"Granada: A Beautiful and Historical City That Will Capture Your Heart" Past Review

By (Math and Spanish, University of Denver) for

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a whole new cultural perspective in a positive way. I think the reverse culture shock is more difficult than the original culture shock I experienced upon entering Spain. I would love to go back if I could. My host family has already welcomed me back into their home.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Granada - Hispanic Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Granada - Hispanic Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Granada - Hispanic Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Granada - Hispanic Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Granada - Hispanic Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The homework load was significantly lower. Teaching methods varied just as they do here. Grading is on a 10 point scale.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA office was right around the corner from where our classes were. It was very convenient and they were always there to help answer your questions about the city or just to talk to. They were extremely helpful with choosing classes and pairing people with host families. The size of the program was large so I didn't get to know everyone, but you find smaller groups of people to hang out with through classes and excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing. They included my roommate and I as a member of the family. We were included in birthday celebrations and fancy holiday dinners with the extended family. The neighborhood was safe. It was slightly farther from the university, but it was nice to be a little bit away from everything. Probably about a 10-15 min walk to night life and 20-25 min walk to the university. I did not need to buy anything to settle-in. The cooking was incredible and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. They hosted my family when they came to visit and we still keep in contact.

* Food:

I did not have any dietary restrictions but the food was amazing and there was so much of it. Breakfast is typically small--piece of toast or 2--but lunch and dinner were huge. There were some great Italian and Chinese restaurants around (ironically) and you can't beat the bars with free tapas! Being in a foreign country there are obviously some foods you won't find, but Spanish food is delicious. (don't be afraid to tell your host family what you do and don't like!)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Go on all of the excursions! Trips to the mountains, nearby cities, and Morocco are awesome! A great way to get to know the staff and the country better and many of the trips are "paid for" in that you get to stay in a really nice hotel and usually get fed a meal or two. Our program organized a Thanksgiving dinner and created a movie as a recap for the year which was really cool to watch.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any of health or safety issues so this one is hard for me to rate. The city was very safe but you obviously want to use some common sense. No vaccinations necessary but I do know that ISA is willing to accompany you to a doctor or health facility to help with communication if necessary.

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

The program helped me to significantly improve my Spanish, specifically the conversational component of the language. I was able to practice in class but also just on the streets, in stores, and at home with my host family. I needed to use the language everyday. Many people did speak English (especially at the university) so it is your responsibility to commit to speaking Spanish. I was also able to practice the language with an intercambio--Spanish student who helps me learn Spanish while I help them learn English. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of!

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Consider things like travel costs, if your meals are included, souvenir costs, and nightlife expenses. Granada is a very industrial type city, lots of concrete and department stores, but you quickly adjust to wherever you end up.