Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

"There is nothing worse in life than being blind in Granada" Past Review

By (Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 01/22/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much insight about the Spanish culture around me. My Spanish skills significantly improved and I had the best four months of my life. My experience was definitely worthwhile!

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget before you go abroad so you can start to plan how much you want to spend while you're there!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 6
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? Get an "intercambio" or exchange, where you can practice your Spanish with them and they practice their English with you!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family was amazing.
  • Granada as a city - beautiful!
  • I made so many friends and traveled to 4 other countries.
* What could be improved?
  • I would like more activities with ISA as a group.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew not to stress about the classes/school work because ISA staff does a great job preparing you.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!