Incredible Past Review

By (Spanish And Secondary Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 08/29/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Expanding my language and how to get around. Independence also.

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.

I wasn't overwhelmed by the courses (after the intensive I was enrolled in 4 classes). Not too much out of class work usually but I do feel that my Spanish improved greatly from being taught in Spanish all day everyday.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CEA was great. Our advisers in Granada were incredibly personable and we always had a great time with them and were comfortable going to them for help. They assisted us in any way necessary and made the transition to a foreign country much easier.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with a host family and a roommate. The family was amazing and hospitable since the moment we arrived. I couldn't have asked for a better housing experinece.

* Food:

Loved the food. We were always trying new traditional spanish dishes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very, very safe in Granada. Especially in comparison to other cities we traveled to.

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

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? $40-50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay far away from H&M. You'll be tempted to buy too many things.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 215.15
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Stay away from Americans. Spend time with your host family (if applicable) and don't take that time for granted.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 staff
  • morocco trip
  • the teachers
* What could be improved?
  • longer stay
  • more cultural visits
  • -
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not waste a second. And to stop being lazy and go outside and explore.

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.