Granada, Spain: Amazing memories in a beautiful city. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did learn alot in the classes but I feel like my Spanish improved the most just living with the host family and in everyday life. The way I was taught grammer and speaking did help me alot of the time, I liked how my teachers in Spain corrected little things on the spot when I was speaking, I never witnessed that during my Spanish classes throughout both High School and College.

On-site administration of your program

There was no on-site assistance. Alot of the other programs with the University had their own office inside the building. Our program had none whatsoever. We were on our own alot of the time and expected to figure out and solve most issues on our own. It would have helped alot if there was some people one site. Just little things, we were suppose to have an abundance of passport size photos and we were not told that, therefore participants of my program spent alot of time looking for somewhere we could get that taken care of. If we had somebody on site they would have been able to warn us, or even help us locate a facility where we could take care of the issue.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In my program I lived with a host family which included a "Senora" an older women and her daughter. It was myself and one other girl from my school sharing a room, and we also had an international student from France and later from Japan. The experience helped me learn alot of Spanish. The host mom provided towels and sheets etc. She cleaned our room once a week as well as did our laundry once a week. She also cooked us 3 meals a day. I felt very welcomed in her home but at the same time it was run like a business. My host mom's house was located very close to night life so I enjoyed that lot. She was located a little far from school about a 20 minute walk which wasn't as bad as some others in my program.

My senora was an amazing cook and made us alot of traditional Spanish dishes in which I enjoyed alot. Prior to studying abroad I was kind of picky, this really put me out of my comfort zone and I tried things I would have not normally ate. I ended up liking/eating things I never would imagined. It was a great experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Take advantage of any possible trips. I went in the Spring so I attended alot of famous events like Carnival, a big festival in Europe that is very enjoyable. Attend a Bull Fight! I didn't attend one but it is very cultural and exciting.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe in my city, I was nervous sometimes but the city has generally low crime rates.

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

Practiced with fellow students, host family, every class. Nobody spoke English it was very rare to meet somebody in Granada who spoke English that was not American. Speaking the language is highly encouraged and does help significantly improve one's oral level.

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• Host Family

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• International Students
• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans