An amazing semester Past Review

By (International Studies, Spanish, Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/24/2015 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad through IES Granada allowed me to receive the quintessential Spanish student experience. They managed to pull some amazing professors from the local universities which permitted a great exchange of perspective. Most of the classes were taught in Spanish which enhanced my language capacity. In addition, they provided many excursions within and outside of Granada. Their willing and helpful staff are available 24/7, and they are constantly organizing events to get you engaged. You have the opportunity to take classes at the local university (La Universidad de Granada) and many students took advantage of that opportunity. Overall, I am very happy with my abroad experience, and would do anything to do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

would have liked to have the option to live in the apartment- or they should have provided more space in the residencia. Was placed in a homestay and proved to be a very awkward, trying 4 months

* Food:

host family did not make meals, but the local food was amazing.

* 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)

Easily one of the cheapest cities in Europe

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60

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? Advanced
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? SPAN 271
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • 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?
  • Class size
  • Professors
  • Location/ Social life
* What could be improved?
  • the living options
  • study space (NOWHERE TO STUDY)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can easily find an apartment within Granada and live independently/with other students. Most apartments in Europe come fully furnished!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.