Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I never wanted to leave València Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/03/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

USAC Spain: Valencia - Spanish Culture, Language, and STEM Disciplines

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained personal knowledge about myself, Europe and the United States, and how much I love to travel.

Personal Information

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.

Wonderful experience -- the area was beautiful and safe and the locals were extremely helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The USAC coordinators were so helpful and extremely nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment complex was very fun and in a good location to the city center but a little far from school.

* Food:

So many new, inexpensive, and delicious foods! It was great to experience the Spanish culture through food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was mostly with International students like myself but I became friends with a few locals. School was only with American students so I wish we'd been integrated. I did learn a lot about the culture from my Professors though, and I appreciated it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was very easily accessible and the program coordinators were fantastic, but I feel as though the Doctors there didn't thoroughly examine or ask symptoms and simply prescribed medication.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe and comfortable in València from day one.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Amazing people, coordinators, school, and place!

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)

Spain itself was extremely cheap. I spent less than approximately 35 euro a week. When I traveled though, I spent quite a bit of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 35 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely make a budget sheet and pick where you want to travel ahead of time so you can buy plane tickets early. I often waited until the last minute and would end up spending more than I needed to.

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

Our three hour class was basically all in Spanish from day one of the beginner's class.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school Spanish 4
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? Learn phrases and conjugations and when to use them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 place
  • The people
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation
  • Apartment location
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light, but definitely bring clothes for multiple weather seasons

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.