A Semester for the Books Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/18/2019 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Granada was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much about language, art, communication, etc. Granada is full of so much exciting life, beauty, and culture, and the program really allows you to experience it all. I made incredible friends with whom I was able to travel and experience so many new things; the bonds you make are undoubtedly the best part of going abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers at IES are so knowledgeable, kind, and fun. I learned a lot this semester without being overwhelmed by lots of assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I highly recommend a homestay!

* 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 very safe city; I always felt comfortable.

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

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 food in Granada is really inexpensive! Definitely a great place for a student's minimal budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? AP Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • The teachers/staff
  • The trips/excursions (Morocco especially)
  • My Spanish class
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation was a bit long
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that everyone is feeling the same things when the program first starts and that you'll joke about how worried you were later on. I also wish I knew to pack more sweatshirts because it gets colder than you think.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Islamic Art and Architecture

Course Department:
Instructor: Ana Walta
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my favorite course at IES. Through weekly field trips, I learned so much and gained an appreciation for a subject that I previously knew nothing about.
Credit Transfer Issues: