transformative Past Review

By (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/29/2015 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

* 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm we used was incredible; felt more like a bed & breakfast.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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.

* 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)

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
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? 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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location
  • language
  • people
* What could be improved?
  • attendance policy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that we only take classes with our own program