Granada, Spain: The experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. Past Review
By Chrissy W (Illinois State University) for
University of Granada: Granada - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
When I first decided that I wanted to study abroad I had many concerns and fears of being far away from home and in a completely new and foreign country. I convinced my parents into letting me go even before I fully convinced myself. I had my doubts about going to a Spanish speaking country and being in a very different country but I told myself that I was so lucky to be able to do something like that. When I walked onto the plan, my nerves went chaotic. There were a mixture of emotions during the four months I was in Europe but no words can describe the impact it has had on me and my life. I have seen so much and grown so much because of this breath-taking experience and I would do it again and again and again if i could. The memories and people that I met and left behind will forever be apart of me. The pictures will always be there as a reminder but the true spectacular moments lie within my heart.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We didn't have an on-site program which was a disadvantage for us. We would have loved it if we were given that opportunity but we weren't. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I was a vegetarian so sometimes it was a little difficult to find something to eat but if you explain to them you don't eat certain foods they are more than willing to make you something without the foods you don't like. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I took a 6 day trip to Ireland and loved every moment of it, in fact I didn't want to leave...EVER! We saw the coasts and stayed in Dublin, while we enjoyed our little break off of school and went to the Pubs! It was my favorite part of my whole study abroad experience but what can I say, I'm Irish! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I chose not to get the health insurance through my school, instead I stayed on my dads health insurance plan. I did not need to use it while I was there because I was healthy and dogged any incidents that would or could have put me in the hospital. Granada was a very safe city, however while I was there, there were a few robberies that occurred. The most important thing is to always walk with someone, never go anywhere by yourself especially when it's dark! |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It depended on whether or not I was traveling or not. I traveled quite a bit and I honestly can't say how much I spent per week because it varied so much. I spent close or maybe even more than $5,000 over the course of the 4 months. I did travel to 7 other countries though so that makes me feel a little bit better! If I stayed in Granada for the weekend my spending went down greatly, but i wanted to have the opportunity to see other cultures and learn more. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's very easy to go through money while being in Europe so make sure you know how much you're really spending with the exchange rates. I got 1,500 euro before I even left the United States because it was saving me money. Check the exchange rates daily because they fluctuate so frequently and set aside money for the necessary things you need. Most importantly, PLAN ahead; it will save you money! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | LAN 116 - Second year, Spanish part II |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I studied in Granada, Spain and lived with a host family. They only spoke Spanish along with the majority of the people in Spain. I had a roommate from my school here in Illinois and spoke English only with her or my American friends, otherwise the entire time we were in Spain we had to speak Spanish. I traveled to 7 other countries in Europe, all but one of those spoke English. I was shocked that most of the European countries know the English language. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you don't love Spanish, this program isn't for you. If you want to learn Spanish, this is a wonderful program. Do everything you can to put yourself out there and speak the language and most importantly, don't be afraid. Take advantage of the precious time you have there because it flies by and before you know it, it will be over. Meet new people, try new things and enjoy every second of it because it's a once in a lifetime experience you will probably never get again. |
