Very Intensive Spanish in Granada Past Review
By Venchele S (Public Health., Simmons College) for
Granada Institute of International Studies (GRIIS): Granada - GRIIS in Granada
My study abroad experience was worthwhile because I allowed myself to explore new opportunities with the people I have met along the way. I was even offered by the mother of one of my students to stay at her house when I return to Spain. I cherish the people and the places I had the opportunity to visit, I strongly believe that one cannot learn a language unless they live in the country itself, because it forces you to use the language targeted as a daily routine. I have learned a lot about the social aspects of the country such as immigration, religion, culture, and politics. I became self-aware of my surroundings and I became a better citizen of the world. I strongly recommend the GRIIS program to future students. The Program Director, Amalia Pulgarin is very helpful and knowledgeable in her field. Upon my return to the States, I felt like a different person and I have seen how my Spanish has improved tremendously with the help of the program.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Simmons College |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The only difference I have noted is that in Europe, the students do not get a huge workload of homework, but they are fully engaged in the news and are very knowledgeable of what is occurring around them. They have been exposed to more real life experiences than most students living in the US. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Hilary Wilson was a very important component of my studying abroad experience. She was able to answer any random questions I had. She was patient, a good listener and very understanding with any doubts I had. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was very helpful. They were attentive to my needs. I loved my host family and they were patient with the process. I felt right at home. The neighborhood was safe and filled with a variety of activities to do everyday. |
| * Food: |
The quality of the food is healthy. They follow a Mediterranean diet. The meals are balanced. The quantity of food was medium but they always wanted to feed you more. They want to make sure that you eat well. I recommend to go to Antiguallas for tapas, they serve you delicious sandwiches and I recommend Los Italianos for ice cream. They have the best ice-cream in Granada. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I usually looked forward to the excursions arranged by the program. For example, my most memorable field trip was in Madrid and Toledo and El Dia de la Cruz. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Through the experience of some other students in the program, they had mentioned that the healthcare system was easily accessible. But, fortunately, my health issues like nausea and cold were taken care of by taking medicines that I had brought with me from home along with chamomile tea. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I wish I was informed of Ryanair's policy of having the itinerary stamped before boarding the plane. I had to pay 116 euros extra to go to London during the Spring Break. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced Spanish with the students I tutored and with my host mom, my exchange student. I watched movies in Spanish and I read novels, poetry and used this website to improve my Spanish (livemocha.com. I spoke as little English as possible. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I believe that the student that could benefit from this program is someone who is open-minded to change, not picky, is willing to explore a new way of lifestyle/perspective and accepts people for who they are. |
