Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Growing in Granada September 05, 2025

By (Arcadia University) - abroad from 01/26/2025 to 05/17/2025 with

Arcadia: Granada - Arcadia in Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a more adaptable person, someone who truly thinks about the impact of something before I do that action. I have widened my knowledge on topics that I now hold close to my heart, but only through opening my eyes and heart was i able to actually grow and understand the people and the country.

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 professor were amazing and well rounded in their fields, if you are proficient in Spanish you have the ability to take majority of classes in Spanish which was a great and unique opportunity.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Director and Program coordinator were the most helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable people. I had to go to the dentist while abroad and my director came with me to help ease my nerves, they truly made adjusting to a new country so much easier.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with other students, the students I lived with were Spanish students so I had the chance to learn and connect more with Spanish people in my age range. The room was very spacious, safe city, and everything is walkable.

* Food:

The food is really delicious, if you have allergies to pork it may be a little difficult but going to the market was a fun experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people were very nice, a lot of people in the city are student and as long as you are open and being friendly you can make a lot of friends. I went out and had the chance to explore the city through their eyes. I

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get a tooth pulled, my program director gave me step by step instructions on how to use my international health insurance, then when it was time for my appointment everything went smooth, the doctor and nurses were very friendly and efficient I had the tooth pulled and a prescription in under 30mins and the entire procedure with medicine cost less than $85

* Safety:

The city felt very safe, during my entire time I never felt unsafe or came across anyone who made me feel unsafe. I would say just like being anywhere as long as you are being aware than you can live with a lot of peace in mind

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Granada is my second home that I can’t return to, the most beautiful and unique city I’ve ever lived in.

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)

Granada is a very affordable city

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I didn’t eat out at expensive places, majority of the place I ate out was under $15 and that helped a lot saving money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The onsite staff would teach us new words, all while encouraging us to speak with the people around us in Spanish

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The City
  • The Culture
  • The Onsite staff
* What could be improved?
  • Food diversity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learning a new language can be intimidating but the people are actually happy and encourage that and want to talk with you. Making mistakes is okay and are learning opportunities.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.