An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By A student (Spelman College) - abroad from 09/03/2017 to 12/20/2017 with
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
I definitely gained an enlightened global perspective from my experience abroad. It was absolutely worthwhile to be able to experience and appreciate a different culture and it is one that I will cherish and reflect upon forever.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I truly loved that the courses IES provides have a direct correlation to the history, culture, and politics of each specific site. |
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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? |
Choosing to live with a family in a homestay was definitely one of the best decisions I could have made! Living with a family allows you to further understand the culture and Spanish language. |
| * 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: |
I felt very safe and secure during my time in Granada. As it is a smaller tourist city, and you still must remain aware, I never felt threatened or in danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I truly loved all of the wonderful opportunities my program had to offer. Between built-in field trips (including an optional trip to Morocco), excursions recommended by our orientation leaders, and my internship teaching English at a local school, I believe that this program is very well-rounded and is willing to meet the needs of every individual student! |
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) |
Thankfully, Granada was a relatively inexpensive city compared to other cities in Spain. However, costs did add up especially if you are not keeping track of your spending. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I absolutely recommend making a budget before studying abroad! This was something that I did not do before studying abroad that I truly wish I would've! |
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 |
Our program highly encouraged us to speak in Spanish; however, it was not required. Each individual student made their own personal decision on the level of language immersion they desired to pursue. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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 taken nine years of Spanish from middle school throughout college prior to my departure. |
| 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? | At the end of the day, it is absolutely your decision whether or not you want to truly immerse yourself within the language of the country you decide to study abroad in or not. It is very easy to resort to your native language when you become frustrated or when hanging out with your friends; however, I recommend trying to speak in your study abroad country's language as much as possible. Studying abroad, while a wonderful experience, passes by very quickly and I recommend taking advantage of this amazing opportunity to be immersed in another language for an entire semester! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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 would say come in to studying abroad with an open mind. Do not have a preconceived idea of what you think your study abroad experience or even your program will be like. Yes it is important to set goals for yourself and arrive with certain expectations, however, remain flexible and open to what each day will bring! |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
