Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

the best 9 months of my life Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 05/27/2016 with

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lifelong friends from around the world, a new open mindedness and tolerance, a love of learning and traveling, and a better grasp on the Spanish language and culture.

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain Photo

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?

incredible apartment, wonderful neighborhood, beautiful view. perfect.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

very helpful

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

ISA was the most helpful, kind, encouraging, and fun program. I highly recommend ISA, especially in Granada, Spain.

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)

I spent a lot of money, but I also traveled a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy plane tickets in advance, and don't waste money on eating out for every meal.

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
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? make friends with locals! Talk to waiters and bartenders, even when not strictly necessary. Set up an intercambio.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Fun directors and students
  • helpful directors and organized program
  • comfortable with directors
* What could be improved?
  • visa extension help
  • help getting out of classes that are hindering your learning (bad teachers)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how important and necessary it is to force yourself to speak the language constantly, not to be shy about stumbling while speaking a foreign language.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.