Different but Fun Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 01/23/2017 to 06/23/2017 with

Polytechnic University of Valencia / UPV : Valencia - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a great trip. I learned so much and had a great time. It would have been 10 times better though if things were planned better.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education and material was pretty good but there where no programs set up outside the classroom to help students with extra questions or needed more help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host administration in my department was not very helpful at all and a lot of useful information did not make it to me

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The houses here in Valencia is nice. Only complaint is that the summers get hot and there is no AC

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most of my friends are just Erasmus student from all over Europe. The Spanish people were not very open to outsiders which I feel is just a cultural thing

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare here is good but just different from the US. They have all the same technology but they are not as thorough. Also language was a big issue also.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5,200€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A2
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • International Friends
  • Travel
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Grading System
  • Information at the Start
  • More Financial Help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? About the grading system, how the university works, and information about the city

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!