How I became "Granadina" Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes were for the most part in Spanish, which greatly improved my language skills. I was able to learn things from a European point of view, which was extremely interesting, and my professors were all very intelligent, which made learning so much better.

On-site administration of your program

IES Abroad was the best program provider: it was always there to help in whatever you needed (from health issues to activity searches) and the staff was very nice and fun. The excursions that were planned, such as a weekend trip to Cabo de Gata (a deserty beach region) or our 5 day trip to Morocco in which we had the insane opportunity to live with a Moroccan family, were some of the best trips that I have been on. The orientadores (Spanish university students who worked for IES) always had activities planned (volleyball, dancing, shows) and became some of my best friends.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an incredible homestay family, where I had two young and very nice parents, a 9 year old brother and a 4 month-old sister. I loved being home and hanging out with them. My house was beautiful and modern, I had my private quarters but also loved hanging out in the living room with them.

My food was always delicious and plentiful, and my host mom always accommodated my meals to my schedule.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made good Erasmus and Spanish friends, and felt so comfortable in the Granadina culture that I would love to go back and live there for a few years. I grew accustomed to the siestas, the large meals, the tapas and the food. I loved speaking Spanish with whomever I met, including students, waiters, bartenders and residents. I loved the lifestyle there, and felt completely at home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick a few times, and IES always made sure I was taken care of. Once, I thought I had something more serious than I actually had, and called the program director at 9:30pm -- he calmed me down over the phone, asked if I wanted him to accompany me to the emergency room, and when I said I wasn't going to go that night, he told me to go talk to him in the morning. IES was great in always caring and helping for everything that you needed. The doctor saw me immediately when I needed to be seen, and the pharmacy gave me what I needed without any problem.

I felt absolutely safe the entire time that I was there, even walking home in small streets at 3am.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was extremely easy to live on a student's budget! I would go out for breakfast every morning and spend 2-5 euros, and go out to tapas every night for dinner and spend 2-8 euros (one glass of good wine or beer is about 2.50 euros and comes with a free tapa)! Activities around the city are very cheap as well (a salsa class is about 3 euros and comes with a free drink) and a lot of free activities are always available in Granada as well.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program offered 'orientadores' (Spanish University students) who always organized activities for us -- this would allow us to easily make Spanish friends. IES itself also organized many activities like wine or olive-oil tasting, which were conducted in Spanish, encouraged us to take classes in Spanish, and staff always spoke to us in Spanish. It was great.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The people
• The city
• The program

• 8am classes moved back to 9am

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer