When in Spain do as the Spaniards do Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Studying abroad is a great experience! The classes aren't super hard, sometimes they can be a lot of work, but it's worth it at the end because you learn so much within the intensive months. Spanish education system is graded 1-10, 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. Passing is greater than 5. The grading is not easy.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family that consisted of a 57 year old lady and her 80 year old mother. I felt very safe in the neighborhood that I lived in, but it was extremely far away from school, nightlife and my friends. I had to figure out the bus system because I lived so far it would take 45 minutes to an hour to walk anywhere. The only items I had to buy were shampoo and other toiletries. My host mom treated me like a guest, I was not allowed in several of the rooms in the apartment. She did not spend much time with me (maybe 1 or 2 hours a day) because she was the full time caretaker of her mother.

All of the food my host mom prepared was awesome to start off with, but as the program came to an end it got worse and worse. I was hardly fed anything for dinner, so I usually went to the local supermarket and bought my own food and stored it in my bedroom.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I looooooooved being able to travel around. I only traveled in Spain, but it was amazing to see the differences from city to city.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

I practiced Spanish most with my host mom. In Granada, most people don't speak English, so knowing Spanish was important with everyday interactions. However, Granadinos don't like speaking to Americans.

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• Host Family