Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic Experience! Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 06/23/2014 to 08/15/2014 with

Dar Loughat School: Granada - Arabic Studies and Linguistic Immersion in Andalusia, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As a PhD student focusing on the interaction of Arabic/Andalusi knowledge in conjunction with Castilian in medieval Iberia, living in Granada--home of the last caliphate--it allowed me to see and experience the magic of Southern Spain and the lasting Arab influences. Furthermore, the professors were fantastic and engaged in many conversations with me regarding no only the language but also culture, food and issues of identity.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were great! I learned a lot and whatever I did not understand the professors would go over until I did. It was a very tailored experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything in administration was very helpful and accommodating.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program helped place me in a house where I had a room to myself and access to the kitchen to cook.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Southern Spain, Granda in particular, is so hybrid that you can see all of the cultural integrations at every corner. It was amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a but I am sure it would have been handled well by 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)

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? 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? First two semesters
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • the professors
  • the location
* What could be improved?
  • perhaps even more opportunities to practice Arabic outside of the classroom--though, of course, the professors did encourage this.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the program can be of any length and not limited to only four weeks. Regardless, it was a fantastic experience.

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!