us.

On-site administration of your program

The administration at ISS was incredible. They were always friendly and told you when they would be available, and the secretary even gave us her cell phone number in case we had any emergency. The only thing is that we rarely saw the directors, not that any of us had an issue that involved them and we knew that they were busy. Everyone was friendly and always willing to give us advice or help whenever we needed it. And the language barrier was almost non existent because they all know English in case we never understood what they said in Spanish.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a really large apartment with a family [parents and 3 children] within a 10 minute walk of the Institute, right next door to the soccer stadium, and a 15 minute walk to the city center and all kinds of nightlife. My host family, especially my host mom, was incredible. They were so loving and caring and helpful. They made me feel like a part of their family. They really helped to make my experience amazing. The location of their home was in a very safe part of Valencia. All of Valencia is relatively safe. I think their biggest crimes are usually pick-pockets. I felt safer in Valencia than I do in most parts of America and even Virginia.

My host mom is an amazing cook. She always made sure we ate enough and the food was always fresh. My host dad also makes a really, really great Paella. He's actually won awards for it. For future students: whatever you want or need, go to Mercadona. The food and snacks are cheap and they are always within walking distance of your home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of our professors would take us on little field trips on the weekends/Fridays to spots around Valencia, like museums, etc. The school even sponsored excursions to Sagunto to see castle remains, Teruel and Albarracin to see little towns in the mountains, and the oceanografic [aquarium] in the new arts and sciences part of the city. I lived next to the soccer stadium and I loved going to games, if you play your cards right you can sit really close for cheap. I even met a professional soccer player! Fallas festival in March is a must. You have to be there for Fallas and go to all of the Mascletas [daytime fireworks, mainly for noise] dress up like a Fallera or Fallero, go to the street parties and fireworks and of course, the burning of the Fallas statues the last day.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Safety was something that was never drilled into our heads, because safety is not an issue in Valencia. Our professors and my host family would tell us to be careful during festivals, which spots to avoid and whatnot. But as long as you are smart, Valencia is one of the safest places in the world. As far as health was concerned, I had health insurance through the school and when I had a really bad cold, I went where the school told me to go and they saw me that day and when I bought medicine, I got my money back by sending the receipt to the insurance company. From what I experienced, there aren't any health concerns in Valencia and I didn't need any vaccinations before going.

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

This is because I was too afraid to speak. This had nothing to do with my host family, or the school, I've just always been too afraid to have a conversation in Spanish, even though I understand almost everything. But just listening to conversations with my host family and their friends, and even watching TV, I picked up on a lot of new words and phrases that I didn't know beforehand. The school even tried to partner each of us with a spanish student learning English so we could help each other, but my partner worked a lot and we weren't able to meet that often. But I lived with a family that spoke little to no English, so I was always able to practice with kids or the parents whenever I wasn't too shy about speaking. Also, everywhere I went I had to speak spanish. There are a few places in Valencia where they have English speakers or cashiers learning English and they want to practice, so I would speak in Spanish and they would respond in English. I just recommend for future students to not be afraid to speak the language, even if you're worried about your grammar. Spanish people in particular are very kind and will help you out without judging you. I also think that you should be as open and as friendly as you can be to meet new people. You will be surprised at how many people you'll meet and start conversations with in Spain just by asking for something or even being asked something by the people there. Be open and friendly, talk as much as you can in Spanish, and listen to conversations between other people and you'll learn a TON.

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