I love to Travel. Past Review

By A student (Psychology/Spanish, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/26/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

If you want to do something (even just a little bit) you should do it even though it may be scary and/or intimidating because if may be the greatest thing you ever do. such as studying abroad. a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Review Photos

CEA Global Education: Granada, Spain Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Unversidad de Granada
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.	I thought it was ideal for being in a foreign country and being able to travel and experience the culture. I had classes four days a week except for four weeks out of the semester we had Friday classes. Also my classes didn't require an extensive amount of homework.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	the program director gave birth to a little boy while I was there so she was busy doing things in relationship to that. I was a little saddened that she wasn't as involved as I had anticipated, but for an understanding reason.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was relatively close to the university and the rest of the city center. I enjoyed my homestay very much so the room was of good quality and there were two bathrooms which was nice having four girls live there (including the host mother) everything was great.
* Food:	The food was delicious! :) however sometimes I really would have liked less bread at breakfast! Or a variety of drink at the dinner table (only had water for lunch and dinner). But I was never hungry and the food was always tasty.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The only thing I think that would have helped this program to integrate it more culturally was to combine classes with natives. The CLM building where all of my classes were held were extremely far away from all other university buildings so I was limited in my interaction with students from Granada.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I did not encounter any problems to where I experience any health care issues and or treatment.
* Safety:	I felt safe in the city but being a girl walk alone at night I would feel a little anxious. I would recommend not trying to stick out as an American and to be friendly. People are willing to help you in any way!
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)	easily all my meals were included so I didn't need much money for spending except for travel and gifts which are always optional. When I say they were included, I paid for them along with my housing at an additional cost. I believe $900 for the semester.
* Was housing included in your program cost?	No
* Was food included in your program cost?	No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	less than 50€ unless I was traveling or paid for my tickets.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Experience the culture: don't be stingy but don't waste your money on non-cultural related activities. Also before you pay for things see what your program provides many of the cultural activities in the city are provided through your program. Also KEEP IN MIND while abroad the prices are in Euros which is MORE than the American Dollar. Just because things look cheap calculate the price in dollars before you make your purchases and you will drastically help your spending abroad.

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	All the time.
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?	Spanish 330
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?	don't be scared, they will be proud of you just for trying!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
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?	Program provided trips having no classes on Friday cutural events within the city
* What could be improved?	sticking to a set schedule be more prompt about informing the students about trips and other upcoming events.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	The weather in Spain is COLD in the winter and part of the Spring! I had to buy sweaters, a coat and boots!

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	POE
Course Department:	Spanish Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	I really enjoyed the classroom centered around conversation and discussion. It was interesting to go to also found my self looking forward to the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No every class I had transferred. This I believe came back as Phonetics or Advanced conversation I am not certain as of right now.