It's Now or Never to experience the best thing that will ever happen to you. Past Review

By Spencer T (Biology, Ohio State University - Columbus) for

ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I returned having such a greater appreciation for everything that shaped me into the person I am today. The cool thing is, is that this respect only continues to thrive now that I am becoming more educated on world events and international history. The thirst for knowledge upon return seems insatiable and the drive to take advantage of my opportunities has never been stronger.

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.	The thing a student fails to realize initially upon arrival is that the entire experience is his / her classroom. The actual time spent in class is so insignificant to the overall experience. With that said, Granada's facilities were modern and staffed with good professors. I studied abroad for an intensive month and a semester. The intensive month differed greatly from the semester. Fewer students were on site, which meant smaller class sizes and a much more personal experience. Class sizes were no more than 8 or 9. We'd circle up so everyone was comfortable to speak and this was the main objective - to encourage all of us to practice our Spanish. Semester classes were much more similar to what Americans are accustomed. Quite possibly the best part was that the ISA staff was familiar, if not friends, with the professors at the CLM. This meant they knew which professors to recommend and which classes to take.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	ISA offered everything and did a fantastic job at that. On site location is literally right around the corner from the CLM (where classes are taught). Staff is knowledgeable, friendly and cool. On site facilities include an abundance of available computers and a personal classroom for tutoring, services which I took advantage of regularly. Organization and preparedness was incredible. Included excursions were awesome, with 4 star accommodations and tours of all the city's historic centers.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Everything was included. Food was delicious. Laundry was done regularly, and upon request. They even had a maid come and clean the residence weekly. It was if I was a son to them. We keep in touch to this day.
* Food:	Food was incredible. They were more than accommodating to prepare dairy free meals (from my lactose intolerance).
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Granada is a college town. Night life is plenty abundant with a scene for everyone.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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?
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?