Spanish Gap Year in Valencia!

I'm from Los Angeles, USA and I came to Valencia to follow my dream of studying Spanish in Spain. I chose to do an intensive language course for 12 weeks with Euroace and at the same time, live with a host family to make the most of my Spanish learning experience here!

My plan is that I would like to stay and live longer in Spain, after the end of my studies, and continue to explore the country and opportunities to teach English.

I chose Valencia for its Mediterranean climate, and the fact that it's not a huge and busy city, but still it is not too small and there is a lot going on. I love the lifestyle, with people going out until late at night, with old people holding hands and small children playing outside all day long. People are very kind and well-mannered. The only thing that I find difficult is that people smoke a lot and I am quite sensitive to cigarette smoke.

I really like living with a host family. My host mama is great, I get to know a lot about Valencia and Spain, by talking to her. She also cooks very well, so I get to know the Spanish customs and cuisine through her delicious meals. We get along well and I practise my Spanish with her, as this is our only language of communication.

My Euroace course has helped me make big progress! I started from a basic level and I can already talk in present, past and future tense after 10 weeks! I can speak the language and have made friends with some of my fellow students who do not speak English, thus it is great that we can communicate in Spanish. The teachers are great, my teacher Estefa is amazing, she manages to have a personal approach to every student, no matter what their level of Spanish, and very successfully involves all students in the group to actively participate in the class activities. We also have lots of fun and laugh a lot in the classes, it makes the learning much more enjoyable!!