Granada: The most memorable trip yet Past Review
By Kimberly M (political science, University of Houston) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Yes, I gained international perspective about the Spanish people of Granada that I will always remember and made me more aware of the culture that is tied to a single language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Class was set up like a normal American classroom, classes were small, and the teachers were enthusiastic about teaching, tests were difficult |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was a great experience and overall program expectations were met. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Everything in Granada is within walking distance, very hilly city, no air conditioning but you get used to it quickly, nightlife was very lively, it was normal to see families out in the city parks until 11, Granada is a fairly safe neighborhood, it's all a matter of being aware at all times, host family was very nice and home cooked meals everyday. Shared a room with another girl from the program and lived in an apartment, very common for Granada. |
| * Food: |
I'm from Texas so I was disappointed right away when I realized there was no spicy food in the city, but the food in general is pretty okay, make sure to like ham, that's all Spanish people eat, and white bread with every meal, free tapas at every restaurant/bar, tapas are like Spanish appetizers, lunch is biggest meal of the day and you'll be provided a giant homemade lunch by your host mom. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Sol Education Abroad provides soooo many events on a weekly basis, trips to places and different group visits to different parts of the city, best part of my trip was the beach excursion to Nerja, very beautiful, also once you are in Europe it makes it really easy and cheap to visit other parts of Europe on an open weekend. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I had an allergic reaction to horses when we went horseback riding and the program director was very accommodating. The overall safety of Granada is high as long as you stay in groups and just have a side purse that zips shut and can be across your chest in your site at all times, other than that it's fine. |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Hardly anyone in Spain speaks English, you'll use it in everyday interactions, host family didn't speak any English, and program directors always greatly encouraged Spanish and no English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Definitely do this trip, there are so many things to gain from taking this trip and all the memories gained from this trip are priceless. |
