Study Abroad with Institute of Spanish Studies Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes and workload were easy, but a good amount for being abroad. The teachers were so helpful and made class fun. Since they've been working with American students for years now, they really understood our position and how to work with us best. They spoke in all Spanish, but were clear and easy to understand.

On-site administration of your program

Everyone that worked with ISS was SO HELPFUL and kind. The whole process ran smoothly and I felt very safe in the foreign country. The program size was perfect, not too big, not too little (about 50 people). I would have liked to have been better integrated in the Spanish school system with other Spanish students instead of in a separate building with all American students. Also, I would have liked to have had a weekend-long trip to another major city (Barcelona if possible) instead of just one-day trips. Most of the group went to Barcelona for a weekend anyway so it would definitely be a great trip to plan.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt like I was the luckiest person on the trip! My random American roommate and I got along great, my family of 6 kids and 2 parents was AMAZING, and the location of our apartment was perfect - right in the middle of Valencia and in walking distance from the school! I could not say enough how friendly and caring my host family was. Other students had little problems here and there, but our house sisters would take us out with them and their friends, we would all eat together for almost every meal, we would have drinks and tapas with the parents and their friends, and the grandma and aunts would come to visit as well! We developed great relationships with the whole family, and are hoping to plan more visits in the future! My Spanish speaking skills (and my overall satisfaction with the program) increased the most because of the family.

The food was good. The host family cooked a different type of food for almost every single meal! Also, don't miss out on the tapas - they're so fun and cheap!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Seeing the castles on our excursions to Sagunto and Peniscola were AMAZING! Also, we were in Valencia during the day of San Juan which was a HUGE beach party with live performances and hundreds and hundreds of people!! I travelled to Barcelona for one weekend and saw the Sagrada Familia, which I DEFNINTELY recommend.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have problems with health so I'm not sure how it was dealt with. I felt very safe in Valencia - many times more safe than I feel at home!

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

We spoke with our host families only in Spanish. The teachers went back and forth between Spanish and English but mostly just Spanish. When we spent time with other students from our program we spoke English. My only suggestion would be to REALLY TRY to speak in Spanish with the other American students, even outside of school. It is easier to just talk in English, but switching back and forth between the two will only slow you down in learning Spanish. Everyone is there to learn Spanish - SO DO IT!!

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• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family