Fordham in Granada: A Beautiful Place to Learn Past Review
By George F (Communications and Spanish, Fordham University) for
Fordham University: Granada - Fordham in Granada
Yes it was extremely worthwhile. I never was given an opportunity to see how others lived before, and this one was an amazing view into the life of the Spanish people. The things I learned and the people I met I will never forget. I truly hope I get to go back and visit.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was rather difficult, but the teachers were great and understood how difficult it was to adapt and therefore provided help whenever you needed it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Program Director and Tutor were available at all hours, whether by phone, email, or if requested, in person. The knowledge they possessed was extensive and informative, as both were residents of Granada. The program size was perfect, however the Fordham requirements and mandatory group trips were excessive. More leniency and free time would allow for a greater chance to travel. My expectations were met. I had a wonderful and cultural experience and wish I could repeat it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My roommate and I were the farthest from campus, roughly a 30 minute walk to and from class. Nightlife was closer however. I was treated wonderfully by my host family and felt like a real member of the family. |
| * Food: |
Tapas are a great thing to do. I highly recommend venturing out and finding good tapas cafes and bars. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Morocco was unbelievable |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Relatively safe city, not too many issues, although there were specific areas that you were told to keep out of at night |
| 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? | I didn't spend any money on meals, as that was included in the tuition and made by my host family. As far as personal expenses go, I was probably spending an average of $150 to $200 a week, sometimes more |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The Euro hurts. A lot. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3500 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Teachers, students, and my host family. Nobody spoke english except for fellow students. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This a thoroughly academic experience, expect to learn and to learn a lot. It is also extremely rewarding, I recommend it for anyone looking to culturally broaden their horizons, as you are completely immersed in the Spanish way of life. |
