Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Hidden Gem of Spain Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 01/26/2016 to 05/22/2016 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad, while challenging at times was definitely worthwhile, and my favorite semester of my college experience. Take advantage of the opportunity if you can. Abroad gave me the opportunity to reflect on many of the aspects of my life and path that I take for granted while at school in the United States. The opportunity to travel and jump into a completely different culture helped to me to clarify my goals for the short and longer term.

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.

Class offerings were varied and interesting, but not particularly rigorous or demanding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Incredibly well organized program (very reassuring for worried parents)

* 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

Granada has everything I could have asked for in a study abroad host city. It has the fun and excitement of a student city, with a rich cultural history, and breathtaking natural beauty only steps away. The IES team are clearly seasoned professionals and they anticipated our needs and concerns before, during, and after the program. I felt well prepared and well supported throughout the experience.

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)

In Granada you get a free tapa with every drink you order! Easily spend 5euro on dinner and drinks

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? Advanced Language through Content
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? I wish I had spoke Spanish more with my American friends, it is hard to turn it on and off throughout the day.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The free tapas
  • The introduction to Spanish history and culture
* What could be improved?
  • More variation in academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone comes to study abroad with different experiences, expectations, and goals - don't let that get in the way of crafting your own adventure. While study abroad is fulfilling, beautiful, and thrilling, it is also frustrating, hard, and challenging - cherish each part of it and don't compare your experience to anyone else's.

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.