Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My semester in Granada was the best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Spanish And Secondary Education, William Jewell College) - abroad from 01/24/2012 to 06/07/2012 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can function in a different setting just fine. It was so worth while to get to know different people, to experience life in southern Spain and to learn independence from living in a foreign country.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: IES Abroad Universidad 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.

My classes at IES were phenomenal. I really loved all of them.

* 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?

I was very intentional about immersing myself (i.e. I found a local concert band to play with, where I was the only American many of them had ever met), but I never really felt fully integrated

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A I never needed healthcare, but I felt confident IES would help and support me very well if need be.

* Safety:

I almost always felt safe 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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? SPA 324
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 speak English with your American friends! Meet people who don't just work with foreign students. If they're not as used to interacting with foreigners, you'll probably learn more about the real local language from them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The faculty and staff were incredible!
  • Southern Spain is gorgeous!!
  • My classes were so FUN!
* What could be improved?
  • More time between end of classes and required departure date.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My university class was very challenging, and I should've been more intentional about connecting with the students there.