transformative Past Review
By A student (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/29/2015 with
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
I learned to be so much more thankful for the little things, and came back with a newfound appreciation for nature. I realized how challenging it is to feel like an outsider, but also how welcoming people can be. It was honestly the best thing I've ever done so far, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It's definitely a little harder than other study abroad programs (according to students on other programs in Granada), but the resources are better as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm we used was incredible; felt more like a bed & breakfast. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program took me to see a doctor and really made sure I was feeling well. |
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| 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) |
Granada is a very cheap city, and in the dorms I got 3 meals a day, 6 days a week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | depended on the week, but usually not more than 30 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Getting a bank account in the host country helps with ATM fees. Or get a card with low fees. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | intermediate |
| 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? | Talk to locals! Listen to music in the host language. |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | that we only take classes with our own program |
