934 reviews
4.25 / 5 based on 934 reviews
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cbhs99
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
You learn spanish quickly because thats the language you are going to use. Learn it and you will love Granada. The accent of Granada is a little tricky to pick up, but by the end, you will love the nuances of it. Also, stay for longer than four months, then you can keep up with the language and be proficient while still there.
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Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Everything was cheaper, with the exception of travel. I took advantage of my time and put extra money into travelling. I did not travel like most other students, on every weekend possible. Instead, I would travel for extended periods, before, during and after the academic year.
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Travel:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Overall, Nightlife, Housing, Telephone:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
A comforter. It gets cold so I'd count on buying something to keep you warm while in bed. Most apartments do not have central heating.
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Overall
I wish I had known...
That for those students who feel uncomfortable about the idea that most socializing revolves around drinking, there are many other setting in which you will meet people and get to know them. You have no real problems saying, no thank you when someone offers you alcohol.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Go, enjoy Granada and explore Spain. Go for the life experience with the excuse that you are studying. Go to class, but dont make school the dominant part of your life there.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Find a good place to live in the beginning and make sure you write up an agreement and have the other people sign it. Get a cell phone. And if you can, live with a couple spanish speakers. Also, there are many opportunities to do service and it is a great way to pick up the language. Also, if you can find some group, be it a chior or a music group, you will have a great time and meet spanish students. Its best to join their organizations because that is the way to meet people who are just going on with there regular lives. Have fun and celebrate Granada for me.
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Academic
Course recommendations
Take classes in different facultades. This allows you to cater your schedule to fit your needs and is something only international students can do. Don't take only Spanish Lit classes. There is a lot to learn and many different departments that can meet your needs. Also, the first few weeks no one shows up. Two options. Travel or explore the city.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Don't over do it. You will remember the nights at a cafe more than you will an anthro class. Go to class, but dont take too many classes. Also, you will most likely be in La Facultad de Filosofia y Letras. Its on top of the hill, so make sure your classes are blocked at the same time, so you dont have to go up and down.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
The freedom of having young roommates, a wonderful kitchen and no one looking over your shoulder makes for a very good year.
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Personal comments
The key is to find housing in the middle of Granada. Transportation is extensive and the city is small. It is important to hold out for a well lit and clean apartment.
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Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The Alhambra at Night. Mirador de San Nicolas. Cafe Botanico. Explore the city for yourself. You will have a year. Make sure you go to Calle Elvira for some very good Shawarma, a middle eastern food.
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