Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ready to go back now... Past Review

By (Economics., Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience in Granada, Spain was much more transformative than I had ever expected. I grew more, learned more spanish, made more mistakes, and made many, many more lifelong, remarkable relationships and experiences than I had ever expected. Going to Spain, I knew that living in a completely new country would change me in some way, but I never could have imagined to what extent. I became a much more independent and adventurous person, and Granada was the perfect place to develop these characteristics. I grew attached to the city, and by the end it was really hard for me and the rest of my program to leave. The hilly, close-knit barrios, incredible views of the 13th century Alhambra fortress, historic buildings, and snowy Sierra Nevada mountains on the horizon make up an amazing setting in which to live, study, and explore. The endless tapas restaurants, quaint cafes, hiking trails, sports fields, schools, museums, and theaters provide a multitude of activities to constantly entertain oneself. However, I believe that is was the the people that truly made my abroad experience in Granada so wonderful. I was surrounded by a friendly, open community who were willing to help me me with anything but also willing to push me out of my comfort zone. Granada was the perfect place for me to spend the semester abroad, and I would recommend it to any student looking for a unique, adventurous, fascinating abroad experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? the best way to improve your language skills is to live with a host family and meet as many native students as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 people
  • the city
  • the language
* What could be improved?
  • it could be longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was not prepared for the difficulties, but these are what made the experience and the growth so incredible.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'