Granada is my Home Past Review
By Kristina S (Spanish & Civil Engr, Oregon State University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada
I love to travel. I have been all over the world, and can't get enough of it. Study abroad opens new doors and allows for experiences you could never receive at home. It is totally worth the trip - especially if you stay for the full year for the language proficiency. Always take the extra step - it's totally worth it!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load is much lower - it was all about being able to live the experiences that improved your Spanish abilities and personal growth. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was an extreme support network in Granada - it was a fantastic experience and the office was somewhere safe we could hang out and practice with the API Granada staff. They were very helpful with my social planning, papers for class, and just practicing speaking. The program was amazing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Lots of salt... but my host mom was very good at noticing what my roommate and I liked, and avoiding what we weren't so partial on. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
API arranged 4-5 field trips of varying length and activities per semester - it was fantastic. Also, less homework meant I was able to visit other countries on the weekends - something I was looking for in my study abroad experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any problems, nor felt unsafe. I know of some mild situations with friends who were pick-pocketed or harassed in clubs, but normal city stuff. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family the first semester, and with other international/Spanish students the second. Both situations forced me to practice and interact in Spanish on a regular basis. Classes were also taught in Spanish for the intermediate and advanced students, which was also very helpful. I frequently spoke English with my friends from the program, but to counter that I would hang out in small groups of Americans, and we would try and go out where we had to practice. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make sure you go out, but NOT with a large group of Americans. Speak with Spaniards as much as you can. Pretend to shop just for the conversations. Go out to the cafes, the bars, the clubs... every experience is worth your time. Always try new things. |
