Sol Education Abroad Trip to Granada: The Only Program I'd Ever Go With Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was consistent, but never too much. I had homework every night for my first session of classes, which were a set of intensive grammar/conversation classes. My second set of classes were much more laid back, but I feel like I still learned a lot. They focused more on the history and culture of Spain, and I enjoyed them a lot. We had a few tests to study for, so I still kept busy enough.

On-site administration of your program

I couldn't have asked for a better program to take part in, and the directors/anyone involved were all excellent. They were never out of reach and were able to answer any and all questions any of us had. They were patient, incredibly helpful with any issues I had with registration, and always willing to help in any way. The program size itself was perfect. There were about 15 of us in each session, which was a great size because there were enough of us so that it didn't feel small, but not too many of us to just be a number. I was able to meet some great people, and I think the size of the program definitely helped us all connect more easily. Sol Education went above and beyond any expectations I had going into last summer.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family were some of the best people I've ever had the opportunity to know. Maria and Juan were so sweet and hospitable, and I was so lucky to be placed in their home. Their apartment was only a 10-15 minute walk from school, and they were close to the city center, so everything was easily accessible from there. They provided everything I needed to live there, and I never felt uncomfortable there. They welcomed each and every one of us with open arms and made me feel like a part of their family. They were one of the best parts of my whole experience in Spain.

The food in Spain was amazing. I had one meal the entire time I was there that I didn't care for, and I ate a lot, so that's impressive. There were so many places to choose from to eat, so I was constantly able to try new things. And just in case I ever missed a good burger or fries, there was a Burger King right down the road. It was so great to be able to try so many new things, and everything was fairly cheap, so that was nice for a college student on a budget. Luckily for me, my host family provided at least 2 meals a day, every day, and they made some awesome food too, and kept it very authentic.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of our excursions with our program were awesome, from hiking in the mountains to beach trips to visits to other cities, I was able to see so much of Spain. I was able to visit Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Seville and Cordoba, among others. They took us on tours of Granada so that we could truly see the whole city, and we also went to a bull fight one night. That was an experience I'll never forget... or repeat, but I'm glad I tried it. There was never a dull moment in the program because of all Sol had to offer for us.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never felt unsafe. So long as you're smart about where you go/who you go with, you'll be fine. It's the same anywhere you go. Granada was a great city, and I felt safe everywhere I went there, no matter the time of day. I just always made sure to travel with a group so it wasn't an issue.

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

I was able to practice Spanish any time because I was always surrounded by it. My professors only allowed Spanish in the classroom, my host family tried their hardest to only let us use Spanish in the house, and my program directors would use Spanish almost exclusively on our excursions (unless some of us needed a translation here and there). When I was just hanging out with friends, it was difficult to not speak in English because it was more comfortable, but we still tried to practice.

Select all that apply

• Apartment
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Americans

• Host family
• the flexibility of the program
• Excursions/cultural experiences

• Can't think of anything