Pretty much the most relaxing semester I'll ever have in college Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not as rigorous as Wellesley College's usual workload, but the classes generally peaked my interest and I learned a lot about the religion Islam, Islamic art and architecture, and the history of Sephardic jews. My Spanish also improved a good deal.

On-site administration of your program

IES Granada manages the program pretty well. We were given support and resources in terms of academics, familiarizing ourselves with Granada and the Spanish culture (orientadores are amazing), trips to different cities and places (MOROCCO), and housing. I ran into a problem at one point and had to ask if I could miss more classes than allowed, and Javier - the director - and the teachers and staff were very open about hearing me out and being flexible. Overall, they manage the students and the program pretty well.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my host mom. She was absolutely a gem and one of the people who really shaped my experience in Granada. If you live with a host family, just be mindful that they have strict rules that IES implements that is for "harmonious living." Some aren't very effective, in my opinion, but I think you can always talk with your host family about any problems, concerns, or suggestions because, well, it's their house and space that you're living in. If you are not a walker or an early riser or have some money that you can use for transportation, specify on your application or email IES that you'd like to be placed in a house that's closer to the center. I lived about 30 minute walk from the center and while I took turns walking and taking the bus, it just wasn't something I expected or had considered before I got the housing assignments.

My host mom was an amazing cook so I had absolutely NO complaints whatsoever. Dinner is not provided, so you can do some grocery shopping and eat microwaveable/fruits/salad or whatnot, but I usually got tapas with friends. Granada is quite cheap in terms of food, so as long as you budget for it, you'll be all set.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had lived in Cordoba, Spain the summer before my study abroad, so I had an easier time adjusting to the culture. So, I'll focus more on making local friends and participating in local events. IES orientadores (orientation leaders) are super friendly and will always post on the facebook group about an outing they plan every week, so you'll always have something to do to explore in the city with locals. You'll also be matched with an intercambio linguistico (a language exchange...friend?) who will be usually be an undergrad or grad student who you can meet up with to practice Spanish and you can also help them with their English. While you will have these outlets, it's also really up to you to take advantage of them or not. You can go on trips that the orientadores plan, but end up speaking only English with your American friends, or you can hang out with your intercambio and his/her friends by yourself, which will push you to mingle and use Spanish. I enjoyed going on excursions that was planned by the orientadores and IES, but had a more social & cultural integration moment when I hung out with my intercambio and her friends. I know that if you play soccer or basketball or join the local sports team or organization, you'll have more opportunities to integrate! I regret not being more involved and taking advantage of that, so I suggest that you at least take a look at what's offered and if you can ask IES to help you find a volunteer group or team. They also send out a list of things to do during the week (events, exhibits, a LOT of free concerts, and plays), so you'll always have a chance to do something fun in the city :)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

Granada is safe in terms of exploring around by yourself or being out with friends until sunrise. This is also considering that you're not insanely inebriated, careful with your possessions, and not walking alone at 5am; just use common sense, and you won't be worried about your safety. I did have someone take my phone at some point - because I was stupid and forgot it on a fruit weighing stand in a local grocery store - but I was also extremely lucky and retrieved it. I was very lucky though, so if you don't leave your valuables...just hanging around...I think you'll be fine. Anything you leave in the IES center will be safe except for food..

IES has its pros and cons, but I'd probably go with the program again and just take more chances like joining a club sport or taking more classes at the local university.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

As long as you're budgeting for your personal trips well, living in Granada won't be too much of a financial burden.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The Spanish class that I took at IES helped me with grammar, colloquial language, academic language, and vocabs. My Spanish mostly improved when I spoke with my host family and my intercambio. Taking a class at the local university (Universidad de Grandad) also helped a lot because you're constantly listening to and speaking with Spaniards.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Host Family
• Staff
• Excursions (MOROCCO)

• Maybe pushing students to integrate more?
• Culture talk during orientation

The Academic or Linguist