Valencia Has Centuries of History and Hundreds of Wonderful People Past Review
By Andrew B (Spanish K-12 Education, Longwood University) for
Institute for Spanish Studies (ISS): Valencia - Institute for Spanish Studies
I learned a ton about Spanish and Valencian history, and saw almost everything that I had planned on seeing. I now intend to visit Spain in the future, specifically Valencia, as I have made friends I plan to see again. My Spanish comprehension and speaking ability skyrocketed, as I had very little contact with the English language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes are much, much more relaxed in this program than my university in the U.S., but of course it depends on the teacher. In one class, we were always on schedule and learning, and in another, we finished weeks behind schedule. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program struck me as very good, although we had only two field trips. Since I have nothing else to compare it to, I was very satisfied. The reception at the Institute is particularly helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I requested to be the only student at my home stay, and I was. The apartment was very quiet and calm, and I got along very well with my host mother. She encouraged me to go out and get to know Valencia. She is an excellent cook, and is friendly and enjoys talking about Spain and America. |
| * Food: |
I couldn't have been too much happier with my diet there. Almost everything tasted wonderful, and I was exposed to a variety of traditional Spanish dishes. I was never lacking enough food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The sponsored field trips to Sagunto and Teruel/Albarracin were amazing. If you like history or medieval things, you will be satisfied. Las Fallas are a blast, and the accompanying fireworks displays are breathtaking. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
All the Valencians assured me that Valencia is a safe city, and I was not disappointed. It is very well lit. However, I continued to be careful, as everyone should. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used the host country language all the time unless talking with other Americans. My host mother spoke no English, so I became accustomed to using Spanish at all times. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Quieter, more academic students will appreciate this program more than night owls and big socializers. |
