Studying Spanish on the Beach Actually does Work! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers of the Universidad de Malaga para Extranjeros were really good at what they did. It was a low stress environment but they did push us to learn as much as possible and they were happy to help supply extra practice outside of the normal homework load. They don't generally give much homework and although there are presentations required, they aren't very high pressure or nerve wracking. Like I said it's a relaxed learning environment. But the tests are hard, and it's simply a matter of studying and taking good notes in class. Like I already said though, they were great teachers and I'm actually facebook friends with a couple of my teachers so we can keep in touch and I can continue to practice my espanol.

On-site administration of your program

The people who work for ISA in Malaga are very organized and helpful. They are also fun and young and easy to get along with.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My senora was amazing! If anyone wants to simply go to Malaga and study or just stay for a while I would highly recommend contacting her for lodging. She does the laundry, cleans the room and cooks the most delicious food for each meal. But most of all she's an easygoing and kind person. Her name is Karina and her e-mail is kalicardetti@hotmail.com

Spanish food is NOT Mexican. It's nothing like it. If you don't like potatos, avoid the tortilla. If you don't like strong cheese, avoid all cheese. Closely inspect your pizza if you don't like tuna and if you can't or don't eat pork, good luck. Otherwise the food is good. Try out Ala Turca-it's a chain restaurant with kebobs. Kebobs are basically like gyros here in America. They're yummmy!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to several other cities and had great walking tours with guides who gave interesting stories on the history of the places.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Malaga is a super save city and I highly recommend it if it's your first experience abroad, or in a bigger city. I've always lived in a small town without a stoplight and the nearest McDonald's and Walmart are both 20 minutes away but in Malaga, I didn't feel worried or uneasy.

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

The program is called an Intensive course, and it definitly is. In the classroom, the teachers don't speak any English to the students, except the lowest level in which the students have not taken any Spanish classes before. This sounds crazy and extremely hard, but it helps students to comprehend the spoken language much faster. The ISA program allows students the choice of living with a host family or in independent housing. I lived with a woman and her 8 year old son so I was surrounded by Spanish and forced to use it on an everyday basis which was great practice. Fortunatly, the woman I lived with did speak some English for those moments when I had no idea how to express myself in Spanish, especially at the beginning. In Spain, most of the populous does not seem to speak much English. Even at banks, post offices, and grocery stores it can be a challege to communicate.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family