Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IES Abroad Granada Past Review

By (Miami University) - abroad from 09/09/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made fantastic friends and improved my Spanish. In my opinion it was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* 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

I loved the IES Abroad program. They had great teachers and directors and I always knew what was going on schedule-wise. They were organized and made sure everyone was doing well.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be aware of prices and learn moderation.

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? SPN 351
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. Even if others are speaking English, speak Spanish. Make friends with some locals and talk with them. Don't worry about making mistakes, it's part of learning. Talking is the best thing you can do.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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 opportunities.
  • The experiences.
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything that could have been done better.
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had a lot of trepidation about living in the Residence Hall and interacting with people on the street. I would have been calmer knowing it was going to be fine.

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!