Granada, Spain: Oh My, Amazing! Past Review
By Maya K (Social Studies - political science focus, Hamline University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain
YES. I learned what kind of life attitude I needed to have to be happy and how to balance work and social life. I developed a wider understanding of the way countries interact in a global economy and the impact just one ruler can have. It instilled a strong desire to continue to travel. I have become an addict :)!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Everything was excellent though I wish my teachers would have been a bit more engaging in creating authentic learning experiences. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA was extremely wonderful. They were helpful, amply staffed, and the perfect size. They had answers to all of my questions, were willing to assist me in daily situations or with living arrangements. They were very invested in making sure my trip was a good learning experience. They kept the size of the program small but large enough for a variety of people. They had lots of group events and team building activities. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The men in the cities would hoot and holler but I felt very safe and the men were harmless. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent waaaay more than I thought I was going to. I viewed my trip as my "rainy day". I ended up spending most my money on foods that I wanted to try. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure you save for little things like suntan lotion, shampoo, and fun treats(!). You will want to fully enjoy the city and the country and that involves expenses. Also, prepare to buy clothes and meals. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language daily with staff, my host family, and the english language learners ISA introduced us to. All staff as well as host families spoke english BUT they would strive to only use Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you like a diverse city that offers upscale shops and food, and hippy dives and gypsy folks--Granada is for you. In one year you won't see half of this small city. There are so many nooks and crannies, museums and clubs, that it would be impossible to every fully see everything. Granada has a welcoming feel and everything is within walking distance. Plus, FREE tapas. |
