Granada, Spain: The Best Summer of My Life Past Review
By Samantha D (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Florida) for
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
I was able to improve my Spanish language skills, learn to adjust to new situations and I made new best friends. It made me more aware of other cultures and made me want to experience other cultures. The history of Spain and the beauty of it made me appreciate every day that I was there. I wouldn't have wanted a different experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much in my classes, more than I ever learned in my language classes here in the U.S. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors were phenomenal. They worked with us every day to make us feel as comfortable as possible in a new country. They really brought all of us in the program together. AIFS exceeded my expectations and I was able to learn so much. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I hardly needed to buy anything to get settled into my housing situation. The woman I lived with was extremely accomodating and even helped me with my school work. The area was safe, and I was allowed to come and go as I pleased. My senora treated me as though I was her own daughter. It was a fantastic experience. |
| * Food: |
There were accomodations for dietary restrictions, but I didn't need any, so I was able to experience everything. The foodw as delicious and varied daily. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were a plethora of field trips that we went on with my group. The program directors made sure that we got to know the city very well, as well as outlying areas. The program cost included so much! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Just as you would at home, it's important to stay alert when going out at night. Our program made sure that we were aware of our surroundings and gave us emergency numbers to contact them, the police, the hospital, or even just cabs. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Program directors, host family, store owners, waiters and waitresses. Most people did not speak English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program was absolutely fantastic. The program directors made the experience so great, and I even still keep in touch with them now. Granada is a beautiful city, and I highly recommend doing this program. |
