An Incredible 4 months July 25, 2024
By A student (Theater Arts, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2024 to 05/18/2024 with
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
It was very worthwhile. I learned how to explore and travel on my own. I learned how to adapt to a new culture and take risks.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were varied in terms of rigor, but all of my professors provided ample resources to complete assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site staff was very responsive and helpful with anything we needed |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took a month or two but I eventually felt very integrated with local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe in Granada. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program is the perfect size and it was easy to make friends with the other american students. Granada is one of the most beautiful cities, it was an amazing experience. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Very easy to live on a minimal budget as 2 meals a day were provided for me. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 5th semester 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? | Try to practice with friends outside of class and actually do the recommended assignments for your Spanish course. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a little difficult to travel to a from Granada as the closest major airport is an hour and a half bus ride away. |
