Living in Valencia, Spain was the best decision I ever made in my life!!! GO!!! Past Review
By Alison H (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY Purchase) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Because of this experience I have a better knowledge of people as a whole. It opened my eyes to how Americans are perceived in other countries and how different cultures work.
Review Photos
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the workload was totally fine. I was able to complete everything and still travel around valencia or around europe. I absolutely loved every teacher I had at AIP. Every single one of them work so hard to make sure you are adjusting fine, you understand all of the course work etc. I now consider most of the teachers I had as friends and will truly never forget them. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
all of my expectations were completely met. nothing was a surprise to me. everything was very clear. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I walked home alone almost every night and i felt completely safe. I walked almost everywhere, whether it was to school, to bars at night, or just to a park to hang out with friends. my host apartment was incredibly close to everything. I loved the location. Once in a while I would buy some snacks for my room and shampoo, soap, and conditioner, but other than that I didnt buy anything else for my living situation. |
* Food: |
my host mom would always make sure that she gave me enough and that i liked what she served me, but overall i did not love food in spain "/ |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
if you do this program GO TO MOROCCO and Barcelona!!!! Morocco was our spring break trip that was organized by our school. It was so amazing and so different that everyone who can should go there!! Barcelona was a mini weekend trip my friends and I planned. It is such a beautiful and fun city its another place you must go in my opinion. This program has an awesome tour guide who will organize trips for you and your group that are so much fun. He'll also offer small field trips or events that are going on in Valencia to further introduce you to Valenica. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I walked to and from places almost always by myself and very, very few times did I feel unsafe. A few of my friends while in Valencia needed to go to the doctor and they always had either their host parent or a teacher from AIP go with them to ensure that nothing was lost in translation. I personally never had any experience with doctors or healthcare. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Language acquisition improvement? |
I would practice my spanish with my spanish teacher and my host parents everyday. I needed to speak spanish every single day while living in valencia :) It was challenging and at times embarrassing, but it all worked out fine. :) |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
* 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? | A student who is willing to build a relationship with a host parent. Someone who wants to learn Spanish and able to use it every day. A person who is always ready to travel and learn new cultures. Someone who goes into this wonderful experience with a completely blank slate. Let Spain take over you. Time will go faster than you ever imagined possible. |