Granada: The City of Cultural Fusion Past Review
By Taylor Mills (Hope College) - abroad from 01/26/2016 to 06/01/2016 with
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
I learned a wide range of useful information, from simply learning how to navigate a foreign city to acquainting myself with the fine aspects of a culture. My language abilities improved a great deal, and moreover, my confidence with the language and locals certainly improved. I have a greater appreciation for different ways of life and find such knowledge and experiences exceptionally rewarding.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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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) |
Since tapas are free with the purchase of any beverage and students tend to go out frequently for tapas, the program does not provide dinners. This is good and bad. It definitely encourages students to go out and experience the city and culture more, but it also puts more of an economic demand on students. To be fair though, a tapa is usually only 2-3 euro a piece. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20-30 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up before you go! Having the freedom to fully immerse yourself and take advantage of the amazing opportunities available is so important, so giving yourself the financial support to do this is a must. |
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? | I had completed Introduction to literature, the course after Spanish VI |
| 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? | Join an extra-curricular activity/group!!! |
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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I had known just how often I would be going out to get dinner. As an introvert that was a bit of a shock at first. Having a good financial base and mental preparation would be very useful. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
