Sol Education Abroad: Study in Granada, Spain

After a career in music education, I enrolled in a local university as a Spanish student, knowing even before courses started that studying abroad was a priority. There are many huge programs out there, but the fact that SOL is Spanish-focused and has a program in the culturally rich city of Granada caught my attention immediately. The experience has been all I hoped for--challenging academics, amazing excursions with the program and on my own, and continual opportunities to grow linguistically. My homestay was a good fit--an apartment in a private home, great hosts, and wonderful traditional food. The city is extremely walkable, safe and filled with great sites and free cultural events. The Sierra Nevadas are always in view and you can be at the beach (Mediterranean) in 2 hours by bus. The staff and location are an unbeatable combination.

Walking through the streets of Granada I often got a overwhelming feeling of gratitude. When I walk I always challenge myself to look up. That´s when I get that feeling. I feel small, yet so important. This city has become one of my favorites in the world. This semester I have overcome a lot and I have this city to thank. I have learned about myself by learning about the Spanish culture. Granada will always be another home for me.

Before I studied abroad, I had so many expectations of what my experience would be like. Reflecting on the past four months, I realize that they are so different than what my actual experience was and that I have grown so much. There is this assumption about studying abroad that every day will be the best day you´ve ever had, filled with loads of fun, and you will be busy every second that you are there. But it´s a lot harder than that. There are days that you miss your family more than anything, days that you have serious ´´fomo´´ when you see all of your friends hanging out, and there are days that you don´t have a single thing to do. But there are also days that lead you to the most unimaginable places with friends that you share an impecable bond with. Maybe it´s on a beach at sunset, where you find a hidden cave that opens to the ocean, and your playing ¨Closer¨ on your miniture speaker, and dancing around with your friends. You´ll take a step back in the midst of it all, and be so overwhelmed with happiness that can never be equated with any other experience in your entire life. I have had some bad days, but I have also had the absolute best days of my life while studying here in Spain. I would give anything to go back to some of those moments.

This experience was once in a life time I not only had the opportunity to learn a new language but got the opportunity to meet people from all over the US and even the world. It was honestly the adventure of a lifetime. I made memories that I will hold in my heart forever, and I made friends that I will never forget. I was introduced to a new culture which af the beginning was a culture shock but then became my life. I lived and learned like a Spaniard for 4 months as I visited 7 countries, 15 cities and made a million friends. I recommend not only Granada but the SOL program to anyone looking to study abroad.

One thing they really incourage here in Spain and in the University is going to intercambios. Which is, either having someone, like a local, to speak Spanish with or going to one of the local bars and just talking to people. One of the girls in my class organized one and invited all of the students in or class to go. I don´t usually find myself in the bar scene and i had never really hung out with any of these students before so i was reluctant at first, but i thought whats the harm in going? So i went and i actually had one of the best night in Granada that i had had so far. Moral of the story is go to things that you wouldnt normally do. You will probably have fun and it is a good memory to look back at.

I came here not knowing what to expect. With one week left here in Granada, I now know that choosing to study here in Granada was one of the best decisions that I have ever made!! The family that I live with have treated me and my roommate like their own. I know that I will continue to stay in touch with the friends I have made. I hopnestly can´t put in words what I have experienced here, but I would strongly reccommend for anyone to studty here in Granada with SOL. As far as my directors, Edu, German, and Miguel are the best people for their positions. Each has their own unique strengths, but because of all of their leadership, knowledge, and enthusiasm, I have learned so much and have had the time of life. THANK YOU!

Before leaving for Spain I spent days looking at pictures of the city and dreaming of what activites my days would be filled with upon arrivla. To say the least I was blown away. This tiny town has so much more to offer than just beautiful scences and cheap food and drinks. The history and the culture that has taken place here is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Every corner you turn down the narrow streets you can only help but wonder all of the amazing things that happened before our time. Like many others I chose this program because it was the only place that SOL offered in Spain, but I couldnt have been happier. Although I loved Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville I would not trade this town that I now can call home for anything. After a few weeks I knew my way around completely and was even able to give directions. After a few short month I was able to converse in almost an situation. I will always call this beautiful place home away from home. If you ever get a chance I highly recomend you consider Granada as your home away from home too. I promise you will not regret it.

Overall, my experience abroad was fantastic. It wasn´t because of my classes or particular program, it was due to the friends I made and the memories we shared. I will never again be able to travel Europe as cheaply and with such ease as I am able to now. Honestly the classes were not important. Experiencing a new culture and practicing the language should be one´s goals when taking classes abroad.