Granada: My entry to The Real World Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The university itself was challenging overall, but I took two classes taught in English and two classes taught in Spanish and I regretted taking classes in English- they were too easy and actually quite boring. I would have been more interested and challenged if I had taken all four classes in Spanish. That is not the universities fault, that is due to the fact that my advisor abroad recommended that I not take all of my classes in Spanish because I was not at a high enough level of the language, when in retrospect I believe I could have taken all of my classes taught in Spanish and have been fine.

On-site administration of your program

The AIFS office in Granada was a convenient location, our advisors there were SO helpful, SO friendly, SO personable. We did a lot of group outings with our entire group which allowed us to bond quickly and make friends quickly in our group. Helped us with traveling plans and other things that were not really their responsibility but they were always willing to help.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were almost $1,000 extra for the semester, however they had horrible service. The ladies who owned and ran the dorms were NOT friendly, NOT helpful, and not fond of Americans. The local Spanish students did not mix with the Americans, therefore we did not practice our Spanish at all with them. I would have learned a lot more Spanish if I had lived in a home stay and I regret not living in a home stay. I would encourage ALL students to live with a host family.

Good food, good variety, big portions, no complaints.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program planned many weekend trips to other Spanish cities close by, LOVED them. We got to stay in nice hotels and got meals paid for us which was a change from when we would travel on our own and stay in hostels. I recommend traveling as much as possible but also spending enough time in your designated city; it was also nice to get back to Granada after a weekend trip.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any vaccines specifically for my program. I was never seriously sick; a friend of mine had strep throat and went to the hospital for it and I believe that he had no difficulty in getting medicine and everything worked out. I never felt any more unsafe than I would in Austin.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced Spanish the most in my two classes that were taught in Spanish. In those classes we were only able to speak Spanish with the other students and the teacher, however if we got caught on a word or phrase our teacher was very kind in helping us. I practiced my Spanish with local Spaniards when my American friends and I would go out to clubs at night and meet locals. Most people did not speak English, and if they did, they didn't speak it very well. I loved that aspect of Granada. If everyone spoke English, such as in Barcelona or Madrid, we would never have been forced to use our Spanish in real world situations with locals.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

Select all that apply

• Americans