I will easily admit that the 3 and 1/2 months I spent in Granada with Central Abroad were the best of my life.
Initially, I was terrified –scared that I wouldn’t be able to handle being away from home; that I would have trouble making new friends or that I wouldn’t get along with my host family. These were fears shared by many of my fellow students but the most prominent feeling, my greatest fear, was disappointment. I feared that somehow I would travel halfway across the world and not get what I wanted out of the experience. Now that the end is here, I can conclude that I didn’t get what I expected –I got so much more.
Looking back on my time in Spain, I find it impossible to put my experience into words. I can honestly say I returned home a different person –a stronger, better person. I can’t see how you wouldn’t be different When you spend such an extensive time abroad, when you’re stripped of everything familiar –everything you thought defined who you were –you find that you’re really stronger than you ever could have imagined. It hasn’t always been easy. There were times when the language barrier was too much to overcome, when the culture clash became too overwhelming –when I wished I had never left home.Those moments were few and far between, and they helped me grow as a person.
During the school week I woke up each morning to a hearty breakfast prepared for me by my host mother, Carmen. My walk to school was about 30 minutes. This might not sound appealing at first, but you'll miss this quiet time when you return to the States! It was nice having exercise built into my daily routine! Made me feel less guilty about all the churros and chocolate!
The professors at the Center of Modern Languages were truly fantastic. They focused on improving our language abilities, while providing thorough lectures about the historical and cultural aspects of Spain. I learned a lot, but I never felt bogged down by coursework. They made sure that we had time to experience the culture of Spain firsthand.
Veronica and the rest of the CCA support staff were amazing. They put so much hard work into organizing orientation week, the Morocco exchange, other group excursions and when the time came Veronica helped us register for classes. Jose's classes were extremely informative and really fun. He has a great sense of humor and makes learning truly enjoyable. Cristina was always there to answer questions or just chat if we stopped by the office. I wouldn't have survived without them.
If I could give potential students one piece of advice, it would be TRY EVERYTHING! Don't cheat yourself out of an experience because you are tired or feeling a little home sick. You will regret it. Push yourself beyond your limits and you'll discover a whole new person. Take advantage of your time in Granada. Travel, enjoy the nightlife, eat out, shop, and most importantly, cherish the friendships you make because they are sure to last a lifetime. I know mine will.