Rigorous yet reasonable academics Past Review
By Melissa S (Social Work and Spanish, The Catholic University of America) for
University of Virginia: Valencia - UVA in Valencia
confidence in speaking spanish and taking leaps of faith individually that seem scary or overwhelming
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the academics were rigorous yet reasonable. i felt i was being challenged appropriately. coursework was interesting and relevant and helped me develop my spoken and written spanish |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
strict yet understanding |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment in Valencia with my host mother, sister, and brother on Dr Gil y Morte 2,5 46007 Valencia <br /><br /> My host family was completely accomadating, loving, and helpful. The apartment was comfortable and appropriate with the added benefit of wifi |
| * Food: |
healthy, filling, wonderful |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
facilitated group trips were a good idea becuase they were optional |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
my host family was very protective and i know the university would be accomadating |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | probably about 30 E |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | dont buy alcohol in bars, buy it in grocery stores. save your money for traveling instead of frivolous purchases. also eat WITH host family to bond and take advantage of money youre spending for food. if youre with your host family dont go out to eat often |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
my conversational spanish has sky rocketed while my academic spanish has been refined in written and oral form |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Speak as much spanish as possible, related to this GET TO KNOW YOUR HOST FAMILY |
