A Still Swirling Whirpool of Cultures Past Review
By Maya S (Art History and Religion, Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
It was extremely worthwhile. I am much more comfortable with my Spanish and ability to function/live abroad.
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. |
While the workload was a little difficult just because I'd never had classes entirely in Spanish, the grading system was both fair and lenient. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths--great staff and home stay experience. Weaknesses--there is a substantial amount of work if you are not used to classes entirely in Spanish. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Vegetarian |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Morocco was fantastic. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Though I never had a problem, people in my program did get mugged once or twice. However it was generally assumed that as long as you traveled in groups at night and didn't stand out as an American with a lot of money you'd be fine. I usually walked with one hand on my bag. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It helps to keep a mental account of how much you can expect to pay for things like a cup of coffee or food so that you can quickly come to know what's a good deal and what's a rip off. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Granada was a very Spanish speaking country. I spoke in Spanish with my host family, professors and classmates while in class. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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