Granada: A Study Abroad Student's Paradise Past Review
By Ricotomate (Spanish Language and Literature., Illinois State University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
I gained everything from language skills, to learning how to operate public transportation. It was worth every penny.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education I received in Spain was great! The 2 hour classes seem to pass in the blink of an eye, and the professors are interesting people who have a lot to say about their own culture. They want to help you in anyway possible, and it is easy to have a good relationship with each one! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Always available. The response to e-mails was quick, and the staff members were always there for you |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was great! I lived with a host family. My señora was a great cook and always looked forward to spending time with us. It truly gave me a great view on Spanish families and the culture present there |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing. Seafood, olive oil, and rice are big in Spain, and I love all three. There is also a variety of restaurants to choose from! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt I integrated very well. People were easy to talk to and were generally interested in getting to know you. Spaniards love to talk and spend time together, so the culture was very proactive in this. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any healthcare issues during the trip. |
| * Safety: |
The safety of Granada is like no other. I had no problems and felt perfectly safe walking home alone at night. |
| 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) |
I would say a 3. It was expensive to travel and buy things, but you could generally live for very cheap in Granada. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20 to 50 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget! Make early plans! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
No one spoke English at all to you so you really had to learn the 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? | 116 |
| 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? | Take Spanish classes! |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I should have taken a year instead of a semester |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
