Just the beginning Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There were a few classes I really loved- and the main reason was because of the professors! They really loved their class and their job. And it showed through the way they taught the class and cared for their students! I think one of the reasons I thrived in these classes was because of the way they taught the class.

On-site administration of your program

Gave different options on what could be done in Granada! I really appreciated the FB page they created for students and the events the posted. There was always something to do and way to get to know both the city and local people. I think one of the key ways I felt welcomed and also familiar with Granada was through the FB page and the events that were provided.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family- specifically my host mom and a roommate. I really loved the set up because me and my roommate had our own separate rooms and a shared bathroom. This was nice because we were able to hang out together often but also have our own space. My host mom was very kind, funny, and also sometimes particular. She would always make sure my roommate and I had enough to eat for breakfast and lunch, that we had our keys for the house, and that we turned off lights when we weren't using them. I think one of my favorite past times with my host mom was our conversations, I really got to know her, her childhood, her political views, and her family. She really cared about us and would make sure we had everything we need.

So I have to say I LOVED my host mom's cooking, and that was 10/10! She was a wonderful cook who would make us a different meal every day for lunch. I even took some recipes home with me! Breakfast and lunch was provided for me by my host mom every day, while dinner was on my own. So my favorite meal of the day was definitely lunch. I think my greatest difficulty was eating out and getting used to eating tapas (small "free" appetizers that came with a drink you bought). I liked to have a bigger meal at dinner and not just one or two tapas which sometimes ended up being a bit more expensive in my weekly budget but sometimes worth it. Also, bread was a daily part of the Spanish diet. Nearly every meal had bread in some form or another. It was good fresh bread, but I did end up getting a bit tired of eating bread with every meal.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty connected with the local community because of the people I met on the program, the local university students, and the faculty. They made me feel as though I belonged here in Granada even when I was having difficulty with the language- there were so many people who were just very encouraging and believed in me. I only wish I had spent more time with the university students I met in Granada, they were really awesome.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a very serious health issue, just a cold near the beginning of the program. But our program provided an international health insurance which was really nice if something did happen.

I felt quite safe in Granada. I found myself walking nearly everywhere within the city. During the day, I had no problem walking basically anywhere in the city. Near the night time, around 9 or 10pm I still felt pretty safe walking by myself to my house. On nights when I went out late to a club with friends, we would meet up to walk together and then coming back sometimes taking a taxi or walked in pairs- but honestly, I didn't really have to worry. I initially worried because I heard that in Europe pick-pocketing was a big concern, but I would say Granada is really safe and this doesn't happen often here. Just use general precaution and you should be alright!

I really loved my program, the location, and specifically the people. I think that was what really made the difference- the people I met. Everyone especially on the program (faculty, staff, students) was just willing to try different things, was really encouraging, and cared for others. I was able to make a lot of friends and also push myself to try new things. Also- the Spanish in Andalucía was very easy to understand and emulate based off of my previous experience, so I was very appreciative of that!

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

I budgeted for about $50 per week while I was there- but honestly there was weeks where all I spent money on was a few groceries for dinner (so like 10 euros) and other weeks where I spent my weekly budget on buying souvenirs and other things.

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

Highly encouraged and they gave different opportunities outside of the classroom through events- like through Intercambios (basically and exchange program where an IES student was paired with a Spanish university student and both English and Spanish was spoken so each student could improve in either language).

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• Open Mic
• Excursions
• People

• CORE- discussions on how Spanish culture differs from the U.S. in areas such as diversity as we live in Spain longer and notice more things

The Academic or Linguist