Valencia: An experience that a few words don't do any justice. Past Review
By Noel R (Secondary Education: Spanish, University of Wyoming) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain
This experience just confirmed my love for this language, and that I'm following the correct career path.. though now I have the desire to return for an even more extended period of time! My Spanish is better than I expected it to be, being immersed in it is really just the best option for anyone who is serious about learning the language. I couldn't be any happier with my experience, I have had the time of my life, and made friendships that will last an eternity.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall everything was really great, the professors were easy to understand, didn't expect too much from the students, were willing to work with us to help us succeed, though there were a few moments of lack of communication (due to the differences in education between societies) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
This team of ISA Directors are the best I could have asked for, they are there no matter what you need help with, and ar more than just directors, they care and are willing to become friends with the students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I didn't use ISA to find my house family, so my situation isn't really applicable, but I would advise to all students to live with a host family. Not only do you get to practice the language more, but you really get to learn traditions and customs that you wouldn't learn any other way, Such a great experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The most memorable for me was our Thanksgiving dinner that they had for everyone in the program. Not being home with your family can be hard, but ISA made this the most memorable Thanksgiving I will most likely ever have! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never once didn't feel safe in this city, and as a female that travels around town alone most of the time, that really says alot. If I got sick, the directors would go to the doctor with me, no matter how long the wait time was to see the doctor, then they would check in afterwards to make sure I was feeling better. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish every single day, from the moment I got off the plane. English was avaliable if I had problems, but other than that it was pure Spanish. I could practice with my host family, professors, classmates, directors, and even Spanish friends that I've made during my stay here. I am honestly suprised and impressed with how my skills have improved. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I did alot of travelling within Spain, and Europe, and I'm still in love with Valencia over all other places. This city has an amazing feeling to it, has new and old cultures mixed together. Definetly come for the Spring semester, Las Fallas is something you have to experience!!! |
