Grandeur of Granada Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site directors were always friendly and made sure we knew that they were available for anything we may need. They were very helpful with all medical issues, school conflicts, and home problems. Aside from that, they were eager to engage us in conversation over our experiences so far, making them much more approachable.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program directors did a fantastic job pairing roommates, not to mention the family placements. Moving to a new country is difficult enough without adding in the stress of having a roommate you don't get along with. With SOL, they carefully read your preferences and personal interests and match you with another student similar to yourself. My roommate and I were practically twins! My host family was welcoming and eager to introduce us to the Spanish ways of life, I never felt like an intruder in their home.

My host mom absolutely loved the kitchen and made sure to prepare for us all of the top Spanish meals. I loved that she included foods known in different regions of Spain, especially dishes that were specific to her town.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The only thing that could have made cultural integration better would have been a forewarning that the university for the study abroad students was separated from the main branch. It was a surprise to go to school with mostly Americans. It made me have to work twice as hard when I went out to meet locals, especially those my age.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Granada did not require me to get any vaccinations prior to the trip. I did have minor health issues while abroad, but the medical system was much easier to understand and access in that country. My on-site director brought me to the medical office, got me the paperwork and helped translate anything the doctor said that I didn't understand.

Not once did I feel unsafe in Granada. There were a few times I was made to feel uncomfortable because of unwanted attention by older men, but so long as I didn't acknowledge they let it go. Besides that, I made sure to never walk home alone at night, I either had a male friend or a group of girls to go with.

I would have liked a heads up that my school would be mostly Americans.

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

It can be as easily affordable as you choose to make it. I was provided with three meals a day, but sometimes I opted to eat out for tapas and snack at a cafe. Shopping was another big expense besides travel on weekends.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were constantly encouraged to speak nothing but Spanish! At home was the primary place, but we were also encouraged at school, and most importantly among one another.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• The family and roommate pairings
• Excursion to Sevilla and Cordoba
• Alhambra tour

• Placement test for fluent speakers
• More cultural activities
• Events to introduce all students of the CLM

The Outright Urbanite