The Pomegranate of my Eye

"Granada" translates to "pomegranate" (just to make sure the title of this review makes sense!). My experience in Granada was unique, challenging, inspiring, thought provoking and something I cherish so deeply. I experienced ups and downs as studying abroad challenges you to leap out of your comfort zone. I definitely was thrilled to be doing this, but it was definitely a bit overwhelming at times. One of the reasons I found IES Abroad Granada to be such a great program was because of the staffs commitment to understanding students' individual experiences, meeting them where they are at, and supporting them the best they could. The staff of this program in Granada radiated kindness and made a genuine effort to know each student. The warm and empathetic attitudes of the staff created a very positive environment that felt optimal for personal and community growth. Additionally, the IES Abroad Granada program includes many trips and participating in these adventures broadened my perspectives and also helped me to develop and strengthen relationships with those around me. During my semester in Granada, I lived in a homestay and this was a major highlight of my experience. Not only did it greatly help me improve my Spanish skills, but it also made me feel like I truly had a second home. It was also a very positive experience getting to know my host family and others from Granada as I was building relationships in a different language. An aspect of this program that I found very beneficial is that each student is paired with a student who attends the University of Granada and are encouraged to get together and help each other improve their language skills. Overall, the IES Abroad Granada program provided me with amazing opportunities to learn and grow in a setting previously unfamiliar to me. It led me to build meaningful and lasting relationships and it gave me experiences that I continue to learn from even while I am back at home. Lastly, the city of Granada is a place of jaw-dropping beauty and amazing history, and this program helped me to get to know this place like it was my home.