Valencia, Spain: My Favorite Place in the World Past Review
By Daniel M (General Business, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
Polytechnic University of Valencia / UPV : Valencia - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I now feel inspired to learn Spanish as perfectly as I can. I know people all over the world. I'm compelled to experience everything I possibly can. World=Big.
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 |
University infrastructure and systems were often difficult to understand. Did not pass two classes as a result of confusion and lack of school resources. Friendly people though. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
By the beach. Good flatmates. Still haven't had deposit returned. |
| * Food: |
Mercadoooona, Mercadona. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Las fallas, traveling to different countries...Valencia is a hot-spot for international students and the overall cultural experience was incredible. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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 used Spanish in day to day interactions, but for the most part I spoke English because so many people speak English. Being there for a year, however, allowed me to slowly develop my Spanish over time and now it is at an intermediate to advanced level. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | If you want to learn Spanish, try and live with Spaniards. I lived with Italians that spoke Spanish fluently, so that was helpful, however they often spoke in English or Italian. |
