I learned SOOO much being in a Spanish-speaking home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was very impressed in the quality of education I received abroad. Many of my professors had taught around the world and were experienced in the field of study. I have been able to connect what I learned to current courses at my home university.

On-site administration of your program

The program administrators were there whenever I had questions, when I was sick, when I overslept and missed my final! Because they were from Granada, they knew and were able to share the city's treasures with us. The excursions, due to weather, could have had a better plan 'b'...but were fun in the end!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Stay with a family!!! I had a wonderful time with my host mother and I learned SOOO much from being in a Spanish-speaking home. You can always speak English with your friends at school. My meals were prepared for my twice a day (more if we would have wanted them). My home was central in the city and I never had to walk too far. I never felt unsafe in the city, but was careful to never walk down dark alleys at night alone. I would typically walk 15 min to class and I was 3 min away from most of the bars/clubs (although they are scattered throughout central Granada).

Spaniards love to eat! Tapas bars are very common throughout Spain, but only in Granada are is your Tapa FREE! When you buy a drink at a tapas bar they give you a very small plate of food for free. The quality of food was almost always superior to what you would receive at that "type" of dining establishment. Everything was always so fresh!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During the Spring semester we were able to experience Carnival, Dia de la Cruz, and Semana Santa. Things like la Alhambra and the cathedral are must see sights! Learn to flamenco in a Gypsy cave or run through one of the MANY parks throughout the city. Granada captures the traditional Spain yet has a young population due to the University.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

I studied in Spain only after ONE introductory Spanish course and upon return had tested into second semester of my second year in Spanish. My confidence and knowledge grew exponentially.