FSU athlete shares her abroad experience

Colleen Quigley, Florida State University dietetics major and NCAA Division 1 athlete in cross country running, shares her experience with FSU's International Programs while studying in Valencia, Spain.

How to Make the Most of the Program Excursions

By Devyn Fussman

The day trips and week-long excursions are some of the best parts of FSU’s study abroad program. You get to see and do all kinds of things you normally wouldn’t, often with a tour guide providing insight information and showing you the coolest parts of the cities. I had a blast on our trip to Andalucía and all of the Friday trips, but there are a few things I wish I’d known: 

• Try not to bring too much. Instead of bringing four pairs of jeans, bring two pairs and re-wear them alternately. You’ll definitely want to buy some souvenirs and it helps to have room in your suitcase.

• You could end up doing a lot of walking and even some hiking, so always dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes! And instead of carrying a purse, try to wear something with pockets.

• Research good restaurants and shops before you go, and try to find directions online if you can. Usually the staff gives you the itinerary with the hotel information a while in advance, and you don’t want to be stuck wondering where to eat or how to get back to your hotel (not that it’s ever happened to me or anything…).

• If you’re considering staying somewhere for the weekend, be extra careful about getting back before classes and making sure the information on your booking is correct.

• You will be on the bus a for a long time so bring plenty of motion sickness medicine if you need it. Try to sleep between cities if you can; usually there’s not much to see on the interstate so you won’t be missing out. 

• Do NOT be late for the scheduled events and trips. A lot of them involve reservations so the group can’t afford to wait for you. If you miss a mandatory trip, you may end up having extra homework in your classes.

• When it comes to the week-long trips, be prepared for rain, especially in the wintertime. Carry a case for your camera and put a small umbrella in your backpack or suitcase. 

•  Do whatever homework you have BEFORE leaving for the trip. The Wi-Fi in the hotels does not always work, and even when it does it can be very slow. You also don’t want to leave all of it for the weekend after, especially if you’re not coming back to Valencia for a few days.

• Try not to schedule anything too demanding for the day after the trip ends, no matter where you end it. A lot is packed into these and there’s a very tight schedule, so even though you’ll have the time of your life, you’ll probably be exhausted when it’s over. Stick to sightseeing and shopping for a day to let yourself relax a bit.

Valencia for Introverts

By Devyn  Fussman

Introverts are fewer in number in all parts of life, and study abroad programs are no exception. People want to spend their time in many ways while traveling, and introverts will often want different experiences than extroverts. As my time in Spain went by, I discovered more and more options for introverts to do in Valencia that can be done with small groups or alone (and are easy on the wallet). Here are just a few I’ve found in the month or so since I arrived:

• First off, the obvious one: Explore. See as much of Spain and Europe as you can. If nothing else, plan an awesome spring break trip.

• Take a walk or rent a bike (it’s not that much for a couple hours) and ride through the riverbed. It’s gorgeous enough to give Central Park a run for its money, and spans almost the entire length of Valencia, so it’s a great way to see the city while getting some sunshine and exercise. I find that this is the perfect place to de-stress after a long week of classes because of how peaceful it is. There are also beautiful gardens nearby that allow for some amazing photo ops.

• See a movie at Yelmo Cines. They play American movies in their original English version (look for titles with VOS next to them) and they will give you a discount if you bring your ISIC card. There’s also a circle of restaurants in the same building, so you can combine dinner and a show. I recommend going on weekends because more places are open and vendors will set up shop inside the building, so you have a chance to buy some handmade goodies.

• The amount of shopping in Valencia is amazing. Next to Yelmo Cines is Nuevo Centro, which is part underground and part aboveground with some American stores and restaurants as well as Spanish ones. Nuevo Centro and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (which is located just ten minutes away from the study center) puts Governor’s Square Mall to shame. Both places have a Corte Inglés, which has been described as the “Macy’s of Spain.” You can find just about anything you want at either shopping center and spend a full day at each one. 

• Check out the historical sites and souvenir shops. Don’t leave without climbing the Torres de Serranos and the Miguelte Bell Tower, shopping at the Mercado Central, touring La Lonja, or exploring the cathedral. You never know if or when you’ll get a chance to do those things again.

• On Sundays, you can watch flamenco dancers in the Plaza de la Virgen and take advantage of free admission to the cathedral.

• Two gems of Valencia include Bioparc, an animal safari, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a museum with the biggest aquarium in Europe. Sometimes there are excursions to these, but if not, they are definitely worth a visit on your own. Be aware that these will cost you some money though.

• Relax in a café. One nice thing about Spaniards is that they don’t rush you. Sit down, order a coffee, and take some time to just chill, read a book, or people-watch.

• Sometimes there are plays as well as movies at the Tiatro Rialto, located just inside the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It’s all in Spanish, but that can be a great way to practice, especially if you’re able to see a play where you already know the story.

• Speaking of ways to practice Spanish, research what opportunities there might be to work with native Spanish speakers. There are organizations you can find online that will arrange get-togethers between locals who want to improve their English and foreigners who want to improve their Spanish. This can be a great way to meet people and keep you from forgetting what you learned in class.

• Depending on when you go, there might be an annual fair in or around Valencia. Do some research and you never know what you’ll find.

• Play or watch soccer. FSU usually reserves a field at least once a week for anybody who wants to play, and you can also attend the Valencia games.

• The beach. Enough said.

• And of course, go on the program excursions and join Club de Español! And if you have the time, sign up for any volunteering opportunities. They can be great resume boosters as well as rewarding personal experiences.  

Things I Have Learned Studying Abroad

By Danielle Wirsansky

I have now been in Europe for a grand total of two and a half weeks. Not much yet, I know. But every day, and with every adventure, I learn a little more and grow a little wiser. I might grow in small, imperceptible ways, but at least I do. Hopefully I can give you some tips that might help, should you ever decide to go adventuring, so that you can take what you can from me and learn and grow in your own ways.

1. Be Open to New Experiences

Spontaneity can be a good thing! Do something you wouldn't normally do and get out of your comfort zone. Being in a new land, country, or city is the time to do it! Go see a special exhibit or drop by an installment, try a new food or cuisine, see how this new place differs from the old. Make discoveries.

 

2. Don't Over-Indulge

This might seem like a no-brainer, or even cliché, but it's true. Do everything in moderation. It is especially important to be careful when out at night in areas that are foreign to you, whether it is the new city you are studying in or the town you are visiting for a weekend trip. 

3. Try the Local Cuisine

Don't eat out at American chain restaurants like McDonald's and Chipotle all the time—you have them at home! This is your one opportunity to try these local restaurants that aren't available to you on a daily basis. And try new foods! Never had fish and chips? Don't know the difference between spring peas and mushy peas? Now is the time to discover what they are and what you like.