Vicariously Valencian Past Review
By Marli T (Spanish, Minnesota State University, Moorhead) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain
It was the best thing that I have done with my life thus far. It has also encouraged me to seek abroad opportunities with my career choices.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA Valencia is wonderful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was treated like a family member. My host mother made delicious meals and taught us a lot about cooking. she was great to help us with any questions we had about traveling through Spain and she gave us tips on events that were happening in Valencia or in small towns that we could take the train to get to. |
| * Food: |
Our host mother took a lot of pride in her cooking. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Las Fallas is the craziest festival ever. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had issues with either, but unfortunately some of my fellow travelers did, but ISA reacted warmly and professionally. |
| 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? |
my host family. intercambios with locals that ISA helped set up, and also others that I encountered on my own. In Valencia it was more common for people to speak to me in Spanish, because it is less touristy than other cities in Spain. |
| 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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would strongly suggest to speak as much Spanish with locals as possible. It took me a while to become comfortable at speaking with strangers because my Spanish skills were poor. However everyone is so willing to help you, and you will regret any opportunity you pass up upon your return to the U.S. where everyone only wants to speak English. |
