Granada: Where the Tapas are Free Past Review
By Sara V (Spanish, Illinois State University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
YES!!!!! I learned so much. Language, culture, and personally myself.
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 overall education experience was worth it. The grading system is a lot easier and the teachers are more laid back about not turning in homework on time, and giving you an extra night to work on it. I didn't receive a lot of homework, I just had to keep up with reviewing my notes before the mid-terms and finals. I think the teaching methods will always differ no matter which country you are in. I had teachers here who lecture the whole time, and teachers who want to do open in class discussions(which I enjoyed the most because I got to practice my Spanish & learn more Spanish as well.) Overall, great experience in the classroom. I defiantly like it more than the American system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very good with getting back to questions and helping you as soon as possible. They were always asking questions and making sure you were comfortable with everything abroad. Also, with group trips/activities they were always very well planned out and a lot of fun. I didn't really find any weaknesses. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family experience was one of my favorite things about studying abroad. In the beginning it was hard to get adjusted to living in a home that isn't yours. The rules were laid out the first day and I simply just had to follow them. I got lucky because all of my friends I made abroad lived on the same street as me. I also lived 15-20 minutes from the school and very close to the center of town. My family treated me like their own child/sibling and if it wasn't for them my Spanish wouldn't have improved and I wouldn't have had this great experience. Everything was included I just had to purchase my own shower towels. |
| * Food: |
There were only 3 meals a day which is plenty, but I had to get accustomed to their very small breakfasts and eating dinner late at night. The quantity of food was just enough and the quality was fine also. I think that was the hardest thing to get adjusted to was the food because I love to eat good meals. The good thing about Granada is that when you order a drink.. whether it is a refreshment or alcoholic beverage a free tapa is included! Most of the time the tapas are very good and filling/ |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of my trips! and night life |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
the city was very safe. i never felt in danger at night, and CEA warned us of places to stay away from in the night time. I had no bad experiences, but always be cautious not matter where you are. Common sense. The healthcare system was helpful and very quick in service. My host mom came with me anyways to make sure they didn't rip me off just in case. We needed n vaccines. |
| 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? | Rebajas is the best to buy clothes here because it is a huge sale for 2.5 months!! Also, you may see something that costs 5 Euro, but it isn't the best quality. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 200 level |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My program offered inter-cambios which is getting together with a Spanish local & practicing English/Spanish together. Also, my university requires you live with a host family because that is the best way to adapt into the culture & learn the language. |
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? | Be positive and take advantage of your time, because you will never have an opportunity like this. |
