Go to Granada Past Review

By Emma Martens (George Washington University) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/18/2018 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about the history of Spain from before the Catholic Kings and it was incredibly worthwhile. Most times when people talk about Spain it's almost like it's history begins with Isabel and Ferdinand, but I got to learn about what Spain and especially Granada was like before Catholicism.

Review Photos

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.	The classes were incredibly interesting and I found that most of the challenge was in the language, not the content.
* 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 Granada is the most amazing city to study abroad in. It is the perfect mix of historic and modern city. There is always something to do and IES ensures that students always know what's going on in the city!

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)	The only costs you have are food. But, in Granada food is very inexpensive.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Traveling away from your study abroad can be costly. Try really getting integrated into the city that you live. Sometimes it can be more rewarding that see another city for 12 hours.

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 2006
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Try and incorporate it into every part of your day. Listen to podcasts, music, and movies in the language you are trying to learn. Also, practice with your host families and professors!

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 trips organized by IES The classes the events organized by IES
* What could be improved?	Communication with "Orientadores"
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known about the accent they have in Southern Spain. Many people are concerned about the lisp that occurs in northern Spain. But, in southern Spain there is also a pretty prominent accent.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Memory and Identity of Sephardic Jews
Course Department:	Religion/History
Instructor:	Alicia Ramos-González
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	The teacher is incredible. She is so understanding and knowledgable. The content is endlessly interesting and the homework is very manageable.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I had no credit transfer issues.