Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Granada is my home away from home Past Review

By (Spanish and Education, University of Dayton) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 05/24/2019 with

API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad is more than worth it. I learned a lot of Spanish, made friends who live all over the US, made friends who live on the other side of the world, and I now have sisters and a mom on the other side of the world. I learned about the Spanish culture, art, and history. I will use all of this in my career as a Spanish teacher. Granada has my heart and studying abroad is so so so worthwhile.

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.

The professors were amazing. Class sizes are small so that the teachers can help you learn better. I loved all of my professors and learned so much about the Spanish language, history, and culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration women are two of the most kind and loving people you will ever meet. They will help you with academics, life situations, your living situation, things to do around the city, where to travel to, and anything you need. They made this such a wonderful experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family and I can't recommend it enough. I learned so much more Spanish by living with a family. My family was so nice and a lot of fun. Now I have a family half way across the world!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The on-site administration will take you to the doctor if you need to go.

* Safety:

There was never a time that I felt unsafe.

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

I can't explain how much this place and this program means to me. I had the best 4 months of my life studying in Granada and living with my host family.

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 lived with a host family and had 3 meals per day provided. I only bought food if I went out for tapas with friends or while traveling.

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

Living with a host family made me speak Spanish all day everyday. Also, the on-site administrators encouraged me to take my classes in Spanish since I had a high enough level. A few times during the semester, our program set up Language Exchanges so we could meet with native speakers to make new friends and practice our language.

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? 311
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

  • 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?
  • Traveling to Rome and Cadiz as a program.
  • Administrators on site and my host family
  • All the new friends that I made.
* What could be improved?
  • Descriptions of the classes. When I tried to get them approved before leaving my home university it was difficult because the descriptions weren't detailed enough.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is okay to be nervous to go. Just know that it will all work out and you will love studying abroad.

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.