I found who I was and what I had been looking for in Granada. Past Review
By Kristen F (International Relations and Affairs., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
I feel like I have a much better understanding of people and cultures. I changed a lot. I'm a better person than i was before.
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. |
The university offers classes in English and Spanish. I learned a lot in my classes, and they were pretty easy. I loved all of my teachers. They were all so nice and helpful. They were really interested in their student. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AIFS by far had the best resident director and program staff in Granada. I made several friends in other programs and their staff didn't do half of what ours did. They care so much about the students and are always there to help in any situation. I knew could go to them with anything and they could help me figure it out. On countless occasions they made phone calls for me or could tell me exactly where I needed to go to find whatever I needed. They would take us to the doctor when we were sick and to the pharmacy to get our medicines. They absolutely went above and beyond their job duties. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family right on the river. I lived with a Senor and Senora and another girl in my program. My family was amazing. I was treated like family! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program set up several trips for us. We went to Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Sevilla, Gibraltar, Cordoba, AlmerÃa, Ronda, and London where the program starts! We saw so many beautiful cathedrals, museums, and famous artwork. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It's just like another city. Don't walk around at night. Always take a cab. |
| 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? | Always be aware of the exchange rate and how many American dollars you are actually spending. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate 2 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used Spanish everyday. Not many people in Granada speak English. My host family didn't speak any English. AIFS set up intercambios for us with local students to practice Spanish. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be ready to have a life changing experience. Do everything you can sign up for. Get involved in the community |
