Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my Life Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad affected almost every aspect of my life. Academically, being abroad allowed me to learn in more ways than just in the classroom. In fact, I would claim that I learned more outside of the classroom. Because of this, I think the concept of learning, rather than just going through my classes to get good grades, was reaffirmed. Good grades are only going to get me so far after college, so this mini wake up call was priceless for me and will make the remaining time I have left at school that much more worth while. In regards to how it affected me personally, I grew in ways I didn’t realize were possible while being abroad. It made me grow up and become a lot more independent. After returning home, small things that used to worry me seem to be irrelevant now. I feel fearless, and have a newfound confidence in my ability to conquer anything I put my mind to. In general, I think I have better self-awareness and love for myself. Thus, with all this growth and change, I know now more than ever that I will someday be unstoppable in whatever career path I take.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30

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? 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? fourth level of Spanish at my university
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • 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?
  • Culture of Granada
  • The people and IES staff
  • The adventure
* What could be improved?
  • facilitating outside university courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to enjoy and appreciate every single moment even the hard parts. It goes fast!

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.