* * THE LOCATION * * *
How big is
Valencia?
Valencia is the
third largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. Including its
suburbs, Valencia has almost 1 million inhabitants.
How is the climate?
Valencia's
climate is Mediterranean, i.e., very mild. Summers are warm but
temperatures seldom exceed 30o C (86o F). In winter they are rarely
below 10o C (50o F). It doesn't rain much, and the rainy seasons are
normally the fall (September-October) and the spring (April-May). It
is normally sunny and in winter it's very pleasant to walk outdoors
and enjoy the open air cafes during the day.
How far is the beach?
The closest beach is about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown, and
there are other beaches some 30 minutes away. There are regular buses
to all of them, especially during the summer.
Where is the school?
The Institute of Spanish Studies is located in the university area
of Valencia, in a residential area near "Los Viveros," the
largest park in the city. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the
school to the downtown area.
Is there public transportation?
There is a large network of public buses that connects practically
every point in the city. It's quite easy to get from the school to the
center or to the students' homes.
How much does the bus cost?
A bus ticket is about 1.15 euros (about $1.60). You can buy a
"bono-bus" for ten trips for 5.45 pesetas (about $7,50).
* * * THE
SCHOOLING * * *
Can one take
more than five courses per semester, or more than three in the summer
sessions?
Yes. But in
order to take more courses you must consult with your university to
confirm that they will accept more credits. Also, there will an extra
charge for additional courses. In general, we don't recommend that the
student take more than the prescribed number of courses.
Can one take less than five courses per semester, or less than
three in the summer sessions?
Yes. You can take fewer courses if you don't need them and if you
prefer to have a lighter academic schedule.
Are all classes taught in Spanish?
Yes. Classes are taught completely in Spanish, with two
exceptions: "History of Spanish Art" and "Spanish
Civilization." These two summer courses are offered to students
who are starting to learn Spanish, but who are interested in those
aspects of the Spanish culture.
Do all teachers speak English?
No. Some of them speak some English and can help the students
occasionally, but the idea is for the students to get used to Spanish.
The principal and program coordinators speak fluent English.
How many students are there in each class?
The class limit is 15 students, but we try to have smaller classes
of 10 students or so.
Are there any tests?
Oh yes. In addition to the normal homework there are two tests
(one midterm and one final) in each session.
Do students need to purchase textbooks?
How much do they cost?
Most courses require that the student purchase textbooks. The
average price is 22 euros (about $28), so each student should
budget approximately $100 for books each semester and about $70 for
the summer courses. In some courses the teachers give out printed
materials instead of textbooks.
What's the schedule of classes?
During the semester, each course takes place three hours per week
on alternate days (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or Tuesdays and
Thursdays), either in the morning or in the afternoon. During the
summer the courses are one hour and half per day (i.e., five days per
week), and all classes take place between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Can one come for a session (either a semester or a summer program)
and stay longer?
Yes. The student only needs to notify the school and make the
appropriate arrangements prior to the end of the first session.
Are there other Spanish students in the school?
Yes, but they come to learn English. Quite often we organize
activities in which both Spanish and American students participate,
thus getting to know each other and practicing the languages. We also
organize conversation exchanges among the students so that they can
freely practice with each other.
* * * THE
FAMILIES * * *
How are the homes
students live in?
In Spain,
almost everybody lives in apartments, and they are normally smaller
than those in the US.
Will I live very far from the school?
The homes can be in any area of the city, although we try to have
them close enough to the school. If they are a little far, there is
always a bus that will go past near the school.
Do the families speak English?
In most cases, no. That forces the student to speak Spanish, and
that's the whole idea.
What if I have special needs related to diet, health, etc.?
If you do (for example, if you are vegetarian or are allergic to
certain foods, etc.), you must notify the Institute as soon as
possible so that we can find a family that can cater to your needs.
Normally there is no additional cost associated with this, unless the
special need is quite unusual and special efforts must be made to
accomodate the student.
Is there more than one student in each home?
Normally there will be two of our students in each home. Our
experience tells us that this is psychologically good for the students
and gives them more confidence. In some instances, there are other
Spanish students in the same family.
What happens if I have a problem with the family?
We call the Guardia Civil and they take you away. (No, of course
not, that was just to see if you were paying attention.) All the
families in our program have been carefully selected and they have had
the experience of hosting American students in the past. However, if
there is ever a problem with any of the families, the Institute will
help the students solve the problem, even if it requires switching to
another home.
* * * THE
ORGANIZATION * * *
Is it possible to
arrive in Valencia before the classes start, or to stay after they
finish?
Yes, of course.
The student must notify the Institute of his intentions in advance and
will need to pay for the extra days that he is in Valencia.
What happens when the students arrive in Valencia?
Those students who have organized transportation by the Institute
will find someone waiting for them at the airport; from there they
will be taken to the school, where they will meet the families with
whom they are staying and will go home with them. The students that
have made their own travel arrangements will have received the address
where they are staying and should go to their families directly.
How do we initially get acquainted with the school and the city?
The day after the formal arrival date, all students must
participate in an orientation meeting and later take a guided tour of
Valencia to become familiarized with the city.