Granada-Now I want to see the World Past Review
By Becky W (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
I had an amazing experience and can't wait to travel more and experience more cultures. I have learned a lot about Spain and the Spanish culture. I feel like I grew a lot as a person and became much more independent and self sufficient.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed my classes and my professors and getting to experience the Spanish education system . There was definitely a difference between Spain and the U.S. but having the intensive month to start out with helped a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were absolutely amazing. I have loved my time here and am so glad that I am part of this program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved my host mom and my living situation. I couldn't have asked for a better living arrangement. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was an amazing cook! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Morocco and Portugal were absolutely amazing and I'm so glad that I got to go. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be aware of your surroundings and just be smart about it. Don't walk alone at night if you can avoid it. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend money on the small things, it adds up faster than you realize. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | First part of year 2 Spanish |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish in all of my classes and at home with my host mom and friends. There were many opportunities to learn and practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get out and experience everything that you can. Go see things and talk to everyone. This is a unique experience and you have to take advantage of every opportunity. Everyone can benefit from studying abroad. |
