Granada: The Last Moorish Stronghold in Iberia Past Review
By Paige L (International Studies and Spanish, Ohio State University - Columbus) for
ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain
Yes- I'm an international traveler! Global perspective will forever change you for the better.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | La Universidad de Granada |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not a lot of work, but capricious grading system; very little consistency between professors on expectations, so be sure to communicate with your professor to see just what he or she wants from you in order to earn a good grade. Very relaxed teaching style with high encouragement to participate and speak up in class. While the teaching setting is open and comfortable, that does not mean students can let themselves go like they often do in the U.S.. Sitting up straight, not yawning, and dressing appropriately is expected by the teacher. Mostly everyone runs late, though, so most professors do not penalize students for being a couple of minutes tardy to class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host university seemed unorganized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I would not do the host family if I were to study abroad again. A communal dorm with other international students would be a better learning experience I believe. Too many restrictions with a host family. |
| * Food: |
My senora cooked as cheaply as possible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions and trips during long weekends/breaks were among the best times I have ever had and will never forget! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt VERY safe. Safer than in my home city! |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone around me. Yes. Only other students in the program spoke English. |
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 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? | Hang out with as many people as possible that are NOT in your program! Try to make Spanish friends and speak Spanish. Period. |
