Valenca - The Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Ghazaleh G (French And Spanish, Royal Holloway) - abroad from 04/10/2011 to 08/01/2011 with
EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While for many the word 'Erasmus' signals meets and greets, parties, relaxation, and travelling, for others this program offers individuals a pure survive and thrive experience. Not only does the year abroad push students and graduates to their limits, it furthermore challenges their levels of maturity and independence as they undertake a whirlwind adventure learning to cope in an entirely different habitat. Luckily, my year abroad experience was a supportive and nurtured one, and this is all thanks to Euroace. From the moment their students arrive, until the time they say their goodbyes, these individuals are taken under the wings of the company's two directors, Isabel and José, who unequivocally ensure that their students live their Erasmus year to the absolute fullest. Organising language exchanges between Spaniards and international students, as well as seasonal activities, one can rest assured that not only will he/she leave Valencia feeling culturally immersed, one will also have struck valuable friendships that are sure to last a lifetime. Highly recommended and definitely worthwhile! I would do it all over again!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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) |
One of the great aspects of living in Spain is that the living costs are significantly lower than that of the UK, so you don't always have to spend a lot of money to have a great time! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approximately 80 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The key to money-saving is advance budgeting. I always advise participants to record all their expenditure in an Excel document, where they would firstly indicate the estimated budget required to cover their length of stay abroad. Bearing in mind that food, bills, rent and social life are the principle cost breakdowns, I would then divide the weekly expenditure between the above four (in order of priority) and any remaining cash would be used for other purchases of my choice. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The program directors only spoke to us in Spanish, in order for us to become accustomed to the language as soon as possible. Though at first this procedure was overwhelming, in the long run it definitely worked in our favour and the results were made clear in the final year oral examinations! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I started learning Spanish at 'ab initio' level and after a 2 years intensive program at university, I finally embarked upon my Erasmus adventure to Valencia. I believe I was at intermediate level before I left for my year abroad. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | In order to obtain full cultural and linguistic immersion, I would encourage participants to read the local newspaper everyday, read books in Spanish, as well as listening to the radio and the news. By following this procedure, the participant would be broadening his/her range of vocabulary extensively from the different walks of life, but as well, developing a familiar ear of the various regional Spanish accents. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I can honestly say that everything was made clear to me before the program and all the advice that I was given prior to my year abroad, I put to good use. I just wish I had been able to have this experience much earlier so that I would have known these wonderful people a lot further in advance! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
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