Living like a local in "Grana" Granada Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The university really makes sure the placement test reflects the level from which you can grow from. I had a total of 4 classes and the professors really care about you getting the most out of the subjects! They know their subjects very well and understand how to teach international students in Spanish instruction— so you actually grow in immersion skills! There was not nearly as much "busy work" homework as we get in the US, which is really nice because a good grade basically depends on you paying attention to lecture, participating, and taking the exams. The rigor is NOT as tough as we know it in the US!!! The administration also knows we are international students who also want to explore and experience local culture, not just strictly be overloaded with homework.

On-site administration of your program

Jorge, Antonio, and Begoña are SO sweet and very engaging with the students on site. They resolved a housing issue in less than a day which really effected my experience badly abroad in less than a day! They really do care about your happiness and comfort abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had two host families. It's VERY important to go abroad with an open mind related to the housing environment. For my first host-family, I lived in a pretty small flat—and this is normal according to other students. Bedrooms are smaller than we might be used to, and Spain puts importance on being conscious about not wasting food, water, etc. I had no problems with this— my main issue was my roommate. After CEA immediately responded to my issue and gave me a new host family, everything was different. My second host family was very privileged compared to the average Spaniard family I have met— my host mother was a professional chef with her restaurant below our apartment (which was a lot bigger). I got to eat amazing authentic Spanish seafood at her restaurant most Mondays!

If you go to Spain you are going to try some very different seafood dishes! Everything tastes so fresh and in Granada a lot of meals are CHEAP!!!!! I REPEAT, FOOD IS CHEAP. At night, the cultural norm is to go out with some friends for tapas, which consists of a drink and small appetizer-sized portion of food. TAPAS ARE FREE with a purchase of a drink in Granada! At some places, the tapas are selected for you, but at other places you get to choose what you want to eat! My second host-family introduced me to a native Andalusian dish— Salmorejo, which is a fresh cold tomato-based soup which is DELICIOUS. I learned how to make it and make it back at home now. **Tip: Bring cash for bars, and remember that it is NOT normal to split a check, so if you go with a group be prepared to receive one bill.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It sure helps to have a proficient level of Spanish to be able to navigate independently around Granada, since a lot of people do not know English. Back at home I typically do not party and stay out too late at night, so the most I would do in Granada was to hang out with some friends at a bar or get gelato late at night! I am also an introvert, and I feel like I can assure all other introverts out there that you should NOT feel pressured to make yourself uncomfortable just to "fit in." Studying abroad means to learn to live like a local, NOT a tourist. There is something for every type of person, and it is our job to take care of ourselves and happiness first before anything. Select the aspects of the new culture you love and learn to shape your unique experience!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got reimbursed both times I went to the hospital. The first time, the director Begoña went with me and I felt comfortable the entire time. The second time, I had to go alone which was really stressful because the hospital is run very differently! For one, unless it's critical, be ready to wait a long time. I entered the hospital and had no idea where to go and just kept asking employees who sent me back and forth. Basically, both appointments were about a new skin reaction I developed in Spain, which was sensitivity to the sun— I had to buy expensive medicated cream, which luckily was 100% reimbursed.

Typically, Granada is a very safe place, but there is an area called the Albayzín, which has history amongst the Muslim community. The area has many winding and narrow paths, but you do NOT want to be alone there, especially as a girl. It is dangerous at night, so always be with friends when going out to dinner in that area. I got followed and hit on by this one man who insisted on me joining him to go to a strip club. In general, it is a cultural characteristic to witness what is called "machismo," a social construction where gender roles are still heavily prevalent. Spain also only recently ended its dictatorship in the 50's, so the situations of seeing immigrants is still new. Not that I felt racism or anything, but ALL THE MEN would stare at me without shame and flirt with me because I didn't look Spanish or white (I'm Asian). I felt sexualized, but I tried to understand the cultural and historical context to be able to tolerate it.

CEA planned out everything so well! The best thing is that they provide a good balance between independence and security/safety. The excursions are optional! I mean, if there is an excursion to tour another city or even country (we went to Morocco), take advantage and go to that! I go to see Seville, Ronda, and Córdoba with CEA. There was also an excursion to one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain— Nerja. You can be independent where you can skip excursions and even leave the country WHENEVER YOU WANT— even during the school week (provided you don't exceed your excused absences). You have to make sure you tell CEA where you will be each week if you are leaving the city but other than that you really are independent about what you want to make of your experience.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

5

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

There are "intercambios" 'language-exchanges' every week. The group either meets at a bar or at the university and you can speak English/Spanish with a group of random people! The administration also speaks no English, so you're forced to speak Spanish.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• N/A

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Student happiness is priority
• Independency
• Excusions

• I thought everything was ran very well with CEA!

The Academic or Linguist