Standard Course in Valencia

Charlotte Ramsey
Two weeks Spanish course in Valencia

I felt my Spanish course surpassed my expectations. All the teachers and lessons were excellent, I met some great people on the course and my family were wonderful. The lessons had great interaction and a good mix of content. The reception staff were very friendly, the school was modern, comfortable and I always had time to check emails.

The best parts of the Spanish course in Valencia for me were; my host family, my teachers, meeting people, getting into the the Spanish way of life and that moment in the second week when I noticed my Spanish had started to improve. The worst part was leaving!

Some of the students I met on the course will be friends for life and I hope to meet them again on my travels or any future course I may choose to take. Social activities were offered by the school but were frequently arranged independently between students. Buses, trams, bikes, finding your way on foot was all very easy.

I really liked Valencia; everything is very reasonably priced, good shops (El Corte Ingles is always a winner for me) and a fabulous market (an impressive sight in itself and the produce is so enticing, serrano hams, endless fish stalls, all quite mesmerising) a beautiful Cathedral in the historic centre and a lovely long beachfront that ends at the F1 track. Everyone who is anyone is out and about at night, so I felt totally safe and found the local people really friendly.

The big piece of advice would be to ask someone to watch your things at the beach or go with other people and leave someone in charge if you go swimming. The beach is easily accessed by bus, tram or bike but is too far from the historic centre to walk (unless you’re very keen).  Tapas and Paella especially in Valencia is an absolute MUST! You just can’t go to Valencia and NOT have Paella (whether that’s with rabbit or fish is the only choice there is to make)!

I was delighted with my host family. They were very welcoming and after the first couple of days I was calling my host mother ‘mama’ without a second thought. Excellent food, conversation, got on with the daughters really well.

CESA Languages Abroad were very helpful, I had immediate feedback and help, and very prompt information pack prior to leaving. I wish I had stayed for 3 weeks but commitments at work got in the way. I would certainly go again and have already recommended CESA to others.”