Best Decision I Made Past Review
By Malorie K (Communication and Media Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University) - abroad from 05/25/2014 to 07/20/2014 with
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
Everything I did was worth it. I loved every second.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I've learned more Spanish being abroad for 7 weeks then I did taking 4 years of Spanish. Majority of the professors spoke little to no English (or acted like they didn't know English) so you were forced to communicate with them in all Spanish. Classes for the most part were enjoyable. Some professors were intimidating, but then again the whole experience is at first. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Paula and Edu are fantastic! Paula is no longer at the Granada location but I'm sure her replacement is just as good! They were always there whenever we needed anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in the student residence. Five ladies ran the residence; cooked, cleaned and did laundry. You stayed with other Spanish students. The only downfall was you had to knock to get in after a certain time. Made for some awkward late night encounters. |
| * Food: |
I LOVED ALL FOOD FROM SPAIN. Paella is a must. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really felt integrated with the local culture. Talked with many locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe at all times in Granada. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
In class we were forced to use Spanish language; however, outside with the program we spoke mostly English. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Speak as much to the locals as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would have brought a journal to document everything that I did. Its easy to forget what all happened now. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
