Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Semester in Granada: An Unforgetable, Enriching and Fantastic Experience Past Review

By (Spanish Language Teacher Education., Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It absolutely was worthwhile, and I think everyone should study abroad. I have learned so much about myself, what I can handle personally, academically, socially and I have been amazed at the person I've found myself to be. This semester I have been stretched in so many areas that I know this experience has been a life changing semester. Amazing.

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.

My professors were wonderful and I absolutely loved the University of Granada.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The directors of CEA are absolutely WONDERFUL. Some of the most caring people I have ever met. Always so willing to help and give advice. So thankful for them!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Wonderful! My host mom's just a dream and my bedroom's super comfortable. A very welcoming atmosphere!

* Food:

Delicious and super healthy!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Completely immersed, and absolutely loved to experience Granada's rich culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal experience, but I heard it was great.

* Safety:

Granada's super safe!

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)

Very easy to live on a student budget. Traveling was my biggest expense and I spent about 200 euros/month. Other than traveling, very few extra expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Very little, less than 15 euros per week. I spent my money traveling on the weekend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host mom! I always ate the meals provided at my home stay, and I know I saved a lot of money that way.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The directors, both the CEA director in United States and here in Granada are the most wonderful people ever.
  • My host mom, she has been the most caring, compassionate, and loving person I have ever met.
  • Planned program events, I loved traveling with the program and learning more about Spanish culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Less English, I felt that everytime I was with my program (all American students) we always talked in English. I wish we were more forced to speak Spanish as a group.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it's ok to ask questions, the directors are more than willing to help!