Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

El sueño granadino Past Review

By (Colorado College) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 05/21/2016 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile --I became more independent, flexible, and open-minded. I learned to embrace the Granadino philosophy of "no pasa nada."

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

IES is an extremely well-organized program with a friendly and dedicated staff! I really appreciated how IES coordinated events to help with cultural immersion!

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 affordable city and I actually ended up spending less than in the U.S.

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

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with a host family
  • The atmosphere, culture, and history of Granada
  • Getting to know local students
* What could be improved?
  • Students could be encouraged to speak more Spanish among each other
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, I feel like part of the experience is learning as you go, so I wouldn't have done anything differently.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!