Please take me back!!! March 31, 2021

By (University of South Carolina - Aiken) - abroad from 01/20/2020 to 05/18/2020 with

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would say my biggest takeaway from this program was my language skills, which improved drastically, and also my understanding of global relationships. I am a avid traveler and my time in Spain just help expand my perspective of the world even more. It showed me how important it is to understand different cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very reasonable and appropriate. They were challenging and helped me expand my learning, however they weren't too challenging and I was able to also enjoy my free time outside of academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My AIFS program has two in-country AIFS employees who were there to support the AIFS students. They were really helpful and great. They always addressed needs, concerns, and questions. They were there for the good times, like fun excursions, and not so good times, like emergencies.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my living area. Based on my preferances, I chose to live in an apartment instead of with a host family. AIFS made all the arrangements and I was really pleased. I was housed with 4 other girls, 3 of which who were also in the AIFS program. We were also housed with one Erasmus student from Poland, who I ended up becoming great friends with. Anyways, the apartment had a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer rack, a living room with a TV and sofa, 5 bedrooms and two bathrooms. The apartment also included a cleaning service that came in every few weeks to clean. That was awesome. The rooms were also great. Each bedroom had a queen sized bed, a window, a desk, shelf unit, and closet. They were so spacious and nice. This apartment was also located about a 10 minute walk from my school. I enjoyed the walk each day which helped me see more of the local area. It was also next to the grocery store, local produce shops, parks, shopping, restaurants, and night life.

* Food:

Since I lived in an apartment I was required to provide my own meals. I am accustomed to this so this was no problem for me. I loved the access to fresh produce and also AIFS provided those students who lived in apartments with prepaid cards we were to use for different things like food. I only wish I did more to get a better taste of local cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like the culture there is very young and that it is a place full of students. In other words I never felt out of place or anything like that. Being that I did live in an apartment, i feel like those who lived with a host family learned more about the culture on a more personal level.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't require and healthcare attention while I was abroad But I do remember one girl in the program had to get surgery or something while we where abroad. I remember that she got the surgery and it was fine.

* Safety:

About half way into the program Covid-19 struck and other providers began sending students home. While this made us students sad it is clear that AIFS had our safety in mind. They sent us home as well.

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

Now that I look back at my time abroad I am even more in love and appreciative than I was when I was just returning. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the culture, and the people and everything and it took me being away from it all to realize just how big of an impact that experience had on me. I loved walking the old architecture lined street each day, buying produce from the local vendors, picnicking in the park, watching local people dance Tango in the plaza, and much much more. It was a beautiful experience that really brings a warm and happy feeling when I reminisce.

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)

I was able to live on this budget very well. I cooked at home mostly and I only went out occasionally. the biggest expenses where when I arrived and needed to buy bedding and towels for my apartment. Other than that I managed well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I saved up before I went abroad because I knew I wanted to not have to be worried about not having money. So i saved up and this allowed me to travel to other places and do a lot of other activities that I wanted.

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

When I arrived I was planning to take my classes all in English because my Spanish still wasn't too strong. However, after my Spanish speaking exam they encouraged me to consider taking my courses all in Spanish. I was nervous, but I did do it, and I am so happy I did. I expanded my Spanish speaking skills so much and I am so happy they help encourage that decision.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Immerse yourself in a place where that is the main language. I studied French in a classroom setting for over 7 years and I am still not fluent. I immersed myself in Spanish speaking places and I have seen clear results. I used to never speak Spanish, but I started working in a Mexican restaurant and traveling, including my time abroad, and that's how I am now pretty advanced in my Spanish speaking skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes, learning about topics I never did here in the U.S.
  • The excursions to different parts of Spain
  • The friends I made.
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe finding more ways that students can connect with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about how to navigate the city so that I could really explore it in all it's entirety.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.