IES Granada: Spain Unexpected Past Review
By Megan K (Economics, Bowdoin College) for
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
My study abroad experience encouraged me to pursue Spanish as a second major upon returning to my home institution. I returned with a new perspective and a strength in international knowledge. My plans for this summer include working for an investment manager in its global department, which was clinched by my experience with Spain's economy and the things that I learned abroad.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of the program, particularly the director Javier, were incredibly helpful and in a program of over 100 students were very conscious of each student as an individual. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not need to buy items to settle in, but did buy some groceries periodically. I was treated by my host mom (my senora) as a family member. |
| * Food: |
Be prepared for very simple breakfasts, large lunches in the mid afternoon, and light tapas for dinner. Explore the tapas bars all over the city! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A definite must- the five day trip to Morocco. The trip coincides very well with the classes and the exposure to the culture was a once in a lifetime opportunity. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced language with my peers, my host family, and my professors. I did need to use the host country language in every day interactions. Most people in the academic realm spoke English, but in the city of Granada most people did not. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone considering this particular abroad program should learn more about the city of Granada. It is a beautiful place, and more culturally unique than any of the larger, more international cities of Spain. A student that is eager to improve their Spanish skills while having the opportunity to explore Spain, other European countries, and even Africa should definitely consider IES Granada! |
