Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Should I be a foreign exchange student in SPAIN, FRANCE, or AUSTRALIA?
Should I be a foreign exchange student in SPAIN, FRANCE, or AUSTRALIA?
I can't decide! I'm a 17 year old in America, but I'm originally from England. Apart from speaking English, I'm learning Spanish, and want to become more fluent, which is why Spain seems like a good idea. But I'm also going to self-study French, as well... They all seem like such beautiful, fun countries but I have no idea which to choose. What would you recommend, and why? And idk if it would play any part, but I'm black (Cameroonian), so preferably a country with people who generally like black people, lol. Don't want to feel uncomfortable! My main reason for wanting to do this is because I love traveling! I think its crazy that some people haven't even left their state, in the U.S. ( you don't need to be rich to travel!).There's so much to see and experience elsewhere!
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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1 :
Most of Europe is extremely tolerant to most races (with the exception of gypsies). If you're choosing between Spain and France, consider that the two are right next to each other. If you decide to study in one, there's no reason you can't visit the other. If you're also looking to save money, I would recommend trying to study in a city that's off the beaten path. Instead of studying in Madrid, consider Oviedo, Bilbao, or Malaga. Instead of Paris, consider Dijon, Bourges, or Bordeaux. As someone who's studying Spanish in college, I have a natural preference toward Spain over France. Each region has a different culture, even a different dialect, which is insanely cool. You can also take a trip to Morocco if you're in Southern Spain. That's not to say that France isn't amazing also, but if you're looking to become more fluent in Spanish, Spain's the place to go. You can still practice your French if you visit France. Spain also has more of an African/Arabic influence, since the Moors came through from Northern Africa. That's why there are so many words in Spanish with Arabic roots.
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012
What would be a good place to live in Spain for a first time student?
What would be a good place to live in Spain for a first time student?
I am now a student in the UK (from Romania) but am finding culture here very difficult to adapt to as I'm very 'European'...I am contemplating where to do my master's degree and was thinking about Spain, even though to be honest, I've never been there. What would be the best city for a first time student to live in? Crime-wise, price-wise, nightlife-wise. I want it to be a big city but with a population under 1 million so it retains some of the 'community spirit', so not Madrid... Barcelona seems nice but I don't speak Catalan and it seems a bit too touristy as well. I've recently looked up Zaragoza and it seems to have amazing views, history and culture. Basically, I am asking which of the main metropolitan cities would be best for a student going there for the first time.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
Despite your concerns, I'd still recommend Barcelona. If you are good with languages, as I suspect you are, the local language will be learned fairly fast by you. It is a fun city, full of history, and friendlier than most to the new visitor.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
student exchange to Spain?
student exchange to Spain?
I will be 17 for the majority of those 10 months, and I am seriously considering going to Spain for those 10 months. I'm really nervous though. do they accept Canadians? are they generally friendly? is education taken very seriously? what do teenagers typically do there for fun? what is the fashion like? DOES ANYONE RECOMMEND SPAIN? if not, where do you think i should go? I'm really set on Spain though. and just any insight on what it would be like there for me as i have never been
Other - Spain - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I've never been, but a bunch of my friends went last year and they said it was a good time...of course, they all spoke a decent amount of spanish...which I'de say is top priority. Buena Suerte
2 :
I am Spanish so yes- I recommend Spain. You should have at least a rudimentary understanding of Spanish to enjoy yourself, but otherwise- yes they are very welcoming of foreigners, especially if they're white (I'm no racist, but it is a problem in Spain). there are a lot of pubs to hang out at- a lot of good food, fun people, education is taken seriously, but partying, and enjoying oneself are also serious. Fashion is generally good, it might be a little douchy for American and Canadian tastes, but most american apparel (not the brand), is generally accepted, unless you are a girl, in which case, look at some Spanish fashion magazines, cause there is a large variety of fashion there, a lot of which is very different from Canada or the US. Teenagers have a lot of fun drinking, going to cinemas- the beaches are very popular, shopping, sightseeing, etc... most of the things that US or Canadian teenagers do- but it will vary depending on city or region. Also- don't go to the little farming villages they're very pretty and nostalgic, but, they are full of old people and probably not fun for someone like you. have fun!
3 :
Do they "accept Canadians"??? To go into Spain? They wouldn't offer you the program if they didn't!! They probably won't know that you're not American...seriously...the word for American in Spain is norteamericano...sooo...kinda covers you, too! Education serious? Not as much so. Fashion? Go to the corte inglés site, and look through the jóvenes department...give you an idea. I TOTALLY recommend Spain! As will pretty much anyone here. If you're really set on Spain, why would you ask people to try to talk you out of it!? Just go with it! What is your purpose for going? You're going to learn the language, right? No place better! Have you any preference for towns? Typically, for fun, most of the same things they do in the US, so...apart from playing tons of hockey, you should feel right at home on that: Coffee shops, parties/discos, movies, shopping...whatever. They play lots of "soccer"/f'útbol. You'll find they watch a lot, as well. You may take a folk dancing class. I recommend it. There are fairs...holy days...all sorts of neat things...10 months...good amount of time. I recommend you keep SUPER busy during the 2nd through 4th months...that's when homesickness usually sets in...keeping busy keeps your mind off anything that might make you homesick...help you cope.
4 :
do they accept Canadians? - They accept everybody. are they generally friendly? - Yep, but if you ain't friendly, they aren't friendly. is education taken very seriously? - Of course. what do teenagers typically do there for fun? - Parties, hanging out, talking... what is the fashion like? - Like in your country. DOES ANYONE RECOMMEND SPAIN? - Me. Salamanca, Madrid and Valencia are the best places to study.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012
Exchange student from Spain, what can we do to make it a fun experience for her?
Exchange student from Spain, what can we do to make it a fun experience for her?
Last August I went to Spain for a week hoping to improve my Spanish and also to have a good time living with a Spanish family and experiencing their life in San Sebastian. I found it great fun and our parents have organized for her to come and live with us for 4 or 5 days in the middle of August. We live in Buckinghamshire so we are close to London. Any ideas of activities that would be fun for her, but also that will help her learn the most English as possible. Here is what I have thought of so far: Thorpe park London Eye Madame Tussuad's London Dungeons Westfield shopping centre Lion King (at the theatre, if we can get tickets) Air Cadets (I go every Monday and Wednesday, it's fun =] ) Any help would be great, Thanks :)
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
is she cute?
2 :
First of all, do not overwhelm her with activities, perhaps one big or two smaller activities a day is more than enough. Give her time to talk and to get to know your family. If you have pictures from your own earlier trip, try labeling them with names and captions in English.. either put together an album or just put the captions on the back of the photos. A walk or ride , window shopping etc. can be calm, interesting, and help you both get to practice your speaking skills. Also, communicate with her. what does she want to do? Does she have a special interest in something ? For example is she interested in exploring caves? try Chislehurst caves? Does she have fantasies of being a royal? Take her to Windsor castle. Does she like history, museums, shopping or what? Maybe get some of those little pamphlets about activities and events and send those to her ahead of time. You can communicate by snail mail or e mail to work out an agenda which will suit her interests. This will also encourage her to look forward to the trip. We have had more than a dozen exchange students from 3 days to a full school year. Each one is different. relax, be yourself and talk.
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Last August I went to Spain for a week hoping to improve my Spanish and also to have a good time living with a Spanish family and experiencing their life in San Sebastian. I found it great fun and our parents have organized for her to come and live with us for 4 or 5 days in the middle of August. We live in Buckinghamshire so we are close to London. Any ideas of activities that would be fun for her, but also that will help her learn the most English as possible. Here is what I have thought of so far: Thorpe park London Eye Madame Tussuad's London Dungeons Westfield shopping centre Lion King (at the theatre, if we can get tickets) Air Cadets (I go every Monday and Wednesday, it's fun =] ) Any help would be great, Thanks :)
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
is she cute?
2 :
First of all, do not overwhelm her with activities, perhaps one big or two smaller activities a day is more than enough. Give her time to talk and to get to know your family. If you have pictures from your own earlier trip, try labeling them with names and captions in English.. either put together an album or just put the captions on the back of the photos. A walk or ride , window shopping etc. can be calm, interesting, and help you both get to practice your speaking skills. Also, communicate with her. what does she want to do? Does she have a special interest in something ? For example is she interested in exploring caves? try Chislehurst caves? Does she have fantasies of being a royal? Take her to Windsor castle. Does she like history, museums, shopping or what? Maybe get some of those little pamphlets about activities and events and send those to her ahead of time. You can communicate by snail mail or e mail to work out an agenda which will suit her interests. This will also encourage her to look forward to the trip. We have had more than a dozen exchange students from 3 days to a full school year. Each one is different. relax, be yourself and talk.
Read more other entries :
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