ISA Study Abroad in Granada, Spain

This provides various opportunities culturally, academically, and socially. Therefore, one aspect I was able to integrate myself in the community was through service-learning at a local emergency department in Vithas La Salud hospital in Granada, Spain. This allowed me to immerse myself in learning new medical ethics and implement practices that are appropriate to cultural diversity and acceptable to community needs. These opportunities have assisted me to develop compassion and leadership attributes, meanwhile, integrating cultural perspectives and language influences in my journey aboard (not to mention GREAT on a resume).

Excursions and housing was amazing but there was not much language and culture immersion. I felt like all events were coordinated with other Americans and we rarely got to interact and learn with locals. The grading and attendance system was also not lenient or understanding at all and some of the professors were biased towards Americans. It was a fun experience that I would recommended but I did not learn as much culture and language that I hope for even when I was trying to make an effort in immersion.

Despite COVID erupting during my semester in Granada, I am very happy with the memories I gained while being present. I did not travel outside of the country while I was in the semester because I wanted to save travel for after academics. For this reason, I spent a great deal in Granada and neighboring villages and towns which was incredible for me. I found that I had a better understanding of place and belonging because of this. Our program directors were absolutely amazing and handled the difficult circumstances with grace and compassion for all of us.

Full immersion was my goal when I chose to study abroad in Granada, Spain. The ISA program gave me all the tools to make that a reality. I stayed with an incredibly kind, generous, and eye-opening host family within a two minute walk from the school building where I had classes. I was able to feel like a full Spaniard each and every day. And if I saw any ISA program directors somewhere in town, they always greeted me with friendship and genuinely cared how I was getting on. Overall, I had an unforgettable experience.

My semester studying in Granada was one that I will never forget. The city, the culture, the people, the language was all enough to make me fall in love with the experience. I learned so much about myself while only abroad, I learned how to be brave, how to push myself and my friends to achieve really spectacular things, and how take in the moment for everything that it is. Granada is a beautiful place and I am so fortunate to have left with memories that I will never forget and lesson that will help me become someone that I am proud of.

My time in Granada was nothing short of enchanting, wonderful, and outright life changing. This program allowed me to see a whole new side of the world, and I just can't wait to go back already! From dancing in the streets of Toledo to visiting the beautiful Alhambra palace, to having the opportunity for travel on a budget...it couldn't have been any better. I made some of my greatest friends through this program, and saw so many new things and places I never would've been able to without it. The onsite staff were amazing and helped my friends and I at any time that we needed them, and they took us on so many tours of the city where we were given the opportunity to learn more about the beauty that is Granada. My language skills improved tenfold, I met people from all over the world, and most importantly, I learned more about myself and grew as a person. So what are you waiting for? Granada is the place to be!!!!

Granada is such an incredible city with vibrant student life and opportunities to connect with others! There are so many restaurants to check out that offer some amazing, typical Spanish dishes all within easy walking distance of the university and housing! Granada connected me with some of my closest friends, really becoming my home and opportunity to travel and see new places I could have never imagined! The program includes several trips covered in the overall cost to cities such as Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, and Cordoba with visits to attractions like the Real Alcazar (used during filming of Game of Thrones) and the Alhambra, the crown jewel of Granada! There are so many great opportunities to have in the city, and it's very affordable too! See Granada for yourself and have the best semester!

I am so happy that I was able to study abroad and spend everyday trying new foods, exploring beautiful architecture and practicing my Spanish truly made for an incomparable experience. I feel as if I became even more independent and appreciative of the small details that are important for a daily life. I woke up excited for the walks to class, and the walks to grab tapas with friends after a busy day of class. I challenged myself by speaking in Spanish both outside the classroom and in every class. That was definitely a change from my coursework incollege in the United States.
experience and through a graduate program I will have great success.
Many of the experiences I’ve had help in terms of understanding the cultural differences
between Granada and where I live in Massachusetts, but when asked to think of one specific
thing, I remember the first time I went into a tapas place and was completely overwhelmed
with the level of social interaction that was occurring. Everybody was standing up and talking
loudly while drinking their beer or wine and waiting for the tapa. My friends and I were the only people who found it strange that everyone was standing and that there was very little room between various groups. It was in this moment that I realized how heavily the culture in
Granada relies upon social relationships and the way that food and drinks are represented in
these circumstances, both with family and friends. That is truly unforgettable and no city compares to its antiquity and beauty.