Valencia was an awesome decision Past Review

By (HISTORY., SUNY - Binghamton) for

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One semester seemed just enough time for me. As going home got closer, the more I was anticipating seeing old friends and family. It was worthwhile and helped teach me a lot about myself. Seeing the sights you have only witnessed on a page or computer screen in real life offers fulfillment.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers were all friendly and appreciative that they were helping American students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators took class more seriously than the students but this was important to keep us in check. Sometimes the external distractions kept us from the studies. They were organized and excited to be learning with American students (as well as practicing their own english).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a roommate who I was thankful to have. Sometimes the language barrier was a little overwhelming, especially in the beginning. Weekly laundry was carried out, which was great. And, three meals were always provided. There just was not any internet connection which I saw as odd for a location housing students. <br /><br /> Beautiful location, always good weather and an easy-going vibe. The metro was a big help to getting around. Takes about 10 minutes to get to class

* Food:

Meals were cooked great everytime. They respected the fact that I did not like seafood and would cook meat instead for me, despite that I never asked them too. Just had to get used to the gap between eating: 2:30- lunch, 9:30- dinner...and nothing in between would they eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Went out almost every night. City was big but not too big, allowing easy access to learn the environment

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Some cities I visited were more tense to stay, among the pickpocketers (they do exist) but my overall living arrangement in Valencia was extremely safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I was surprised how much I spent. Make sure you travel with some financial means to just know you're going to blow it on experience. Weekly, I probably spent between $150-200.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling to other locations you will want to do and they can be expensive, especially through the program. The Morocco trip was expensive but very much worth it.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Definitely influenced my spanish speaking skills for the benefit

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Know you're going to spend a lot of money, make great friendships, drink a lot, notice that the lifestyle is a little slower paced (which I liked). Don't worry too much about the language and living with a host family is worth it in this experience

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Culture

Course Department:
Instructor: Begona
Instruction Language: English
Comments: First year teacher and she was uneasy about her english, but I give her a lot of credit because she pulled through and every one of the students enjoyed her company. She always came prepared and did not make the course too challenging. Field trips to locations discussed were offered and worth it.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am unaware of any credit transfer problems at the moment
Course Name/Rating:

History of Spain

Course Department:
Instructor: Ricardo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Ricardo was a fantastic teacher, extremely intelligent with comedic values. Some field trips were offered. I enjoyed the course because I am a history major and it broadened my opinion about Spanish culture.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish

Course Department:
Instructor: Rafael
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Outstanding teacher who made the course as challenging as it had to be for the students to be immersed into the spanish language, imperative to daily lifestyle.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Cinema

Course Department:
Instructor: Ricardo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: We watched authentic spanish movies in the original language with english subtitles. I appreciated many of the films, and who doesn't enjoy a good movie during class.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A