A life changing growth experience Past Review

By (Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 05/23/2014 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I improved my spanish fluency, gained a new perspective on the US and international relations, learned about myself

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Granada - IES Abroad in Granada Photo IES Abroad: Granada - IES Abroad in Granada Photo IES Abroad: Granada - IES Abroad in Granada Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Resources were fantastic. The academics were not rigorous to say the least, but very interesting and helpful professors and great class topics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked my host mom arrangement first semester, but it took me a while to adjust. She was very nice, but it was more of a distant relationship than being part of the family. Second semester I lived in an apartment with friends and that was amazing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Felt very integrated but could have been more if I didn't hang out as much with my few good american friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Went to the doctor once and had to get reimbursed, but the process was very easy.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of what you are spending every day for at least a month or so, to get an idea of how much you're spending and on what.

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? Intermediate
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? Highest level literature classes
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? Always speak the language, all the time, as much as you can, even if you don't know a word or feel embarrassed- you'll get over that.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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 staff was excellent
  • The professors were very interesting and helpful
  • The day trips were really fun
* What could be improved?
  • Encouraging students more to live in other options besides a host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to go in with ANY expectations