50
Desirous to observe within the footsteps of a faculty pupil who studied overseas in Spain? We just lately caught up with Nicole from the College of Texas at El Paso, a advertising main and worldwide enterprise minor who studied overseas within the coastal metropolis of Valencia throughout spring semester.
Uncover how Nicole’s research overseas expertise in Valencia helped change her perspective on life and develop her skilled community!
Selecting The place & When to Research Overseas
AIFS Overseas provides many superb research overseas applications all over the world and all year long, so selecting the place and when to check overseas isn’t at all times simple. Hear Nicole describe why she selected Valencia, Spain, out of all of the Spanish-speaking research overseas locations:
“I selected Valencia, Spain, as a result of I needed to expertise life in a vibrant, coastal metropolis that was wealthy in tradition however not as quick paced as Madrid or Barcelona. As a Mexican American and bilingual pupil, I used to be excited to deepen my connection to the Spanish language whereas exploring a special Spanish-speaking tradition. I’d advocate this program to college students who love a steadiness of seaside and metropolis life, recognize artwork and structure, and are open to making an attempt new meals and traditions.”
Deciding when to check overseas might rely in your tutorial observe or your private preferences. As Nicole stated, spring semester in Valencia provides some distinctive advantages, together with a one-of-a-kind spring pageant:
“I studied overseas in the course of the spring as a result of it aligned completely with my tutorial schedule and gave me the prospect to expertise town throughout one among its most iconic instances of yr—Las Fallas. The spring season introduced nice climate, fewer vacationers in comparison with summer time, and a extra native, genuine vibe. It was the right time to settle into Valencia whereas nonetheless having fun with vigorous occasions and cultural traditions.”
Budgeting Overseas
Monetary concerns can imply the distinction between learning overseas and staying house. Fortuitously, AIFS Overseas accepts pupil monetary help (simply ensure to examine with your private home college’s research overseas workplace!), plus we provide a number of scholarships and grants, to make our applications extra accessible.
Right here’s how Nicole budgeted throughout her research overseas program:
“I caught to a weekly price range and used a mixture of money and card to trace my spending. I prioritized experiences over procuring and made certain to benefit from free actions like metropolis strolling excursions or seaside days. My recommendation: plan forward, don’t underestimate how briskly small purchases add up, and at all times put aside emergency funds for journey hiccups.”
College Expertise
Learning overseas means that you can study in a completely new tutorial setting. Your programs might embrace college students from all all over the world, professors with native views on material, and the chance to use your research in a brand new context. Under, Nicole describes her college expertise:
“I attended Universidad Católica de Valenica. The expertise was eye-opening. The professors have been passionate, the courses have been interactive, and I received to check alongside college students from everywhere in the world. The setting itself was stunning and historic, which made going to class really feel like a part of the cultural expertise.
Lessons have been smaller and extra discussion-based than what I used to be used to again house. Most of my classmates have been different AIFS and worldwide college students, so it was simple to attach and make associates. It was cool listening to totally different world views throughout lectures—it positively made class extra partaking and private.”
Learning overseas opens up alternatives so that you can enroll in courses that is probably not out there at your private home college or discover acquainted subjects from a special standpoint. Hear Nicole clarify the impression of one among her programs in Valencia:
“The category that stood out to me essentially the most was my Worldwide Advertising and marketing course. It gave me actual perception into how manufacturers adapt their methods for various cultures, and we even labored on a gaggle venture the place we created a advertising plan for a U.S. model coming into the Spanish market. It was hands-on, straight related to my profession targets, and made me much more enthusiastic about pursuing advertising on a world scale.”
As Nicole says beneath, she was very completely happy to expertise a classroom tradition that was totally different from what she was used to:
“Lessons overseas felt extra relaxed in construction however nonetheless very partaking. At my house college, courses are usually extra fast-paced and lecture-heavy, whereas in Valencia, there was a stronger give attention to open dialogue, cultural context, and real-world software. Professors inspired participation and took time to attach the fabric to native life, which made studying really feel extra private and immersive. The classroom tradition was additionally extra laid-back, however nonetheless respectful. College students weren’t afraid to talk up or ask questions.”
Language Studying
Language proficiency is just not required for many AIFS Overseas applications. As a bilingual pupil who speaks English and Spanish fluently, Nicole was grateful for the chance to enhance her Spanish vocabulary and study the native slang:
“Since I studied in Valencia, the place Spanish is the first language, being bilingual was an enormous benefit. You didn’t must know Spanish to be eligible for this system, nevertheless it positively enhanced my expertise. Regardless that I used to be already fluent, I observed my vocabulary grew, particularly with regional slang and expressions distinctive to Spain. I turned extra assured talking in several settings—from informal conversations to extra formal conditions like class displays or procuring. My recommendation: immerse your self as a lot as attainable. Converse the language every day, even if you happen to’re nervous. Locals recognize the trouble, and it’s one of the simplest ways to actually join with the tradition.”
Housing
Housing is supplied for all AIFS Overseas applications. Nicole selected to stay in a shared condominium with different AIFS Overseas college students, as she explains beneath:
“I lived in an condominium with six different roommates, which was an enormous adjustment for me since I had by no means lived with roommates earlier than, particularly not with folks I had simply met. Two of them have been male, and as a lady, I used to be actually nervous at first. It felt a bit intimidating not understanding what to anticipate. However after just some days, all of us turned tremendous shut, and it ended up being the most effective components of the expertise. We supported one another, explored town collectively, and created such a enjoyable and secure setting. Surprisingly, having male roommates really made me really feel safer, and I’m so grateful for the friendships we constructed.”
Whereas shared flats could also be co-ed, bedrooms are at all times personal. Moreover, any pupil who lives in an AIFS Overseas pupil residence the place they share a dorm room won’t ever be requested to take action with an individual of the alternative intercourse.
Constructing Worldwide Connections
Between group journeys and excursions, together with social and cultural actions, making associates overseas is straightforward with AIFS Overseas! Under, Nicole explains some additional steps she took to make connections throughout her program:
“I constructed private connections by stepping out of my consolation zone by saying sure to group outings, bonding with my roommates, and attending to know different college students in my courses. Professionally, I made an effort to attach with my professors and took part in group tasks the place I received to collaborate with worldwide friends. These experiences helped me construct confidence and communication expertise in a world setting. My recommendation: be open, provoke conversations, and don’t be afraid to be the primary to succeed in out. The folks you meet overseas can develop into lifelong associates or priceless skilled contacts, you simply need to put your self on the market.”
Cultural Appreciation
Learning overseas allows you to authentically immerse your self in a brand new tradition. In the event you’re like Nicole (and lots of different research overseas college students), these cultural experiences might form your worldview, as she explains:
“One thing I actually admired about Spanish tradition, particularly in Valencia, was how folks really work to stay, not the opposite means round. Life there felt extra balanced and intentional. Individuals took time to take pleasure in lengthy meals, walks by the seaside, and moments with family and friends. That slower-paced way of life made me rethink how I used to be residing again house. Once I returned, I began prioritizing issues like relaxation, high quality time, and being current, as a substitute of at all times feeling the necessity to rush or overwork myself. It jogged my memory that success doesn’t have to return at the price of having fun with life.”
Valencia is well-known for Las Fallas, an annual pageant that celebrates the approaching of spring. Under, Nicole describes the impression Las Fallas had on her, alongside along with her favourite reminiscence throughout this time:
“I received to expertise Las Fallas, which was arms down one of the vital unbelievable festivals I’ve ever seen. The fireworks, the sculptures, and the vitality have been unreal. I additionally went to some native meals festivals and out of doors live shows. Valencia is filled with life, particularly within the spring.
One evening throughout Las Fallas, my roommates and I sat by the seaside watching fireworks mild up the sky, consuming churros, and simply speaking about life. It was a kind of moments that felt so easy however so significant, it jogged my memory how stunning it’s to be absolutely within the second.”
Journeys & Excursions
Each AIFS Overseas research overseas program contains unbelievable journeys and excursions that take you round your host nation. Under, Nicole describes her favourite tour:
“Probably the most memorable AIFS-sponsored excursions I attended was the weekend journey to Madrid. It was my first time visiting the capital, and the journey was filled with tradition, historical past, and enjoyable. We visited iconic spots just like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park, however what made it unforgettable was exploring town with new associates and having native guides who gave us deeper perception into the whole lot we have been seeing. It felt like the right mixture of studying and journey, and it made me recognize Spain’s variety much more.”
Why AIFS Overseas?
Hear Nicole clarify why she selected AIFS Overseas and the advantages of our on-site assist:
“I selected AIFS due to their sturdy popularity for providing well-organized, immersive applications with built-in assist. I’d heard from earlier college students that AIFS made the method of learning overseas much less overwhelming, particularly when it got here to housing, cultural actions, and navigating a brand new metropolis. The truth that they’d on-site employees and excursions included actually stood out to me.
My Program Director, Janan, [also] actually stood out to me. From the second I landed in Valencia I mechanically felt secure and that I had somebody to belief every time I wanted something. She was the sweetest and most clever girl ever. We may all inform she really cared about each single one among us and solely needed the easiest for us. I couldn’t have imagined anybody else.”
Are you able to take the leap and research overseas like Nicole did in Valencia? We’d love that will help you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to school college students research overseas. Our applications are extremely inclusive, which takes a whole lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, journeys and excursions, 24/7 emergency assist, complete insurance coverage, on-site employees, and extra, you’ll take consolation in understanding you’ll have assist all through your whole expertise overseas.
