Que pena de ser ciego en Granada Past Review
By Kati Spellerberg (Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/31/2017 to 05/27/2017 with
IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
I gained a new confidence in myself and a vast knowledge about a timeless city. It was absolutely a worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES Granada staff know exactly how to make this program the most comfortable and enjoyable for students that they can. Everyone is extremely helpful and understand where you're at with being abroad for the first time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay experience was excellent. I felt truly cared for and remain in contact with my host mom today. |
| * Food: |
The food in Granada is absolutely delicious! Tapas are common for dinner, and they're very satisfying. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By the end of the program I felt completely immersed in the culture. I was calling myself a Granadina and hanging out with locals! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no experience with healthcare myself but heard it was good. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe in Granada. the city is very walkable, and I never felt uncomfortable walking alone or at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I am in love with the city and the people in Granada. I would love to return if given the chance. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Granada in particular is very affordable, I was very under budget when I returned home because I spent way less on food and travel than I anticipated. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On food I typically spent between 60 and 80 euros a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I find it helpful to track what you spend just so you're aware. It's okay to make large purchases-as long as it's not all the time! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were encouraged to speak in Spanish whenever possible. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| 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 be afraid to try. Just try talking to locals and professors to improve naturally. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a great idea to try to do something new every day, because while having a routine is nice, it's also great to see something new every chance you can. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
