Program Reviews

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.

We went to sevilla with our program durring the end our stay in Spain and it was alot of fun. WE alked around the accient city and saw tha arab quarter and the small shoped that give the city its older feel. We saw almost all of the major things in sevilla and it was beautiful. Also afer words the hotel we stayed at was beautiful and very comfortable. The next day on the way home we went to Cordoba and saw that city too! It was great because we saw one of the biggest mosques in spain and it was breath taking. If You decide to travel abroad with SOL you wont be dissapointed because you will see many beautiful cities in Spain and have a wonderful experience.

Everything while abroad went great. The only tough part was before - I didn´t know if I was on the right track while going through the procedure of enrolling. But everything on the program was great. Fun acitvities, good people, great place. Tapas are chill. Good culture. Wish there was more support for individual traveling by the program. I felt that at the beginning I wanted to travel on my own but didnt know how.

I think my best memories here are with the friends I made here. It´s really fun just going around town during the day or at night and exploring the city. Just walking through the city is an adventure in itself. My best memories here are going out at night and meeting the locals and really getting to know the city and the people in an authentic way. You really have to get out of your comfort zone and be open to new experiences and people to really enjoy your time here.

My classes and my teachers have been incredible, and I have already learned so much in my short time there. I would like to become a Sol Student Ambassador because I want to help other students feel excited and empowered by their decision to further their education because I believe it is truly one of the best choices one can make to influence their future, . Also, my experience at Costa Rica has had such a positive impact on my life that I am thankful for the chance to give my time and resources to all the program does.