An inspiring experience in a lovely city Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/25/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

Fordham University: Granada - Fordham in Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I did not improve my Spanish as much as expected because meeting Spaniards proved to be more difficult as we did not take classes with them.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euro (aside from traveling)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be aware of the exchange rate between currency. Also withdraw cash in larger increments to avoid excessive ATM/international fees

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? Advanced
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? 4000
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? Meet native people, try to avoid too much time spent with your fellow American program members

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
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?
  • Home stays--it helps integration into the Spanish culture
* What could be improved?
  • Taking classes with only other Americans really dampened the cultural immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That all classes would be taken with Americans apart from Spaniards