Program Reviews

This program was absolutely life changing, the people, the directors, the professors, my host family, just everything were absolutely incredible. My best tip is to pack light! I overpacked a little bit because I didn't realize that there were things that I could buy here that I didn't need to bring from home to save space. Also, take the time to get to know your host family. They are incredible people with the biggest hearts and the experience is so much more fulfilling when you get to know the people you are sharing a home with all summer.

I am about to complete the 9 week study abroad experience. At first, I was a little hesistant as to how it would be, but overall it has been great! The staff is very helpful and they are there to assist you when you need it. I got placed with an AMAZING family, which made the experience much more comfortable. The excursions they provide are knowledgeable and fun. I liked the program because they are so organized and are professional. The directors are also very friendly. I would totally recommend studying abroad with SOL!

I have been here for the 9 week program and I can honestly say that I am glad that I came with SOL. In the beginning, I really wanted to go to Barcelona and I knew that SOL didn´t offer it, but compared to the other study programs that I visited with I felt like SOL was the one to go because they made me feel safe. I pictured myself with them because I knew if something bad were to happen with me they would be able to help me in all that they could. Compared to the other studying abroad programs they also were friendly whenever I met them and they didn´t mind when I kept calling and asking questions about the program. Overall I don´t regret coming with SOL. I feel that I was able to practice a lot on my Spanish and to enhance it. The cultural activities/excursions we took during the program have been amazing. In such a little time I have been able to learn and understand more about Spain as a country and Granada as a city. If I could do it over again and go to Barcelona I wouldn´t. I would choose to come to Granada with SOL because I feel as if SOL makes sure you get to see the hidden treasure that Granada holds within itself.

This study abroad program was full of so much in depth cultural learning and fun. There was never any issues apparent throughout the two months that I was abroad and if there were they Sol staff would certainly be able to solve the problem quickly. With Sol education you are in good hands. In addition, the classes at CLM University of Granada were made enjoyable by the professors that choose to take time out of their summer to teach. They also teach in a method that is directed towards foreigners from any country so you do not feel incredibly out of place. Overall the experience was very enjoyable and cheaper than most.

Granada is absolutely wonderful. It is a smaller city but there is plenty to do here. You don´t need ti ride a bus, take a cab or get on a subway everyday the entire city center is walkable. Sol Education Abroad is also fantastic they make you feel at home and have so many activities lined up for you so that way you can make the most of your time in Spain. They are always available to answer any questions you might have. The homestay is great and everybody has about a 15-20 minute walk to class. The walk is never boring and I suggest you walk like a Granadino, take your time and enjoy it. You have to study abroad with Sol in Granada, Spain you will not regret it!

My summer in Granada was one of the best summers of my life! The Sol staff here is amazing, they are always working to make sure we make the most of our experience and are always available to help with whatever we need, when we need it! Granada is by far one of the most beautiful and fun places I´ve ever visited in my life, so living here has been a dream. Sol makes sure that we experience Granada in the best way possible, so I´m so glad I chose this program. There´s not really anything I would change about my summer here, except maybe the fact that it was too short!

I stayed two months in Granada with the program SOL and they have been two of the best months of my life. I was really worried about not feeling safe living in another country but I felt completely safe the whole time here. My host mom was especially kind and took care of me in every way that I needed. I definietly took advantage of the tapas and how easily accesible everything was by walking. It is a beautiful city with kind people!

I still have 5 more days in this amazing city and this experience has already begun to impact my life. I have traveled quite a bit before this summer but studying abroad had been unlike any abroad experience I´ve ever had before.
Not only have I really learned Spanish (not quite to the level I hope to be at one day, but most definiely an incredible start) but I have made incredible friends and various other relationships, I have tried food I have never even seen before and I have spent the past 11 weeks in the most amazing world. I can now officially say I have lived abroad and that is a very unique feeling.

My study abroad experience was with Blinn College through Sol Education, and it took place in the summer of 2017 in Granada, Spain. The entire experience was great and truly eye-opening. In the past, I have traveled around the world with my family for vacations, but this particular trip was unlike anything I had experienced before. From beginning to end, whether studying or exploring, the study abroad trip was amazing.

The first few hours in Spain were a little bit shocking, due to the language barrier and new surroundings, but I was immediately mesmerized by the city of Granada and the beauty that it presented. After meeting my host family and settling myself in, I felt more relaxed, and overall it was comforting to know that I wasn't alone in feeling initial discomfort and awkwardness—the other students, the professors, and I were able to constantly communicate through Group Me, and we shared our thoughts, pictures, and individual experiences throughout the entire trip. Not only did I feel like I could depend on the other students and the professors for guidance and support, but I felt the same about the Sol Education staff. Our group's Sol director, Miguel Pinto, plus the rest of the Sol staff, were always available to lend their support or give assistance whenever or wherever needed. I am grateful for all the work that everyone did to make sure our group had a safe, fun, and successful trip abroad.

We were able to see and visit so many beautiful places in Granada and the Andalucia area. Although the summer heat was difficult to endure sometimes, the sights and views of Albaicín, Sierra Nevada, La Alhambra, Sevilla, Córdoba, plus many others, were completely worth the long hikes and sweat.

I want to encourage students to take the opportunity to study abroad, whenever possible, because I do believe it is a great experience to have, but that doesn't imply that everything will be smooth and easy going all of the time. The other students and I took two intermediate level Spanish classes while in Granada (over a span of one month), and it was hard work. It was easy to get sidetracked and forget about studying for class or for exams, especially when we were tired from long days, but it was important to keep pushing ourselves and figure out the best strategy for ourselves as individual students. Although studying abroad is fun and exciting, it's definitely not the time to slack off.

In general, here are some other tips that I would recommend for students planning to study abroad in Spain (or anywhere else where these tips may apply): pack a good pair of tennis shoes to protect your feet while walking and hiking; bring an insulated water bottle so you always have cold water when you're out; bring a decent amount of cash, or plan to withdraw from a trustworthy bank abroad, because shops and restaurants prefer quick payments by cash; pack a small table fan, or bring money to buy one, for the hot days when air conditioner isn't available; pack a power bank charger for your phone so you always have power for pictures or an emergency; consider purchasing an international phone plan for your time abroad, I used Travel Pass through Verizon that cost $10/day for unlimited talk, text, and data; and, bring a secure wallet, purse, or bag to carry in front of you to prevent easy pick pocketing. Also, try researching your abroad city before your departure date to find interesting or fun places to go on some of your free days. Or, ask your host family for suggestions and learn what they enjoy doing in their city.

And, overall, enjoy yourself. The most important thing I feel like I can say is to not be afraid to explore. I believe there is great importance in traveling, especially when there is an opportunity to not only discover a new culture, but also yourself through learning and interacting, or even just observing. Whether you're a student going out to participate in a cultural activity with your abroad group, or just a person going to walk the streets of your new, temporary home, you should always take time to absorb and appreciate whatever surrounds you. It seems there is never enough time to learn and to enjoy what stands in front of you, so fully experience every moment you have.

I was never sold on the idea of study abroad because of the price tag, but now having done it, I can 200% say, it's worth it. Traveling by yourself or just with friends/family, you will not get the experience of living with locals, meeting other students with similar interests from all over the country, and doing the cultural activities as a group and guided by wonderful directors and Ticos.
I had an amazing Mama Tica who blessed me (she's Catholic like the majority of Ticos) every single time I left the house. Along with Costa Rican food, she made me pancakes and spaghetti, to try to make me feel at home.
My program was led by some incredible directors, Yessenia and Angie, who you can tell love their country, and love showing it to us students. They encourage us to buy products from the locals to support families rather than corporations, which I love. They also give great recommendations for activities and places to go on our free afternoons and weekends.
The excursions to La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and white water rafting were so much fun. Costa Rica is a stunning country, and I couldn't have picked a better program.
Quick recommendations: if you go in the summer, I would recommend a reusable poncho, because honestly umbrellas just don't cut it--my shorts were soaked every time. Take lots of tank tops! The humidity is insane, and you'll want to wear the least amount possible. I wore Chacos every day, and I was so glad. They're waterproof, and super comfortable for walking to/from school and around the city. The classes have homework every night, but the professors are very nice and understanding. They know you're there to explore too, so don't stress if you can't get EVERY single thing completed. Most of all, just get out and enjoy every second. You're going to meet a ton of great people and have some really fun adventures.