Granada: an incredible and life changing experience Past Review
By Elizabeth Z (Spanish, Secondary Education, Valparaiso University) for
Central College Abroad: Granada - University of Granada
To say that my experience was worthwhile is an extreme understatement. I learned so much about the world and I learned how to be independent as well. There is no way I could ever get this experience elsewhere.
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. |
Schooling in Granada was not as difficult as it is in America for me, but I actually really appreciated it because part of being abroad is experiencing culture, travel, etc. and with only moderately challenging work, I learned while not having to sit in my room every single night working on homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone involved in the program in Granada was extremely helpful and encouraging to us. They became like a second family, and it was really evident that they had our best interests in mind the whole time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
All the food is so much more healthy in Spain, be sure to try everything! You may be surprised at what you like! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Each excursion we went on was simply amazing, most specifically the Morocco Exchange program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did get robbed once, and a few other students did as well. Just be cautious and careful with your belongings, and be sure to obviously always travel in groups. |
| 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? | About 30 Euros a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be sure to manage money well. Also, take about money from the atm in bulk, because they will charge you a foreign atm fee as well as a conversion fee. It's best to take out the max amount and store it in your room. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 390 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practice language with the locals, it's so important! |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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