What inspired you to travel abroad?
To study in a foreign country and fully immerse myself in a new and uncharted (for me, at least) culture had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I wanted to experience a new life and people and to see more of the world.
Another view over Granada
Why did you choose IES Abroad?
I first chose my program because the classes offered transferred very easily to my school. Then, I looked into IES further and discovered that they offered a real Spanish experience, which is exactly what I was looking for.
What was your favorite part about Granada, Spain?
My favorite part was my host family. They brought me in, loved me, and remained patient with me through the learning process.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Alhambra, Granada
Again, my host family. Through them, I was able to see how a Spanish family truly functions in day-to-day life. This made my experience abroad truly authentic.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They offered opportunities to volunteer, go on trips and hikes, see more of our area, or meet people, and just become more integrated in the city and with the people.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have spent more time with Spanish students. They were so interested in getting to know us, but I ended up spending the majority of my time with other students in my program.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Isabel popped over to Morocco to ride camels while studying abroad with IES Abroad
A typical day involved a lot of walking. I walked to school, went to class, and did homework. Then, I walked home and ate lunch and had "sobremesa" with my roommate and host mom for about an hour. We spent a lot of time together, talking about life and school and just about everything in between. After a quick siesta, usually I would head back to class and finish homework. At night, my friends and I usually went out for tapas or just to explore more of Granada.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
My favorite thing to do was go on hikes or try new restaurants. Doing this, I got very familiar with my area.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in an apartment with a single mom, a roommate from my program, and three kids. I loved the activity in the house.
A view from Isabel’s favorite hike over the city of Granada
What is one thing every future participant should know about IES Abroad before their program begins?
Make a budget. Come prepared to spend money and plan out what you have to spend each week.
Would you recommend IES Abroad to others? Why?
Yes, 100%. IES gave me an authentic and immersive experience and I wouldn't have traded it for the world.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
View from the Generalife Gardens in the Alhambra in Granada
Not only did this semester abroad provide me with the most unique educational and cultural experience, but it also supplied me with countless intangible life skills that I will never fail to remember for the rest of my life. I became a better global citizen. A global citizen is one that is familiar with and open to surrounding cultures, one that learns from one group of people and brings that new-found knowledge on to the next, tying together a beautiful mix of people and traditions.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I feel as though I am more self-aware and culturally-aware. I know what is going on in the world around me, and I want to talk about it. This concept of having a full grasp on who I am, my emotions, my strengths and weaknesses, and my own beliefs is a priceless gift. To be at peace with who I am and to have mastered the skill of controlling my own thoughts and behaviors is something that cannot be taken away once it is gained. By the very fact that I was completely on my own and far away from home, friends, and family, I was pushed to rely on myself. My own knowledge and capabilities became my lifeline, and because of that, I am not the same person I was a few months ago.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To spend a semester studying in a different country is to truly experience culture. To study abroad is to gain a new, full understanding of yourself and of the culture you are immersed in. For me, there was no question; comfort zones are meant to be broken. We are meant to see the world and its beautiful range of people and languages and cultures. By doing this, we become better people. More well-rounded. More accepting. More experienced.
