BEST four months of my life!! Past Review

By (Communication, San Diego State University) for

API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took all of my classes in Spanish and it was very beneficial. The teachers were patient but still pushed us to do our best.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone that works for API is WONDERFUL!!!! THey are all so helpful and made you feel very at ease. LOOOOOVE CARMEN! :)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my host family. They became a second family to me and it was extremely hard to leave them. They were so welcoming and really had my best interest at hand. Both my host parents always encouraged me to go out and meet Spaniards and experience the culture/nightlife. We were very close to everything in the city.

* Food:

DELICIOUS! And I really got to true taste of Spanish cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trips were so much fun and caused our group to become extremely close.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I took all my classes in Spanish. I was also living with a Spanish host family who did not speak any English. In addition, API set up intercambios where you would be paired with a Spaniard and take turns helping eachother with your native language.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure that you cherish EVERY minute that you are abroad. The time ends up flying by and once you are home you will wish that you were back in Spain. I left Spain with wonderful experiences and the best friends I have ever had.