Canvee Life School

Program Reviews

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hajar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

the best trip

The best summer experience you can take part in!! The leaders were so lovely and made me feel so welcomed especially as i was last to join the group in spain. Everyone was so friendly and it was so cool meeting a new group of people who we all had so many similar but different interests we got to learn from each other and i definitely plan to keep in touch and have a reunion hopefully!The leaders were incredible in adapting the experience taking account activities we wanted to do. The host families as well were so welcoming and willing to help in any way they could to make us feel more at home ( mine themed my room with harry potter) and will happily explore valencia's beautiful culture with you. My only regret is not arriving sooner!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go in with an open mind, your experience will be so much better if you initially try to talk to people because you will find common ground. As i said in my review was the last person to join the group and i knew they had all become friends but i just had to muster all my confidence and speak to everyone. experiences like this is what you make them and i’ve heard people who may be more shy say they regret not engaging and talking to people more and i can fully tell you now it’s worth it.
Pros
  • never a dull moment with the group! the activities were so good
  • got to learn a lot about the culture in valencia
  • the emotional support was incredible
Cons
  • i assumed french and spanish were the same before i left ( don’t do that)
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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Canvee summer experience.

I really enjoyed the Canvee Summer program as it really made my summer special. I made so many new friends, and had the nicest host family who catered to my needs and made me feel very welcome into their home. I would recommend that everyone tries the Canvee program, as it is a once in a life time experience, with a range of activities and events from Spanish lessons to surfing on the beach. Thank you so much to Esther and Alex for planning this program, and making it a summer that will be remembered for years to come :)

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When I first got to the canvee program everyone had already known each other for 2 weeks or more ! I was really nervous meeting them and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make connections with them as they already knew each other so well. I met all of them at a water park and was initially introduced with welcoming and kindness ; everyone was so lovely and wanted to know more about me. The staff also made icebreaker questions for me and other people to answers so as to find out more about each other and lighten the tone.
Pros
  • Kind and helpful staff involved with the program.
  • Able to meet a diverse range of people and given the independence to explore the city with them.
  • My host family honestly felt like a second family ; they were so lovely and changed things to suit me.
Cons
  • Only took part in canvee for 2 weeks compared to the 4 week canvee program.
  • Didn’t live closer to the beach or the main city so was a bit of a drive.
  • Dinner was really late ; but that was apart of the Spanish culture.
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Barry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Its a must to attend Canvee

I had the best time attending this summer program! From the moment I arrived it was clear that this would be an experience I’d never forget. One of the highlights for me was the football tournament with Villareal CF but the lessons with Canvee were also great! I learned so much about life skills and how to navigate challenges in general! The activities were diverse and fun, there was always something exciting happening, and the staff were incredible. They really made a difference, both Esther and Alex were always there to guide and support us. In fact, when my mom, who was visiting, had an allergic reaction, they immediately took care of her, showing just how dedicated and caring they are. I also met some truly amazing people, and I know these friendships will last a lifetime!!! This program really went above and beyond my expectations in every way. I can’t wait to return to Valencia!!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Paella was such an experience to try. Truly such a good dish and the best part about is we as a group got to make it ourselves!
Pros
  • You get to travel around Valencia
  • Your spanish levels skyrocket
  • You're character will expand and grow through the Canvee lessons
Cons
  • no cons
  • no cons
  • no cons
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Noa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Canvee summer 2024

I just spent a month this summer in Valencia, Spain, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The program staff were amazing, kind-hearted, and loving, making everyone feel very comfortable. They always listened to our feedback, which made the experience perfectly catered to everyone. I've never felt so immersed in a new culture, learning about a life so different from mine. We participated in an Orxata experience, learned about Fallas, went on a boat, and much more amazing activities. It was all incredible, and I met some of the best people I still talk to everyday. And to top it off Valencia was an beautiful city. It was more relaxed, but still a city. I would highly recommend this trip/program.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Bunny in Paella!
Pros
  • Very flexible and can personalize aspects of the trip
  • You learn/take classes while also doing fun activities
  • The size of the group allows for easy connections
Cons
  • Not a lot of downtime
  • If far from the city the commute is hard
  • There were different sessions so meeting people from different times could have been hard
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Daniella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique growth experience for teenagers

Another parent said this program was life-changing for her son. I am not surprised.

My teenage son participated in this experience and had a fantastic time. The life skills training, the Spanish classes, the awesome instructors, … it was a remarkable summer experience. Canvee is incredibly flexible and accommodating. We have already recommended it to multiple families. All the parents I spoke to were quite pleased. It’s hard to say who is happier with the experience - the teenagers or their parents!

I have nothing but great things to say about the team behind Canvee. 100% recommend if your teenager wants a meaningful, thoughtful growth experience in the summer.

What would you improve about this program?
The online payment process was a little bit clunky, but I’m sure they’ll fix that in time for next summer. The administration at Canvee is great about incorporating feedback going forward.
Pros
  • They care about the kids A LOT and it shows
  • The sense of community that they create for all the participants
  • Instructor’s & flexibility overall
Cons
  • Valencia in the summer is HOT (but the teams don’t seem to care as they’re having too much fun)
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Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Canvee Gap Semester

I did two programs for my gap year. Canvee far outdid the first one. I loved everyone who helped create/make this program happen for me. Esther organized almost all of it, and she was incredible to work with. I also met her entire family and every single one of them are lovely people. The host family situation was perfect. I've been in four different home stays throughout my gap year (3 in a previous program, 1 in Valencia), and the family I was with for Canvee was by far the best. They genuinely cared about my experience and my host mom always took me out to show me different parts of Valencia (neighborhoods, beaches, surrounding towns). I also know Esther works really hard to find families that are friendly and easy to work with. There were always fun activities whether they were with the Spanish school, Esther, or my host family. Valencia is the perfect place to do this type of program because it’s a city but in such a small way. I lived in Ruzafa, which is a neighborhood in/close to the center of the city and it’s so easy to get places. I’ve taken the metro, taxi’s and whatever other types of transportation they have and it is all very easy. The program itself is super adaptable. I have a bunch of medical issues that always make travel, and other experiences just a little bit harder, but Esther was super understanding and always played it safe. She and my host mom went with me to the doctor whenever I needed and Esther worked really hard to help with the invoice issues we had, and everything resolved itself. I loved everything about this program and I could not recommend this program enough!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The Spanish lessons can help with grammar, but the real improvement comes from talking with your host families, so be sure to make an effort with them.
Pros
  • Safe and manageable city
  • Great food
  • spanish emersion
Cons
  • They eat dinner at like 10pm
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Krista
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Outstanding new program!

Our daughter decided to take a gap year before starting college. She was looking for the opportunity to expand her Spanish, get to know one city well and make great friends.

The Canvee team was exceptional! They treated her like their own family. Her host family made her feel right at home and really made an effort to make her comfortable.

Valencia will forever be one of her favorite places - it is beautiful, safe and just the right size to have independence. Her Spanish improved significantly. She fell in love with the people, the program and the city!

What was your funniest moment?
Our daughter was smart enough to go to bed after we'd see a couple of the statues burned in Fallas. We had a great location to watch a couple of the big ones burn... we waited for HOURS, thinking "it will be just a few more minutes"!
Pros
  • Safe - but really cool - city
  • Caring, engaged and fun team
  • great language development
Cons
  • Was small