The beginning to a sweet relationship with traveling: Studying Abroad in Granada, Spain Past Review
By Kelsey L (Environmental Studies., Pacific Lutheran University) for
Pacific Lutheran University: Granada - PLU and ILACA Consortium
I gained a lot of concrete knowledge, but more than anything, I gained some essential life skills like the value of going with the flow, flexibility, being a leader and also a helpful group member, gaining other perspectives on life, respect for other people and mentalities, and just a huge appreciation for all that other people have to offer in working together and interacting.
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. |
It was a good balance between enough work to keep busy and to be able to retain and gain essential and interesting knowledge as well as have enough free time to interact with the people and culuture in which we were studying. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very helpful and kind so that if we needed anything, it was easy and comfortable to interact with them. They often went over and above the expected "normal" tasks of an administration team-asking about our days, expiriences, lives back home and really just getting to know us! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was blessed with an amazing family who was very fun, supportive, and really helped me better my language skills and confidence. My house was located about a half hour walk from the school, but I loved the chance to get to stroll through the beautiful city and see the interesting assortment of people and activities constantly bustling in the city. I did not really have to buy much of the essentials besides personal items like for the shower and what not. My housing came with bed, bedding, towels, etc. |
| * Food: |
My experience was overall very good with the food. It was fun to experience the typical foods of Granada as well as other foods offered in the city and from my family. One of the best ways to try the different foods is to go out to tapas and the local bars-the smaller ones usually are more authentic and unique! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Some memorable events were going to see Flamenco shows and other musical concerts, and of course traveling around to other main cities and sites. My program did an amazing job of taking us to different places in and outside of Granada that I otherwise probably wouldn't have been able to see or wouldn't have known to go see. Overall, though, some of the best memories were just strolling around the city and discovering the amazing views, and hidden treasures in the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Mainly just use common sense and you should be fine. If you are hurt along the way, the program will work really hard to help get everything (from your injury to the details of dealing with insurance etc) dealt with! |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We could speak with our host families, teachers, other students in the program, as well as any person we encountered on a daily basis. There was a range between some who never used English and some who spoke a fairly high amount of English. |
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? | I say GO FOR IT! Yes, it is hard at times, and yes, sometimes you will question why you did it. But it is an amazing adventure that helps you grow in so many ways and is also just a lot of plain ol' fun! Any student who likes adventure, getting out and seeing new places and people, who are curious about other types of life, and who are willing to be flexible and see what life has in store for them would greatly benefit from studying abroad! |
