Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living My Best Life, Becoming My Best Self Past Review

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/17/2018 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am much more confident in my conversational Spanish skills. I can talk about just as complex topics in Spanish as I can in English. I definitely gained a better sense of self and how I navigate the world with the multiplexity of my identity.

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

* 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:

Granada is a relatively safe city. There were many times I walked home alone at 3/4am. It is not uncommon for there to still be people moving around at clubs and bars at this hour. Just use the same common sense that you would in your home country and ou will be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I liked the classes that were offered through my program, and it was one of the few programs in the city of 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average roughly 30/35 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money beforehand. You will probably send the most money in your first month because you are going out and exploring a lot. I highly suggest downloading a budgeting app like Mint just to keep an eye on want your spending your money on and whether you need to adjust your spending habits.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Fourth year university Spanish
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? Actively talk in the host country's language with other people on your program. There will be tendencies to speak English with the people on your program, but even if they're talking in English reply back in the host language. Get as much practice as you can. Look into volunteering in the community. Volunteering is the best way to interact with other locals and speak the language.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The students
  • The program professors
  • The program field trips
* What could be improved?
  • How they deal with diversity and inclusion
  • The vetting/training process for host families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should have gone to more language exchange meetings and tried to build more relationships with locals

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.