Granada Has Been the Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Ryan R (Spanish Education, Illinois State University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
I learned so much and got to see so many new things. It was a great way to learn more about myself, and has ensured that I have made the right choices.
Review Photos
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. |
The assessments and feedback of assessments was scarce, but the experience was incredible and very interesting, as well as beneficial. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very open to helping, great organization with many planned activities. No weaknesses. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Having English speaking roommates hurts the ability to use the native language exclusively. The host mom was incredible, completely accommodating and considerate. I couldn't ask for a better living experience. Housing was close enough to everything, although the construction can be bothersome. |
| * Food: |
Great, balanced meals at home. Easy to eat out, cheap and great quality. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to Lagos, Portugal, which was great. I also enjoyed the day trip to Ronda. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program made it clear that they were there to help in case of an emergency. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Personal expenses were minimum as I lived with a family that provided for me well. Going out can range from cheap to expensive, depending on what you're doing and how often you do it. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Some places to go out are expensive, but most places are very affordable. |
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? | Spanish Syntax |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Many people spoke English, it was necessary to find people that spoke only Spanish so that I was not tempted to speak English. I would suggest keeping regular conversations with your host family daily, as well as finding and inviting at least one Spanish speaker out with you so that you are obligated to speak Spanish for his or her sake. |
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? | Travel, travel, travel. Don't turn down any offer. |
