Granada is very chillaxed Past Review
By Norma M (Political Science, Rice University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada
Yes. I loved every bit of it. I met so many new people and had so much fun! Although Spain's culture was annoying at times-just because it's different-I can say that I truly did experience a different culture. One of the best decisions of my life.
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. |
The teaching quality wasn't that great. But the classes were absolutely not hard at all so that was great because we still got a chance to enjoy the social atmosphere even though we were there for summer classes. It was like 95% play 5% work ;-) Although they say that the teacher-student relationship isn't that strong over there, I felt for this program-since it was all Americans, the teachers made themselves available for extra help and such. The classes were small and the teachers knew a lot of the students by name. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Residencia <br /><br /> We lived in a residencia which is a bit comparable to an American dorm. However, before I left, I read a lot that their residencias are NOT like our dorms. I initially thought it to be a bad thing but went ahead with it anyway and am very pleased I did. The rooms weren't that small as I had feared. It is "run" by a few houseladies and a cook. They come in and clean your room about 2 times a week and pick up your laundry and bring it back ironed and everything. They serve you three meals a day, (but breakfast is pretty much on your own-like a croissant or something). For lunch and dinner they serve you the meal and desert. The workers are SO friendly and it is like a family. If you want, you can get to know the other Spanish students that live there to practice the language and/or hang out around the city with. |
| * Food: |
At the residencia, the food was great. Even if you have certain things you don't eat (a few of the people from our group were vegetarian) the cook takes note of that and is sure to prepare you something different. Overall, there was a lot of bread, potatoes and ham! :) |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions were fantastic! We went to several different cities, saw flamenco, a movie with the group, did a language exchange with Spaniards, saw a bullfight. It was awesome. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | N/A |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Spanish |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be picky or impatient. Sure API was a bit frustrating at times by giving us itineraries on excursions last minute and such. That may just be a part of the culture of Granada though-very chillaxed. But the excursions they provided were amazing-I felt like I did SO MUCH in my time there. Thanks API!!!!!!!! |
