Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Super Guay Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 09/07/2013 to 12/18/2013 with

Central College Abroad: Granada - University of Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself that I can't even put it into words. It is this massive chunk of my life where I was very flexible and formative. Spain thought me more than just Spanish. It taught me how to live. I have barely left, and I already want to go back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not super intense, but intense enough to help me learn the language in a timely manner while allowing me to experience the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes it's a bit interesting navigating the Spanish education system, but it never caused any significant problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was fantastic. We had some Misunderstandings, of course, because of my language level, but she was a very good host mother.

* Food:

Fantastic. I'm missing it dearly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I stayed in Granada for most of the term, and as a result, I feel super connected to the city and country. I am having withdraws and it has only been a month and a few weeks.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program helped me as much as they could, but at the end of the day, it was going to cost at least €100 and then you have to get the money back from the insurance. I wasn't willing to sacrifice the money for the meds, so I used Painpills and toughed it out.

* Safety:

I never once felt scared in Granada.

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)

I found it kind of easy to budget, but I planned well and hardly traveled. It's possible to do this on a minimal budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €35
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan on spending €20 a weekend. Get Shwarma from Kebab King.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 1.5
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? Hang out with your intercambio. Meet outside of set meetings. Become their friends and meet their friends. That is the easiest way to make spanish friends.

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

  • International Students
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?
  • Granada (everyday views of the Alhambra)
  • Morocco Excursion
  • Program Staff (aka Veronica and José)
* What could be improved?
  • Spanish Ed System (papers aren't handed back)
  • Sevilla Trip
  • Program Insurance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew now much I underestimated the difficultness of going into a foreign language program with little language experience. Although, I would not have changed a thing.

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.