Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Granada: Mecca for International Students Past Review

By (English, Western Washington University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I fell in love with Spain. My experience has sparked a desire to study, live, and travel overseas. I have been inspired to pursue a way of life that will involve travel. The interactions with people while studying abroad has broadened my worldview and showed me the importance of experiencing new things.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I the class structure and grading policies noticeably different from my American University, however the faculty at Universidad de Granada was very helpful in explaining their expectations. The workload was actually pretty similar to what I am used to in the states.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My only complaint about the program would have been its size. There was a large group of Americans with varying levels of Spanish. Because of this there was often a lot of English used when we traveled in groups.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was delicious and there was a great variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The trips (especially the excursion to Morocco) were amazing. It allowed me to see a great deal of Spain in an affordable and stress-free way. The program leaders were especially fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt in danger. I was not robbed and the program kept us in safe areas.

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Speak to the natives! Make and effort to use the country's language everywhere you go.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city and the people.
  • The excursions.
  • The program coordinators.
* What could be improved?
  • The academics could be made more challenging.
  • Their could be a stronger emphasis on the use of the language.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This city/program is great for a student who enjoys a youthful city and wonderful night life. There is much to be learned from the streets and the locals.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Producion Oral y Escrito
Course Department:
Instructor: Aurelio Rios
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The professor had a very modern approach to the classroom setting. He was very fun and knew how to engage the students.
Credit Transfer Issues: