Granada: Intensely Gratifying! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My courses were very difficult for me because I was taking an Intensive Spanish Language and Culture course (5 days a week/4 hours per day), and I did not speak a word of Spanish when I arrived in the country. Three and a half months later, however, I left Spain almost fluent in Spanish. I felt safe and comfortable in the homestay that was selected for me by the program, there were many fascinating and beautiful excursions that we went on, and I learned how to travel alone as well. I believe that I am a better person for having studied abroad with API, and I was grateful that I studied with them because of all of the negative things I heard about the other programs once I was over there. I believe that the grading system was a little harder than it is in the United States, but I still did well in my courses. There was little to no homework, which was very nice for travel's sake, and the school (Centro de Lenguas Modernas-Universidad de Granada) was very helpful and understanding the couple of times that classes and API trips coincided.

On-site administration of your program

Everything was pretty great, but there were some times where I needed to find my teachers and I couldn't find anyone who could tell me where they were or how I could contact them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was awesome, very close to nightlife locations and about a 20 minute walk to class (EVERYONE WALKS EVERYWHERE!!!). I loved my family and probably spent more time bonding with them than anyone else I met in Spain. They lived in a nice apartment building and I didn't need to buy anything. Even my meals were provided.

I didn't have any dietary restrictions, but I'm a very picky eater. They didn't require me to try anything I didn't want to, but I absolutely LOVED everything my host mom served. As for outside eating, Cafe Futbol's churros are a must.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trips to San Jose, Sevilla, Paris, Toledo, Madrid, and other locations around Granada. Everything was awesome, and I even learned a little French!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

I'm fairly certain that most people spoke a little English (since they are required to study it for 6 years in school), but I did not try to engage people in English, so I'm not sure how many people spoke it. My host parents did NOT speak any English, as I requested, which helped speed along my learning. Every moment was an opportunity to speak Spanish and to learn the language, customs, and culture.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family