Spain, a lifechanging experience for me. Past Review
By Plamen I (International Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain
My experience was worthwhile. I gained a greater cultural understanding from this program and an open mindness about the world. My future plans are to have a career where I can live and work abroad or work mfor some study abroad program. And of course, to go abroad again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational system in Spain is somewhat different that the one in the United States. For example, the Spanish grading scale is from 0-10. !0 is an A, 7-9 B etc.. The workload at the Spanish universities is somewhat less demanding than in the United States. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA has great support services. They were very helpful to the students and were there when the students really needeed them. The ISA staff was knowleadgeble about Spain and the American higher education. The program size was about 70 students. My expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I arranged housing through ISA before my departure. My neighborhood in Spain was safe. The house was in close proximity to class and because it was in the center to all the nightlife. I did not need to buy any items to settle in. I was treated great by my host family as a family member. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The best field trips by my program tha that we had were to the Alhambra in Granada, the Royal Chapel, The Alcazaba of Seville and the Royal Palace of Madrid. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My host city was overall safe. There was no violent crime only minor incidents. My safety advice for future students is to be aware of their surroundings and to always travel in groups. Healthcare was easily accessible. My program were helpful in that. The local healthcare system is more affordable than the healthcare system here at home. Everyone in Spain has universal healthcare. The only health issue in this country at the time was thye swine flu. Yes, I had to get a vaccine for this program. |
| 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
| 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? | Just go! If you die without seeing the wonders of the world, you have not lived. Everyone will benefit from this program. |
