Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Awakening my thinking, altering my perspectives, and filling me with joy Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more at ease with uncertainty and to embrace the ambiguity that is present in times of growth. I also gained a great deal of independence and confidence in the person I am and am growing into. My language skills also greatly improved and I learned to how to empathize with others better. This experience was more than worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES Abroad Granada staff were passionate about their work, accessible to students, and they were very devoted to understanding and supporting all students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay situation was wonderful and was a played a major role in how this experience influenced my personal growth.

* Food:

My host mother was an incredible cook and when I did not eat with her, it was easy to find reasonably priced, good food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt as though I was pretty well integrated with the local culture especially since I lived in a homestay and spent time with local students.

* 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

The IES Abroad Granada program provided me with amazing opportunities to learn and grow in a beautiful city and cultural context previously unfamiliar to me. It also led me to build very meaningful lasting relationships and to live experiences I will continue to learn from even while I am back home.

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)

Granada has very reasonably priced food that is very good as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Give yourself a budget and do your best to follow it. Prioritize the things you want to do/have so that you can work those into your budget.

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? Spanish 3015V - Honors Composition and Communication
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? Listen to music, podcasts, and watch TV shows and movies in the language. Try to practice with others who speak the language. Use duolingo to refresh and improve your language skills.

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 I met as a result
  • The beautiful city
  • The trips and other group activities
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with local students
  • Communication regarding academics after the program ends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had taken it more to hearth that four months flies by and that you are learning and growing in every moment of the experience.

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.