Spain: A Beautiful Place And Experience. Past Review
By Erin C (Political Science and Government., Trinity University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada
Yes. It was very worthwhile. I would do it again in a heartbeat and wouldn't change a thing.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Granada |
| 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. |
There wasn't too much homework, but the class did require outside practice. It was mostly conversational- which made the class A LOT more interesting than american foreign language study. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors were local, and very helpful. They were bilingual and were definitely good at helping us adjust to cultural differences. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment I stayed in was extremely close to the city center and in walking distance of my school. I loved my host mom (an elderly woman who lived alone). They also paired me up with a good roommate. The apartment was very nice and clean. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was an EXCELLENT cook- even though Spanish food was definitely not my favorite. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everything included in the program was awesome. I wouldn't suggest any changes. There were a couple excursions to other cities in Spain (including a good amount of time in Madrid)- it was very well planned and the accommodations were always very nice. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt like my personal safety was in jeopardy. |
| 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? | I mostly only spent money on the weekends, since my food during the week was included through my host mom. And most of it was spent shopping. I'd say about $100- not including traveling expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would definitely make sure you have plenty of spending money, because the exchange rate alone (Euro) makes everything more expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Between my host mom and the classes, my spanish has improved tremendously in a very short amount of time. |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it! |
