An incredible experience Past Review

By (Mass Communications, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 05/19/2012 to 07/29/2012 with

EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This is the best thing that I have done for my Résumé/CV, for improving my Spanish to the point where I can use it in a professional work environment and for simply growing and maturing as a person. To say it was worthwhile is an understatement.

Review Photos

EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs Photo EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs Photo EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs Photo EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs Photo EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I went to Valencia, Spain through the Euroace to work an internship for a local sports management firm and gain class credit and international work experience. While my primary focus was on the work I was doing for my internship, I also took spanish classes with Euroace two to three times a week in order to keep up with my spanish as much as possible. The classes were excellent, extremely helpful and there were options for private or group classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Euroace's administration was excellent. Every question that I had about the question was answered immediately, I could call on them for help at any time and they truly care about the people that they work with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing arrangements. During my time working and studying in Valencia, I lived in a five-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom apartment in the historic center of Valencia. I had my own room which included a bed, desk, nightstand and wardrobe closet. In addition, my apartment was located right near a bus stop and a metro station.

* Food:

The food is wonderful, especially the arroz negro. Euroace also offers cultural excursions and some of these include cooking classes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After about two or three weeks working in Valencia I felt like a part of the city. I walked to work every morning with everybody else that lived in Valencia, had coffee and red the newspaper at the same coffee shops and drank beer and conversed with the locals after work. The people in Valencia are incredible and make you feel at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an issue with healthcare during my time in Valencia.

* Safety:

I never had a single problem with safety during my three months working in Valencia. Just like any city, you need to pay attention to what's going on around you, but I walked almost everywhere I went (work, language exchanges, classes and bars) and never had a problem.

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)

I was actully able to spend about the same amount of money per week on living expenses in Valencia as I did in Louisiana or Texas. It wasn't cheaper, but some of the horror stories about having to use Euros instead of U.S. Dollars are untrue (at least in my experience).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent between 35 and 50 euros per week on groceries, coffee and going to bars and discotecas (on the weekends).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The best thing that I can advise is to use cash only. I would get 50 euros a week from my bank account and try to make it last for the entire week (this was usually no problem).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I requested to be put in an apartment with people that did not speak much English so that I would have to constantly use it. In addition, I also had to use Spanish every day at work and in my classes. If you really want to become proficient in using Spanish, this is the best way to do it.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Spanish
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? Try to live with roomates that do not speak English as it will force you to use spanish, go to the weekly language exchanges offered by Euroace, set your phone and computer to Spanish, read the newspaper every day and watch telenovelas.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The work experience I gained
  • Improving my Spanish so quickly
  • Meeting the people of Valencia and making true, lasting friendships
* What could be improved?
  • In all honesty, I cannot think of a way to improve this program. There are cultural excursions, small trips to sorrounding areas of the Valencian region, weekly language exchanges, internships, spanish courses and housing options that suit everybody. I would say the cost could be more affordable, but when you compare it to the price of studying abroad through a university, it is far more affordable. This program is truly incredible and you will have a hard time finding a better program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been out of the U.S. before going on this program, but in a way it actually helped force me out of my comfort zone.

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 Linguist
You 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!