Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Beautiful Fall in Granada April 12, 2024

By (Environmental Communications and Storytelling, Wheaton College, MA) - abroad from 09/04/2023 to 12/19/2023 with

IES Abroad: Granada - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Granada helped me to embrace sides of myself I have had trouble tapping into in the US, including my creative and artistic side. I also am proud of how I was able to put myself out there, joining a group at the university as well as a dance class and meeting lots of local and international students. It was absolutely worthwhile, and I am much more independent and self-confident because of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff and faculty were incredibly personable and supportive. I feel like I am friends with all of them (and am still in contact with some), and they were super helpful with academics, scheduling, activity recommendations, and life advice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was awesome! The only drawback was that I couldn't have friends over to my house, but it's not really a thing in Spain.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went out of my way to create opportunities to interact with the local culture. I went to language exchanges, joined a dance class, and went to any events that caught my eye (there were tons of posters around the city).

* 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

I loved my study abroad experience with IES. The faculty and staff at the program center were incredibly supporting and friendly, and I had a great experience with my homestay as well. I took classes at IES and at the local university, and received personalized attention and support from professors in both programs. Having access to the mountains and ocean within a short bus ride was incredible, and I loved wandering around the city, exploring different bars, museums, and clubs, and even taking a dance class.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depending on the week, between $30-60 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to local grocery stores or markets, save snacks when you can, go to events with free food.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An intermediate reading and writing course
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The people I met!
  • The classes!
  • The trips!
* What could be improved?
  • Even more time practicing the language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The time will go so fast! Enjoy every moment, but don't stress about it too much.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'