Valencia is my Favorite Place on Earth Past Review

By Evan B (Bachelor of Science, Journalism, West Virginia University) for

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Since I had never been abroad, this experience was definitely an eye-opening one. This trip has made me want to travel abroad for an entire semester and I recently went abroad for Spring Break. Diversity is becoming increasingly important in today's society and everything is becoming global. Studying abroad helped me become a better communicator and to understand others better.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Universitat de Valencia
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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	My housemother was an amazing cook who believed that family meals were essential every day.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	Host family. Used language every single day, most people in the city only spoke Spanish

Other Program Information

* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	If you want to legitimately improve your language skills while still studying in a big city, choose Valencia. Unlike Barcelona and Madrid, you are expected to speak in Spanish at all times. Students who are prepared to be outoging beach-goers are perfect for this trip.