Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely incredible! Past Review

By (Ramapo College) - abroad from 01/08/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I matured, learned to be independent and learned that with courage you are able to travel alone.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Edu and Noelia were absolutely amazing! I felt so at home while I was there. They were always willing to help and available when I needed them. They are so caring and when my parents came to visit they helped them have the best 10 days abroad in Spain!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a homestay and fell in love with my host-mom. She was so caring and loving and treated me as if I was here own. Although, it was difficult to communicate sometimes, we made it work! She invited me to family events and when my parents came to visit, she invited them over and made her best paella! I would highly suggest living in a homestay! There is a sense of security because they know their way around the city and can help you whenever you need.

* Food:

My mom cooked every meal for me, and I can say that it was all delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved walking around the city and meeting new people!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

AIFS was very helpful with insurance when I had to go to the doctor and reimbursed me with all my medical care.

* Safety:

Granada, is a very safe city. I never ever felt like I was in danger and I walked home from the clubs late at night, sometimes alone and I never was nervous. People are willing to help you if you are lost and you see children everywhere you go, even at 11 at night.

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

I loved Granada! The small town makes you feel at home, the food is delicious and the history is incredible!

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)

If you budget well, you will be able to live with $100 a week.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget well.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

I tried speaking Spanish to residents on the street, in restaurants, on the phone and my host mom spoke no English, so I was forced to speak Spanish all the time.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 4 High School Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The on-site staff
  • The food, families and travel
* What could be improved?
  • Encouraging students to meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Spanish before going.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.