Granada changed my life Past Review
By Sarah N (Earth Science, Rice University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain
One of the best things I got out of my abroad experience was that I leaped from studying Spanish to understanding how to communicate in another language. I saw things that I'd never seen or even imagined, and I learned that there was a bigger world out there. I heard another country's opinions and how they view the world. I learned how they were different from the US and why they thought their way of life was the right one. A lot of these things actually made me appreciate my life in America. Now I think about the world around me differently.
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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. |
The first set of classes I took was very intense. The professors would never speak English and we had to practice a lot outside of class in order to keep up. I learned a lot. The second set of classes was a lot more relaxed and the professors spoke English a little every day. I felt like that hindered my ability to learn Spanish quickly. I did still learn, though, and I enjoyed each set of classes very much independently. One thing that I wish could have been changed was that when I switched into my second session I was placed with all students who had just arrived in Spain, although I'd been there for 5 weeks already since I was taking 2 sessions. I felt much more prepared for the class than the other students. They were still getting used to being in Spain and adjusting to the new lifestyle, and I felt like we went at a slower pace in class and I was a bit bored. I could have learned a lot more if I'd been placed into a class with people who'd also stayed two sessions who were ready to learn. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISA office was very nice and helpful. It was very far away from my homestay, though, and I didn't go very often, only when I was already in the area for classes. Although I had a few minor issues with my homestay, I didn't feel comfortable going to the ISA people for advice. That may have been more my fault, not theirs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The family was very nice, although it was hard to communicate in depth on any issues we had. I didn't have to buy many items for myself, but I did have to buy lots of snacks because no food was provided for between meals. My family didn't speak any English, so I was able to practice a lot. My roommates spoke a lot of English to me. This was unfortunate because I believe I would have learned a lot more if they hadn't. The neighborhood was fairly safe. It was a bit scary walking around at night sometimes, but no one ever actually bothered me. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good, but it was a bit repetitive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Granada was fairly safe. I wouldn't recommend being out alone at night, but other than that there weren't any huge issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20 euros on a book for class, 30 euros on a phone to call home very seldom, about 100 euros per week on entertainment and food (including personal store of snacks at home) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling is expensive, so just be prepared to spend more money than you'd originally anticipated. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying abroad was amazing. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to go. |
