Small study abroad Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/25/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

Fordham University: Granada - Fordham in Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time was worthwhile. I was able to experience Granada quickly because of it's size, and I was able to travel almost every weekend thanks to my flexible schedule.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes very dull and boring, not very interesting and not a wide selection. No workload.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Available by email and text

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great homestay--had a fun house mom and dog

* Food:

Lunch was generally good, but dinner was mostly fried food that was defrosted.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are opportunities to get involved. I recommend doing an intercambio where you are paired with a Spanish person.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't recall ever being informed of where to go if I ever needed medical attention.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Granada. There are always people out and about, even during late into the night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It's generally cheap, and I didn't have to spend money on food.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? under 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only bring a certain amount of cash around. Also take out a good amount from ATMs to avoid the constant fees.

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

We were often chastised for not speaking Spanish at all times.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3450
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? Talk to your host family as much as you can. Also, participate in an intercambio, which pairs you with a Spanish student.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Class 3 days a week
  • small city
  • homestay
* What could be improved?
  • program size
  • requirements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The classes and what they'd be like