Central College Abroad - Study & Intern in Granada

Granada is beautiful. The Sierra Nevada mountains form a gorgeous backdrop for views such as the Alhambra, or the Albayzin neighborhood. The nightlife is alive because the city is made up of mostly students who frequent bars, nightclubs, pubs, the botellón park, etc. Every day I wake up, drink coffee with my host mom, walk 15 minutes to school, learn seriously interesting things in my classes, pop in to the director's office (who is the nicest, most caring, best director of any program I have ever been a part of) have an intercambio meeting with Spanish students, and all the while continue learning and speaking Spanish. There are sport teams and musical groups, internships and volunteering opportunities on offer- it seriously is the whole enchilada. Included is a trip to Morocco, which, for us sheltered American students is a fundamental experience to understanding the world better, especially the Islamic world. Staying three nights with a host family in Rabat, and later touring the majestic countryside of such a historic nation was an invaluable cultural exchange. In summation, it is a great program in a safe city learning a beautiful and useful language learning about a rich culture and being educated at a fine university.

this town is hands one of the most interesting, fun and exciting places i'v ever been. between the albizin, the AlHanbra, the active student life, the mountains near by and the ocean only an hour away... it can't get much better then granada!

Studying abroad in Granada has been a life-changing experience. People can read this everywhere, but they won't understand or feel it until they come back to the US.
Central's program is set-up in a way that a student is able to experience not only the wonders of Granada, but Spain as well. The program director is always there to answer any questions and make students feel comfortable. I enjoyed living with a host family because I was able to get a deeper insight of the Spanish culture.
One of my favorite classes was Granada Seminar, which was a class unique to Central. The students and I were able to learn about bull fights, gypsies, politics and so much more. The program takes it a step further by taking the students to an actual bull fight, an olive oil manufacturing plant,a flamenco performance and many other places that were discussed in Granada Seminar.
Visiting Morocco was the biggest highlight of my experience. It was just indescribable.Students are able to talk to Moroccan students and learn about their lives and religion first hand.
Studying abroad in Granada will be unforgettable, amazing, and life-changing!

Every day I was able to interact with my host family, it was wonderful to eat three meals a day with them. It was a very relaxed set-up; If I wanted to go out for tapas one night it wouldn't be a problem. You are treated as one of their own and you have just the right amount of independence. Traveling was very easy to do with the way classes are set up. The program director is absolutely amazing!

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.

This was one of the greatest experiences I've had in college. I was at a point were my course work was mundane and I felt I hadn't actually started living my college life. I needed a chance to see what else was and is offered out there, this was the best and most rewarding option that I wouldn't change for anything.

Spain is a fantastic to study abroad. I have grown so much as a person over the last 4 months. The director and her support staff and fantastic and I am very sad to leave them. The school used by Central is good. The professors and nice and know how to teach foreign students; they are very good at explaining questions and concepts to students. The housing is fine, depending on the host family it could be fantastic, touch and go, or just fine. Even though myself and some of my friends had a few problems with ourhost families over the semester I enjoyed living with a host family because it helped me to more fully understand and appreciate the Spanish culture.

Overall, studying abroad in Granada, Spain has been a fantastic experience and I recommend it to anyone!

My semester abroad here in Granada has been amazing! I never thought I would leave the small town life in Iowa as I grew up on a farm. But, it just so happened a semester 'freed' up for me so I dove in and applied for this program.
My time here has truly helped me find my inner being and has helped me grow as a person. Though you are able to depend on your new friends and staff abroad, you're also able to find just how independent you can be.
Taking class every day for 4 hours hasn't been bad at all. I'm in the Intensive program and have class from 9am-1pm every day Monday-Friday. This class has really helped improve my Spanish and I am feeling more comfortable using the language.
Each day brings something new as you learn the Monday-Friday and weekend habits of the locals. And, having the chance to live out the culture the 4 months I've been here has been such a learning experience! There is never a dull moment. From test tasting olive oil and wine and getting to see a Flamenco show and a bull fight, it has been worth every minute!
Of course when you study abroad, you may encounter difficulties along the way, but no matter what life brings there will be easy and hard times. And remember you people around you who can and are willing to help you get through any difficult times. You just need to stay positive and believe in yourself, and everything will be okay! Trust me!
So what are you waiting for? Take the next step towards learning and living a strong, rich culture in Granada, Spain!