Studying abroad was the most amazing experience of my life. Past Review
By A student (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 05/31/2018 to 07/28/2018 with
ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain
I learned how to step outside my comfort zone. I gained confidence in practicing Spanish, and though I am not fluent, I have made progress. This experience was definitely worthwhile.
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host family! They were so kind, and always included me. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated into local culture by living with my host family, and also by volunteering at Madre Coraje. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Granada is a very safe city |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
BUT I would go for an entire year... one summer was just not long enough. |
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 was very budget-friendly. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your weekend excursions far in advance. Airfare can be expensive, and make sure you research the typical cost of food, transportation, hotel/hostels in whatever country you plan to travel to. |
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 |
My host family always encouraged me to use Spanish, and I was constantly exposed to Spanish while volunteering at Madre Coraje. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Spanish Grammar |
| 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? | Spend a lot of time getting to know your host family because they want to help you learn the language. Also, I highly encourage volunteering with the local community. |
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? | I wish I would have known that living in another country is the opportunity of a lifetime. It's definitely worth missing at least a semester back at your home university. I wish I would have not been afraid of missing out on things at home so I could have had more time exploring my new favorite country. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
