Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Unexpectedly Amazing Semester Past Review

By (Macalester College) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/19/2018 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence in myself throughout my time abroad. It was 100% worthwhile.

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.

The classes weren't as hard as at my home school but that didn't mean I didn't enjoy them!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was absolutely no way my experience would have been nearly as rewarding without my host mom.

* 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 was so nervous going in to my semester abroad but I could not have been any happier there. I am so thrilled I decided to spend my spring in Granada.

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)

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 305: Introduction to Hispanic Studies: Oral and Written Expression

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host mom
  • The trips planned by the IES staff
  • All the new friends I made
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to spend some days just living a normal life like you would back home. I sometimes felt pressure to do special/crazy things each day because I was abroad and I felt like that's what I should have been doing to take full advantage of the experience. While some days doing those things are great, some of the most mundane days spent with friends just hanging out in different places in Granada turned out to be some of my favorite moments of the semester.

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!