In which country should i spend my junior year abroad?

Question

Hey, so I am thinking of doing a school year abroad in Europe. I'm deciding between France, Spain, and Italy. The towns that I would live in are Rennes, France; Zaragoza, Spain; or Viterbo, Italy.

This is mainly centered around language learning, so I am wondering if anyone has been to these cities? What did they think of them? How would a kid in highschool have fun in them?

Answer 1

I think you should look more into Spain. Spanish is a very easy language to learn and Spain is a beautiful place. You should also try looking into going to Israel. It's the best place in the world!!!

Answer 2

Alicia has a good answer for you! However, I'm thinking you'll be limited to Italian or Spanish speaking countries. Unfortunately, French speaking countries (France, Switzerland and Belgium) all require two years of high school French before you go.

That does leave you with lots of good choices! Spain and Italy would both be wonderful places to do an exchange. If you are planning a career choice where Spanish would be very helpful, consider Spain. Once you've learned the "Castillian" you'll be able to pick up other dialects quite easily.

Most exchange programs will not allow you to pick a city. You usually have to give your top three country choices -- so I'm afraid you'll be disappointed there.

However, being an exchange student is a fantastic experience! I'm sure you'll have a great time and learn a lot!

Buena Suerte!

Answer 3

Well, if you have a solid latin base, any of the three languages: French, Italian or Spanish, should come easily to you.

Spanish is my native language, and I can assure you that the accent of the Spaniards is probably going to be fairly difficult to understand, if you're not used to it, and, if you're returning to the US, you'll have to use it among Latin Americans mostly... and we have completely different verb structures and accents. Keep that in mind...

That being said, I chose to spend my year abroad in France, and never regretted the decision... it's the cultural center of Europe and you'll be just a train ride away from Spain AND Italy (if you're looking to travel within Europe, France is pretty much in the middle of it, so that you're never really that far away from anything...)

As for Italy, I don't speak Italian so I can't be much use there, but I've been to Italy and it has some of the most beautiful cities in the world, and some of the warmest, happiest people too. It's really REALLY not a bad way to spend your year abroad.

All three countries have their own marvels and beauties, and are major tourist sites, so as far as cultural experiences go... the fact that you'll be in Europe is pretty much enough...

Having exposed some pros and cons, I have to say that if I were you, I would choose Spain.

Try to keep in mind when you do make the choice, that you're going to want to learn a language that you can use a lot in your daily life.... and you're already on your way there with the tidbits of Spanish you know!

Hope it helps!! :D And have a lot of fun, whatever you decide to do!!