Granada: La Viva Especial Past Review
By Katie T (Creative Writing, Religion, Susquehanna University) - abroad from 01/13/2013 to 05/24/2013 with
Central College Abroad: Granada - University of Granada
I learned a lot about myself while I was abroad. But I learned just as much about the rest of the world. History has shaped Granada and Spain in very particular ways that I didn't expect, and that shaped my experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt challenged in my classes and program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Veronica was a great help and very supportive |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family, but I also think I would have benefited from living on my own in an apartment, on my own eating schedule. |
| * Food: |
There was not the diversity I had hoped for. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I injured my foot very badly while abroad, but the health clinic was easily accessible and helpful. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe when I was with other people, but we were advised to never go anywhere alone after dark, which I would pass on to other students. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | approx. 100€ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your trips in advance. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 202 |
| 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? | Meet local students and get to know them - go out for coffee and talk to them as much as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that we would be studying with all American or International students, and not with Spanish students. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
