IES Abroad Granada: The BEST place to study abroad in Spain Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the classes at the IES Granada center because they connected the classroom with the culture and location outside of it. We went on field trips to get a better sense of what we were studying and had speakers from the local community. The workload was not as hard as at home, but it was still engaging. The instructors recognized the added challenge of working in a foreign language and were always there to support us with extra help. I also took class at the University of Granada, which gave me the experience of a totally foreign educational system and the opportunity to meet more Granadino students. At IES Granada you have the option of taking all of your classes at the center, in English or Spanish, and you can choose to take class at the University as well.

On-site administration of your program

The director of the program, Javier, is awesome. Everyone loves him. He somehow manages to run the school, teach classes, go on the trips with the program, forge relationships with every student, and maintain a home life. He is truly extraordinary. There is also support staff to help with the homestay experience, the academic program, setting up trips and activities, etc. They all make studying abroad so much easier!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is arranged through IES. My host family was by far the best part of my experience. I lived with a mother and her older daughter in a beautiful apartment in the center of Granada, in a gorgeous, lively plaza. It was less than ten minutes' walk to the IES center, though many people did live farther away than I did. It was totally safe. I never felt unsafe walking alone until very late at night, and no one ever harassed me in the street. Proximity to nightlife? It's everywhere in Granada, so that was never a problem for anyone. Your host family provides everything for you, does your laundry, cleans the room, etc. My host mother was just one of the best people I've ever met, and every day during comida (lunch) we talked over Spanish meals like lentil soup, chorizo, tortilla, etc. It was a great chance to improve my Spanish and I made such great interpersonal connections.

IES Abroad finds families that can accommodate dietary restrictions, but I didn't have any. A host family provides breakfast and lunch and you're on your own for dinner-- which is better, so you can go out and try out the tapas bars! Breakfast is simple, but lunch is huge and a real cultural experience. There is often a lot of egg and ham, but that can be avoided if you want.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

IES Abroad takes you on several trips throughout the program, but leaves plenty of time for your own excursions as well. We went to Cabo de Gata for a weekend at the beach, Sevilla and Córdoba for art tours and flamenco performances. The best trip is the Morocco trip, which is really special. We got to stay with a host family in Rabat, meet lots of young people, and even go to the public baths! A very genuine experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IES Abroad provides sessions in the orientation to help you understand the safety and health aspects of studying abroad in Granada. I never had any problems, so I can't comment too much on this. I would say don't leave your things unattended in a bar if you don't want them stolen; otherwise if you use good judgement you'll be fine!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Most people do not speak English in Granada. They are proud of their own language. But I used my Spanish with my host family, in all of my classes, and walking about the city every day.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family