What inspired you to go abroad?
I have been studying Spanish from a very young age, so I'd always known I've wanted to go abroad to use my language skills. Learning about other cultures interests me very much, and I was excited to have an opportunity to immerse myself in another culture for an entire semester!
On top of the world in Rabat, Morocco!
Why did you choose IES Abroad?
I chose IES Abroad because of the wide variety of opportunities they offer to their students. IES Abroad offers field trips and travel opportunities both in classes, and for the general program that are very fun and interesting. They also help students get internships while abroad and offer the chance to take classes at local universities. I knew IES Abroad was the program for me because of all of these opportunities.
I chose Granada, Spain because I had traveled in Spain prior to study abroad and knew I wanted to return, but I wanted to go to a new city.
What was your favorite part about Granada?
My favorite part about Granada was that the city is so culturally diverse and has such a rich history that I was never bored and happened on a new experience almost every single day. There is cultural influence from several religions and ethnicities in Granada due to its history and proximity to Europe and Africa combined. It is a truly unique city, and I loved living there.
What made your experience abroad unique?
What made my experience unique was the trip that IES organized to Morocco. I had never been to Africa and was very excited to add to my list of continents I've traveled! The trip was organized in a way that was non-touristy, and that made all the difference. Getting the chance to stay with a Moroccan family has impacted me in a permanent way.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Local staff was more than willing to be of service in any situation needed. I felt very cared for by the staff and knew I could go to them with academic concerns, medical needs, or just someone to talk to about my experiences abroad.
La Alhambra lit up at night
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
In hindsight, I maybe would have chosen to travel just a little more throughout Europe. However, the fact that I spent more weekends in Granada than not, really made me feel like I got to know the city and became a true Granadina.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
On a typical day I would wake up and eat breakfast by myself, because my host mom was at work. I would walk to class for the morning and come home for lunch each day. Lunches were especially great because they would be with my host mom, my roommate, and our host mom's friend. After lunch my roommate and I would walk back to school for our afternoon class. After that, I would typically do whatever homework I had for that day.
In the evening I would relax until it was time to go to dinner. Every night for dinner my friends and I would go out for wine and tapas, which was the best way to get dinner and enjoy the company of good friends!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoyed walking around my neighborhood or finding a good place to sit and people-watch. It was so interesting to watch other people go through their day-to-day lives in the beautiful city of Granada.
Class field trip in the dunes
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
My homestay was the best living situation I could have possibly had. My roommate and I got along extremely well, and became very good friends. Our host mom was the sweetest woman, and she took care of, and fed us very well. The three of us still keep in touch, and I'm always excited to hear from both of them! The apartment itself was a short walk away from my classes, and had a great view. I couldn't have had a better home abroad!
What is one thing every student should know before joining your program?
It is important to know that the homestay is the best living option for anyone wishing to improve Spanish, immerse themselves in the culture, create bonds with real Spanish people, or all of the above. It is truly a great experience that everyone should take advantage of if they go abroad.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has affected me in a significant way. I have gained self-confidence in both social and professional situations. I have also learned a great deal about several other cultures that I think has broadened my feelings towards people who are very different from me.
I will always cherish the time I spent abroad for exposing me to new cultures, new foods, and bringing me together with new friends.
Would you recommend IES Granada to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone looking to go abroad. The IES Abroad Granada program offers a unique cultural experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
