Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Una Ciudad Mágica Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/30/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a huge amount of Spanish as well as cultural competency. I learned a lot about myself and what was important to me, and I became much more independent and confident.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~75 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat tapas!

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? 4th semester
How many hours per day did you 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

  • 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 administrators were so helpful and really cared about making the students happy and safe
  • I loved the location of the IES building and how IES interacted with the city of Granada
* What could be improved?
  • The academics were not stimulating at all. I did not enjoy the teaching styles and felt that most of the work was busy work that did not contribute to my learning.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about Spain's history and the history of Granada. I wish I had known more about how to deal with difficult issues of cultural competency such as discussing LGBT rights with my host parents.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.