AIFS-Granada: Not Just a Program, But a Family Past Review
By Danielle C (English & Public Relations, Drake University) for
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
My experience opened up my eyes. I can now see beyond my university and beyond the United States to a whole world that I didn't truly realize was there. It has given me a deeper understanding of other cultures and a greater desire to treat everyone despite what background they have with respect and kindness. I have future plans to travel to all of the other places I haven't been and to soak up and be thankful for every experience I do have.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I could not ask for anything better than my program. Even comparing it with other programs in Granada, it was simply the best one there. The directors were constantly helping us in any way they could. They were easy to talk to and truly enjoyed what they did. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was far away from class but I didn't mind because the walk was just another way to get to know Granada. I didn't need to buy anything extra, everything was provided for me. I was treated like family. |
| * Food: |
Josefina was the best cook I have ever, ever met. She was very good about my roommate's allergies and would make special dishes for her and the rest of us if needed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program became my family. We all got to know each other so well and we helped look out for each other. Our first weekend at the beach, we all just sat by the ocean and got to know each other. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I hurt my foot and I went to the Urgencia. My program director came with me and helped me with everything, especially the language barrier. It was surprisingly quick, much faster than in the States, and they helped heal my foot. |
| 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? | Cell phone, sometimes textbooks |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with friends, my host family, classmates, surrounding community, my program set up tapas for people who wanted to speak one on one with other Spanish speakers. I used Spanish every day but my classes were in English, so a lot was in English but there was a lot in Spanish, too. |
| 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? | Go for it. If you want to prove to yourself that you are competent, self-sufficient, ready to see the world, then do it! Don't ever let yourself get in the way and just go for it. I have never felt so alive as I did while I was abroad. Any student would benefit from this program. |
