Spain added a whole new dimension to my life. Past Review
By Annie G (Language and International Health, Clemson University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain
100% worth every penny.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | La Universidad de Granada |
| 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 workload was sufficient but not overwhelming at all. The teachers gave you work in order to reinforce what you learned during class but wanted you to have time to travel and enjoy the city. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I couldn't have asked for a better experience abroad. My support office in Granada far exceeding my expectations. They were extremely helpful and were fully devoted to supporting and assisting us. Loved each one of them! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family took care of all of my needs but we did not have a very warm and welcoming home environment. Everyone was extremely quiet and kept their distance. I always stayed in my room and never spent downtime in the family/living room or other communal spaces because it was not welcomed. Although my living experience was different than others I was so busy with other activities throughout the day with school, an internship, and new friends it was nice to unwind and not feel like I had to be social at home. |
| * Food: |
I ate at home every opportunity I had. I loved my Senoras cooking and would take her over restaurants in a heartbeat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Spring break in Morocco was a huge highlight for me. I went with my program and several faculty from ISA. I had the opportunity to see such interesting places that I wouldn't have ventured to had I not been with them and I was able to really get to know my classmates and staff members. Amazing trip! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Safety is always addressed with ISA and if you use common sense you will be fine. I never felt unsafe. My roommate needed to see a physician while we lived there and an ISA staff member went with her to all her appointments to make sure she understood everything and walk her through the process. We both felt so grateful to have them. I did not get any specific vaccinations prior to studying abroad and did not see the need to. |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used Spanish all the time. Everything about my day could be in Spanish from my class to my host home to my language partner. There were also plenty of opportunities to speak English if I desired. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Deciding to studying abroad is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Not only is it an opportunity for you to see a different place and experience a different culture but it teaches you about yourself in a way that only studying abroad can do. It's almost like you add a new dimension to who you are. You'll be fine without it, but it adds something very special to your life when you do. I felt such a strong feeling of accomplishment as I achieved language and academic goals and grew in my independence as a traveler. A completely worthwhile experience. |
