Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of my classes at the University of Granada were taught in spanish by native spanish professors which was good, but I wasn't really challenged at all in my courses. Besides the mandatory 8:30am classes everyday, the classes were alot easier than my classes at Hamilton and it was pretty easy to get high marks.

On-site administration of your program

they were very accesible, and had an office near the university with wireless access and mailboxes and there was usually always someone available to talk to. They were very helpful in the beginning of the program, but after a few weeks most students didnt need to meet with them. For the most part, my expectations were met.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wasnt too pleased with my housing situation. I lived with a roommate from my program, and also three spanish boys who were about 18. They were nice and all but they were big smokers, which was something that I specifically asked to avoid. I understand the culture is different in spain, but i would have appreciated a little more effort in finding a non-smoking place to live.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Like i said before, I think i learned more outside of the classroom then i did inside. Granada is a great university city, with abroad students from all over the world so I was always meeting someone new. The city was just big enough that there was always soemthing to do, but small enough that I felt safe, could walk to school easily, and felt like i really knew the city after my four months. Granada is famous for its tapas, so with every drink ordered you got a free snack, and at some places it was more like a free meal with every drink! Granada is also famous for the Sacramonte caves and the Alhambra, which provided a change of scenery and pace from the bars and shops, all in walkiing distance.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe in Granada. At the beginning of the program, the administrators did a good job giving us the heads up on safety issues. The first weekend I was there I had my wallet stolen at a discoteca, and the administrators at API helped me file a report at the police station. I never used any form of healthcare offered by the program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Just living in Spain for four months was enough to improve my proficiency in the language. I think I learned more outside of the classroom than inside.