It was the most enlightening semester in my academic career. Past Review

By (Romance Languages, Literature, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a true understanding of the culture and language that will be invaluable for my future career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes within the Universidad de Granada are great, but I was highly disappointed with the classes in the Centro de Lenguas Modernas. They are almost a vacation and not actual academic courses. I learned a lot, but it felt odd.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CEA's staff are out of this world. They are entirely here for the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Never live in Nuestra Señora de la Gracia in Granada. It is awful.

* Food:

The food in the city itself is fantastic, but once again, the food within Nuestra Señora de la Gracia is awful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't feel like you have to be a typical american and travel every weekend. Half of the americans never see the full city because they treat the semester as only a vacation.

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? 400 Level
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? Don't talk to the other Americans in English. Force them to use Spanish with you. They may not like it, but it will work out in your favor.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Caring Staff
  • Options to take classes at UGR
  • Cultural Trips and Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Change Residence Halls
  • Offer more trips
  • Encourage students to branch out instead of only staying around other Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Focus on branching into the community . Also, do homestay.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!