Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Granada: Living Life Past Review

By (Psychology and Spanish, University of the Pacific) for

Arcadia: Granada - Arcadia in Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My overall experience in Granada was amazing, but I would not choose to go again with the same program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall the educational experience was useful and productive in the classroom. The workload was not heavy at all but, learned a large amount. In an American education system the professors want to see you succeed and are readily available for any questions, doubts or concerns. In Spain the professors will help, but are not as readily available or as happy to help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of my program was very kind and nice. My expectations were not met when I knew other programs on-site administration had meetings to explains opportunities to volunteer and/or have an internship and my program did not. Also there were opportunities that only my program had to have given me the application for an internship ahead of time and I had missed the deadline since my program never let me know of this internship opportunity. Fortunately I asked and insisted on being allowed to take part of an internship that consisted of teaching English at an elementary school to children.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My neighborhood was very safe because my home stay was located in the center of the city. Living in the center made it very convenient to walk to school and everything else was within walking distance as well.

* Food:

n/a

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being able to travel and see amazing architecture and natures beauty was very beautiful and amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

In Granada it was very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget money well from the beginning because in the end it becomes difficult to have enough to return home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 110
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I was able to practice the language with my host parents.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location and the other students in the program.
* What could be improved?
  • The programs help with account charges and while back in the states.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My words of wisdom would be for them to have this Program give them set prices that they will be charged and when ahead of time because for me the program does surprise charges that I would have appreciated if they let me know of. For example it stated on the website that there would be supplemental fees, but it did not saying exactly how much or when it would be charged.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Translation
Course Department: SPAN 140
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The teacher was always well-prepared and knowledgeable about the subject. He was always enthusiastic and incorporated group projects into the lessons that allowed for the students to help one another.
Credit Transfer Issues: no