Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

best three months of my life Past Review

By (Speech Pathology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/19/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
it was definitely worthwhile. I became much more independent and learned how to problem solve on my own. I also learned how to make new friends quickly in an unfamiliar setting.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt like I really learned a lot. The classes were pretty easy but I think that is best considering that the point of studying abroad is embracing the culture not sitting in a library and studying.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was amazing. Both Noelia and Edu were so nice and helpful and definitely impacted my study abroad experience positively.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the most amazing host family. My housing was in a great location and I the family was very nice, welcoming, and accommodating.

* Food:

My host mom was a fantastic cook. Rarely did she cook something that I didn't like.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe, I never felt as if I was in danger when walking around the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

I think that it is very easy to live on a students budget, especially if your meals are provided for you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-$500 (however, I traveled every week)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring double the money that you think you will need. Although it is easy to not spend a lot of money, you also don't want to say no to once in a life time experiences.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? some in high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? try to only speak the native language of the country that you are in .

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • my host family
  • the program excursions
  • Granada and my advisors
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
  • nothing
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your time abroad flies by and it is truly a life changing experience

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.