Spain was amazing! I had so much fun. Past Review

By Arielle E (Global Studies, St. Edward's University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned studying abroad is amazing. I learned I can do it successfully the second time. I learned to take more risks and have fun. Traveling before by myself is easier when I know the language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Spanish level I originally tested into was not right for me. It was too easy, and they said normally no switching was allowed.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	At first I was scared if we would all know each others names and I was not sure if the staff in Granada would get to know me. Everything worked out fine. The staff in Granada was fabulous.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I did not need to buy anything. My Senora was amazing, the food was good, accommodations were good. If anything I could have bought a fan for the room, but did not. I was treated like family and when she took a weekend trip she left us food in the refrigerator. She helped us with transportation if we wanted to go to the beach and packed us lunches.
* Food:	We were vegetarians, my host family sisters and I. My Senora was very accommodating.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I loved going to see the flamenco show with my program. It was interesting because the two programs overlapped and we saw the flamenco show as we were just about to leave.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I had no health needs. Doctors were available and I had a friend who was sick on the program and got seen.
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
Language acquisition improvement?	I stayed with a host family, which helped force me to speak the language. I also spoke Spanish with everyone I would. My host sisters and I made a rule that if we were in public areas of the house we had to speak Spanish.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?