What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to study abroad because it felt like the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and experience new cultures firsthand. Learning and practicing Spanish was a key motivator, as I had always been drawn to the language and its rich heritage. Being immersed in a Spanish-speaking country was the best way to truly understand it. I was also eager to travel around Europe, exploring its diversity and history. Beyond that, I saw this as a chance to learn more about myself. It would be my first time completely alone in another country, pushing me to grow, adapt, and find my independence.
Tucker with his new friends skiing in the Sierra Nevadas!
Why did you choose ISA (International Studies Abroad)?
Honestly, I lacked research behind this. Originally I just had the goal of studying abroad in my mind and was set on it. I didn't have a specific location in mind other than Spain... when I read about ISA's Granada program, what mainly stood out was the things I would be learning. The intensive Spanish classes caught my eye as improving my ability was a huge goal.
What was your favorite part about Granada, Spain?
Without question the scenery. In Granada, the Sierra Nevada mountains are a mere 45-minute drive, giving the city a lovely background. Seeing the snowcapped mountains every morning on my way to school and walking through this beautiful architectural city was a blessing. This and the magnificent sunsets. I will miss it!
What made this trip extraordinary?
The people I met. I stepped out of my comfort zone with this program as I did not know a single other person there prior to going. This forced me to be gregarious and make friends and boy am I so thankful for the connections I made. People I never knew existed have turned into people I will visit for the rest of my life.
Tucker’s parents visited him while in Spain.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They literally answered every single question I had with pleasure. They made sure we felt connected, supported, and immersed in the city. I can not speak highly enough of the program coordinators at ISA Granada. They made the experience truly meaningful. A great example of this was with Mr. Angel Garzon. I asked him about some restaurants he would recommend in the city while we were on a walking tour. Not only did he happily answer me, but he sent me a comprehensive, detailed list of some of his favorite spots by email later that night. I felt so cared for by the staff in Granada.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I definitely wish I had chosen a longer program. I dreaded leaving when it came time, and all I could think about was all my friends finishing out their next month and a half while I would be at home. I tried so many different ways to stay but at the end of the day, I know I will be back, so it's only a "see you later" and not a goodbye.
Describe what a typical day in your life in Spain looked like.
I would wake up around 9 and get ready for class, which was from 10 AM-2 PM. After that, I would have some lunch, maybe take a nap, and then play soccer in the evening. After that, if people wanted to, we would go out. So much fun! On the weekends I would travel as much as I could to try to see new cities. So many great memories from my trips with friends.
The stunning balcony view Tucker wakes up to!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time there?
I loved to travel on the weekends when I could, but on a weekday, I enjoyed going to the park with friends and laying out. Another favorite was kicking a soccer ball around. I love to cook, so I often tried to learn a new plate to make that I had never had before. One of my favorites was the plato alpujarreño. Que rico!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a homestay while I was in Granada, meaning two of the people I lived with were natives of the city. I loved hearing stories about how they grew up in reference to different spots in the city. They recommended me so many fun things to do in my free time. I am so close with the people I lived with and love keeping in touch with them.
What is one thing every future participant should know about ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain before their program begins?
Literally, do everything you can. There are a plethora of ways to spend a weekend, so it is important to vary them so as to experience the most new things. Additionally, you HAVE to take advantage of the trips ISA offers. Not only are they included in what you pay for, but they are so informative. I feel so worldly after getting the detailed background of hundreds of monuments in many cities around Spain.
Would you recommend ISA (International Studies Abroad) to others? Why?
Yes yes yes–and I do. Everything about this program was perfect to the tee. The people who ran it were informed and caring. The city itself is magnificent, lively, and extraordinarily safe. The trips with the group were phenomenal, and we really bonded as a group, in my opinion thanks to the staff at ISA and the events they provided.
Tucker’s best friend on a visit.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
You learn so much. Not only do you get to live and experience an entirely different style of life, but you learn so much about yourself too. You get to compare what you have lived vs what you live abroad, and all the differences open your mind up so much. I truly feel like I am a different person than who I was when I left the states originally.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad changed your life?
I look at things differently, and I think I am more understanding of other cultures. I get to apply that mindset I held in Spain here and just live more open-mindedly. Also, I direly miss being abroad and constantly think about the next opportunity I will get to study abroad again. Seriously, it's a daily occurrence.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is any time I experience a new culture, and apply new concepts to the way I live. When I start to make foods of another culture at home or when I learn a new sport or ritual, I can put that into the way I live, and become a more worldly person. For me, the addition of these things to my lifestyle is me actively turning into the person I want to grow into.
