Valencia: An Opportunity to Grow Past Review
By Kayla G (Psychology, Spanish, University of Florida) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain
Not only did my Spanish language skills improve (which had provided me with unique opportunities here in the states) but I now have good friends and experiences that will last me a lifetime.
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- lighter than U.S. You're expected to enjoy life first and then work later. Teaching methods- similiar |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
n/a |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Neighborhood was great- 1/2 hour walk to school but this is normal. Your host family will be very welcoming but make sure you are a gracious guest. Always try everything they serve to you and be open-minded! |
| * Food: |
Great food and coffee everywhere. Try everything at least once. Try: paella type of coffee called a "bon-bon" it's a small, strong coffee with condensed milk to sweeten it. yum! jamon serrano bocadillos bunelos the wine! especially riojas |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Make sure to see Fallas! This is a once-in-a- lifetime event that you must experience. Mascleta, voting for the best Fallas/ninots, throwing firecrackers in the streets, all of it! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just be aware of your surroundings. No need to be flashy with jewelry or ipods and things. The main times to be extra aware are during Fallas when it's very crowded and pick-pocketers take advantage of all the tourists and when you are on the Metro. |
| 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? |
Take advantage of the fact that you are surrounded by native spanish speakers and learn and practice as much as you can. I recommend making spanish-speaking friends, reading the newspaper everyday, and avoid using English. Also, read books in Spanish- there are some great ones. |
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? | Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Also, make your own experiences. Do not spend all of your time with the other American students. Branch out. Valencia has countless opportunities- you just need to find them and take them! |
