Viva Granada! An Unforgettable Adventure. Past Review
By Kara G (Biomedical engineering, University of South Carolina - Columbia) for
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
After studying in Granada, I learned to adapt and become more accepting of different people. I made close friendships, and still keep in touch with those friends today. I learned so much about the Spanish culture, and am in love with anything and everything Spanish now. My time abroad was the time of my life. I wouldn't change anything; the setbacks and problems at the time are now my favorite memories and funniest stories.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were fantastic, and truly cared about the students. They were interactive, and made learning the language entertaining and easy. They also brought in aspects of Spanish culture, which was very interesting. They expected a lot out of their students, but encouraged the students to truly learn the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors were incredible. They took the time to learn each student, and were available for advice or help at any time. The tours of the city were great, and the directors were able to offer relevant and interesting information about Granada. I enjoyed all of the activities offered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved that the majority of people from our program were placed in the same area of Granada. We were truly able to explore and get to know our neighborhood, as opposed to only the touristy locations. Our apartment was about a 30 minute walk to school, but the walk was full of beautiful sites. We could walk to anywhere in the city, but if we needed to take a cab, they were very inexpensive. I had to provide towels, but my Senora provided the rest. She treated us like family, she made her house rules clear. After a few days of adjusting, living with a family was easy and fun. |
| * Food: |
Our Senora consistently encouraged us to eat more, but never forced us. Her cooking was fantastic, and there was a good variety. She used natural ingredients, and always had fruit for after meals. There was a great selection of local food in our area. We loved kebabs (especially late at night), crepes and gofres, and tapas. Tapas are great, it's fun to order a drink and be surprised by what food they will bring out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Paula and Edu frequently led us on "paseos" and we were able to really learn the city of Granada from their information. La Alhambra is fantastic, and such a characteristic aspect of Granada. It was wonderful exploring the confusing streets of the Albaicin and Sacromonte, and playing fulbol was fun too! I enjoyed all of the events planned. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Granada, crime was relatively low. The girls in our group always stayed with guys, and we never had problems. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, there shouldn't be a problem. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language with my host family, my professors, and just in everyday life. Most people in Granada do not speak English, which was great because I was forced to use the language constantly-- the best way to learn. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The most important thing is to be open to new situations. Be open to meeting new and different people, be accepting of a new culture. Most everything is different from the US, but that doesn't mean that it is necessarily bad. In being flexible and ready to adapt to any situation, you will have the time of your life! A student willing to immerse themselves in the culture and make new connections is perfect for this program. Granada is a city small enough that you can really learn the city, yet big enough that there is always something new to try. |
