Immersion in Granada, Spain Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system is very different than in the states, but they help you understand an estimated equivalent of your grade. The grades are on a 1-10 scale instead of an A-F scale. The class sizes were much smaller and more intimate. The workload outside of class was very easy and manageable. My teachers spoke only Spanish and refused to speak English. They would not even let you speak English to other classmates. But it was truly helpful and forced me to practice my Spanish.

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were amazing. They arranged getting me picked up from the airport and also taking me back to the airport. They arranged my housing situation. They knew all the best spots to take us. They were very helpful and easy to get a hold of. They spoke English to you if you were having trouble. Every week they would send out a schedule of all of the activities. It was all very organized and they made the trip ten times better.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It took me about thirty minutes to walk to class everyday. Public transportation is much better in Spain. It was easy to take buses or taxis to farther away places, but walking was usually the easiest. Everyone in Spain walks everywhere. My host mom cooked three meals a day and washed and cleaned our clothes, bedding, and room.

The food at the home was usually not my taste, but it was all part of the cultural experience. Sometimes there were dishes I loved. Tapas were a great way to eat out.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The whole trip was a memorable cultural event. Some of my favorites were the arabic bath houses or the hikes through the Cahorros to a waterfall. Or even just seeing the Alhambra, an astounding and beautiful, historical palace. Weekends trips to the Mediterranean beaches I will never forget for the rest of my life.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt pretty safe most of the time in Spain. No more fear than my own town in the states. As long as you are smart and don't do stupid things abroad or put yourself in a dangerous situation, then you will be safe. Anyone who had a health concern was easily taken for help by the program directors. I did not need any vaccines for Granada, Spain.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The lady I lived with did not speak English. My teachers would not speak to me in Spanish or let us students speak to each other in English during class. Our program directors spoke in both Spanish and English with us. It was a great way to quickly improve my Spanish.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

• increased spanish skills

• housing
• so many fun cultural activities
• organization