My study abroad experience in Spain changed my life and I will never forget the times I had! Past Review
By Maria C (Management, University of Tulsa) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained an open mind to different cultures and learned so much about different countries that I never had known before the program. It changed my academic future plans, and now I want to travel more before settling down.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was much less in the program, but they focused on learning more during class time which was what we preferred while studying in a foreign country. The professors were a lot more understanding and this was a nice change from our home universities. The professors encouraged us to travel and explore the city and we were able to talk to them about our experiences which was how we learned the culture of Spain. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty was always available in the office and they could usually answer and help up with any questions or problems we had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with an American roommate in a nice neighborhood that was only a 5 minute walk from the university. It was a little further from things we did at night but I was always able to walk with other friends or take a taxi when needed. All the sheets and kitchen items were provided and I never had to cook any meals. The family treated me like I was one of their own. I also recommend having a roommate because you guys can help each other with different things and if you are not happy with your arrangement you are always able to change living situations. |
| * Food: |
Food was always delicious but I am not a picky eater so I will try anything. The quantity of food was always enough, if not too much. We did also dine out a lot and there are plenty of places to try around the area. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of the excursions were so much fun and always a learning experience. We had an optional trip to Morocco for a week and I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go. That was such an amazing experience and you won't be able to find a culture like this anywhere else in Europe, it was truly fascinating. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was never an issue in Valencia and we always had access to public transportation so you did not have to ever walk alone. I did not personally have an experience with healthcare. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was able to practice the language with everyone in the program because we were highly encouraged to speak Spanish at all times. There was also plenty of opportunity to speak with locals and get set up with an intercambio. I needed to use the host country language everyday because I lived with a family who only spoke Spanish. Some students did speak English, but we did always attempt to speak Spanish first. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who truly wants to learn Spanish and become fluent should definitely choose Valencia over Barcelona or other touristy cities. |
