The best experience with the greatest people in the most amazing place. Past Review
By Shelly H (Communication, Texas A&M - College Station) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 06/29/2013 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned a lot more about myself and also learned a whole world of information about Spain and it's culture. I greatly increased my knowledge of the Spanish language as well as my appreciation or Spain. I gained a sense of awe for Granada's many natural and man made beauties as well as the beauties of other parts southern Spain. I gained more respect for Spanish history and learned about a whole different lifestyle. It was 100% worthwhile and my only regret is that I was only able to stay one month.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load was very manageable, at first it seemed almost like a blow off class because it seemed so effortless but then I realized I was learning at an alarming rate since I was able to apply what I was learning on a daily basis. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved my program directors in Granada! They were very helpful, friendly and knowledgable. They were always wiling to help but they also had a lot of do with us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
At first I was shocked when I got to Spain and realized my host family didn't know any English at all. It turned out to be wonderful though and my host mom Carmen was incredibly patient, understanding and kind! She also made great food and never made us feel uncomfortable. |
| * Food: |
I love food! It was all very good and not too expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I have never felt more at home anywhere than in Granada. Everyone was so friendly and the city didn't take me long to get acclimated to. I loved the atmosphere of Spain and would love to go back! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any safety issues because we were well informed by our program directors and were smart. We knew to be wary of the gypsies selling rosemary and that, like in any city, it is smart to not travel alone. I never felt threatened and often wondered around the city by myself during the day. |
| 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) |
I was careful with my money but most of what I spent my money on was not required costs. I went on trips and went out for tapas and things which obviously costs money but I was able to have a great time on less than $100 a week |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $85 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say to take money out of ATMs instead of exchanging a lot at the airport because they will often give you a better rate. Also eat with your host family, they make good good and you don't have to pay for it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My class was taught completely I Spanish, my host family spoke solely Spanish and our program directors would after switch between English and Spanish. They also encouraged us to go out and speak to people from Granada I order to better understand the culture and to practice Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 102 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Watch movies in Spanish, watch telemundo, watch news I Spanish, find a friend who speaks Spanish and practice. Don't be afraid to sound ridiculous, you will never get better if you don't practice! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have been a little better prepared for the weather, bringing more shorts and such. I was confused by what I should or shouldn't wear but you could really wear whatever you wanted, it's a pretty normal city. I also wish I would have done the program through the university that would have allowed me to meet with a university student and practice my Spanish. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
