Exploring and Growing in Granada! January 19, 2023

By (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/01/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be myself in a new place; I learned a lot of history and thought about the world in different ways. It was definitely 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.

I really liked all my professors at the IES study center. The classes I took were engaging and the workload was manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were friendly and easy to talk to. I loved the trips that we did to different cities in Spain and to Morocco.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For a dorm, it was more or less comfortable.

* Food:

The residence hall food wasn't always good but the staff were very nice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any health issues during the program but people I knew were able to access healthcare.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe walking around the city even at night; that said, you should always have a buddy with you especially when you go out to a club or bar.

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

The program was very well run and the staff were helpful. I learned a lot in my classes and felt supported during my time abroad.

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)

Most of the expenses were covered through the program tuition. I mostly needed money for meals on the weekends but food costs are lower in Spain than they are in the US.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30-$40

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 literature
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? Get involved in activities in Granada and hang out with the Spanish students!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 staff
  • The trips with the program
  • Local student "orientadores"
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to interact with local students
  • More integration into local life
  • Residential life
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not be afraid to use my Spanish even if I'm not totally confident.

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!