Granada Study Abroad Past Review
By Emily B (Marketing and Management, Drake University) for
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
It was more than worthwhile. I feel more aware of the world, of Spain in particular. My confidence and communication skills have improved and I have a broader perspective of the world. The only downside is that now I want to travel the world -- but I'm still on a college student's budget!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I never had any homework in my selected courses. In my grammar and my writing/speaking courses I did have some homework, but I never felt that I had too much to do. As I mentioned before the grading system and styles of teaching were different, but I didn't mind the difference. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Paula and Ima were wonderful! I am SO grateful for them and all of their advice. There was never a time I felt alone because they were there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family with a mother, father and sister. I lived close to the main street in Granada, Camino de Ronda. Josefa (my host mom) was an amazing cook, Juan was very friendly, and Esther (my host sister) gave us great advice. <br /><br /> I had my own key to the apartment building as well as the room. I felt completely safe there. I also had my host family's number in case of any emergencies. I had to buy a blow drier because ours don't work with Spanish wiring/electricity and I bought normal things - soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. I was treated like a member of the family - it was a wonderful, amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world. |
| * Food: |
Josefa is an AMAZING cook. Fortunately, my roommate and I like just about everything, so we got the opportunity to try lots of Spanish foods! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We traveled a lot around Spain, especially the southern region (Andalucia) where Granada is located. I felt like I knew Spain a lot better after the end of the semester. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My program was great. I had to get stitches once while I was there and I felt just as safe as if I went to a hospital at home in the states. My program director made sure everything was under control and that I knew what was going on the entire time, up through when I got a reimbursement check from the hospital because we were under the program's insurance. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | All the clubs (discotecas) have cover. If you want to experience the nightlife, be ready to spend a bit more on those nights. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced Spanish with my host family, in class with classmates and professors, in my notes, and with my friends - when they were willing :) I used Spanish every day and in stores and restaurants it was almost always necessary to speak Spanish. In Madrid and Barcelona that wasn't true; English was very common there. I was glad I chose to study in Granada. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to study abroad, have independence, but have a bit of structure to keep you informed and provide a group of friends right off the bat -- choose AIFS. |
