Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Te Amo, Granada Past Review

By (Kenyon College) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
IES Abroad Granada allowed me to become a more confident, worldly individual. Going abroad put me outside of my comfort zone, and I'm very grateful for that. In Granada, I became familiar with a new and beautiful culture, fell in love with art and architecture and dance, made some amazing new friends, and learned how to cook exciting and authentic Spanish dishes. I read Spanish poets, visited Spanish monuments, and developed my Spanish-language abilities. Studying abroad allowed me to experience an incredible culture and lifestyle, and I'm so glad that I went. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I stayed in a homestay, so my breakfast and lunch were provided. For dinner, I did have to spend my own money. It's easy to go out for tapas every night, but this quickly adds up. I'd recommend setting a certain number of how many times you'll go out for tapas (maybe 3 nights a week) and then go to the grocery store and make food at home the other nights for dinner. Try out a different recipe from Granada each night if you'd like!

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

The program offers many classes in Spanish (and a few in English as well). I took 4 out of 5 of my classes in Spanish to better grasp the language, and I was surprised how much I improved in such a short period of time! Professors are always willing to help you with your Spanish, and they speak slowly enough that you can understand them. They will challenge you to use new vocabulary, and they make learning fun!

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? 200-level Spanish at college
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Before going abroad, start watching TV or movies in Spanish. Try learning one new word a day too. In Spain, try to use Spanish as much as you can. Order from waiters in Spanish. Ask for directions in Spanish. Use Spanish with your American (and non-American) friends when walking around the city. Ask your host-parents (if applicable) how to say certain phrases. Read the Spanish newspaper. Watch TV programs there in Spanish. (Kids' shows are especially helpful for this.) It's okay if you mess up. I definitely did. But showing that you're trying is much appreciated.

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?
  • Environment — Granada is not too big but not too small, making it easy to explore the city and all it has to offer, without getting lost.
  • Classes — The classes at IES Granada are challenging and inspiring, and I was able to take a variety of subjects in areas as varied as gender studies and poetry and anthropology.
  • People — People in Granada (and at IES Granada in general) are friendly and exciting, and they want to help you improve your Spanish and learn to love the city as much as they do.
* What could be improved?
  • I honestly think the program was great overall, as is. I suppose one helpful thing could be the formation of an after-school tutoring/mentoring service for IES students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light! You'll buy things abroad and need space in your suitcase. Also bring an extra pair of walking shoes (I wore mine out) and a dictionary.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.