Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take me back! Past Review

By (Business, Eastern Washington University) - abroad from 06/26/2014 to 07/30/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Valencia was hands down the best 5 weeks of my life. I went into my experience without any expectations, knowledge of Spanish, or preconceived ideas of what was ahead of me. Little did I know I would meet the most amazing people, learn to communicate with a lotttttt of hand gestures and facial expressions, and fall in love with a city I never even knew existed. I wouldn't change one second of it even if I could. Not only did I come back with exciting stories and memories, but I actually enjoyed the courses I took and no doubt learned way more than I ever would have if I had opted not to step out of my comfort zone. Because it was such a short time, every day was an adventure, whether it was a class field trip, an excursion with ISA, or a day trip with my friends in the program--I was always on the go. If you want a thrilling experience in a unique city immersed in a beautiful culture, Valencia is the place for you! 100% worthwhile.

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My learning environment abroad was one of the most educational experiences I have encountered in my collegiate time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our on-site directors were approachable, always available, and amazing resources.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a home-stay and had the best host mom EVER.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

I purposefully budgeted so I could have more money to spend each week to live a little more luxuriously while abroad.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a budget for yourself each week. Only take out that amount of money and keep track of how much you spend each day. It may seem tedious, but it really will help you in the long-run!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None!
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice, practice, practice! Don't be afraid to speak the language with your friends, host family, and other resources. They are there to help you increase your language proficiency. Always ask for help if you need it too!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Spanish lifestyle
  • My host mom
  • The program excursions
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I always joke that I should have known Spanish before going to Spain, but in all honesty I think not knowing Spanish made my experience all the more exciting!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.