While I have been abroad, this was the first time I was abroad for more than two weeks. To be honest, it was nerve-racking at first, but once I got to know the people in my dorm and had a set class schedule, my time became more enjoyable. During the first week of orientation, we visited Ronda. We visited an olive oil plant and an old bull-fighting stadium. We also took amazing hikes into the hills past blooming almond trees and expansive views of open agricultural fields. After the hike, they gave us time to walk around and explore Ronda. I got stuck in a downpour, on my way to find a gluten-free cafe, but even that was exciting! While I did end up at a dominos, it is an experience I won't forget. There are a bunch of great food options available, but I need quick sustenance. Going to show that it took me a bit to adjust to Spain and get a solid footing, but that was okay! This was only one of many trips during my time abroad!

When I first decided to go to IES Abroad Granada, I had no idea how it would go. I had never been to Europe before, and no other student from my program or person I knew from different colleges would be attending. It had always been a dream of mine to visit Europe, but I never expected to study abroad. When I first arrived, I immediately made friends that would last well beyond the conclusion of our program. While in Spain, I visited incredible places with my program: Sevilla, Córdoba, and Morocco; simultaneously, I traveled with the friends I made to Barcelona, Milan, and London. I learned about Islamic History and European Union Politics and expanded my knowledge of the Spanish language. I assimilated into the cultural norms of eating late, playing soccer, and going out with friends from the program and locals. I loved every minute of my experience and cannot stress enough how great it was to spend a semester in Granada, Spain.

I loved my study abroad experience with IES. The faculty and staff at the program center were incredibly supporting and friendly, and I had a great experience with my homestay as well. I took classes at IES and at the local university, and received personalized attention and support from professors in both programs. Having access to the mountains and ocean within a short bus ride was incredible, and I loved wandering around the city, exploring different bars, museums, and clubs, and even taking a dance class.

I loved my time in Granada with IES Abroad! The IES programme staff were so welcoming and supportive in all aspects. I feel like they really understood the challenges that can come with study abroad and were well-equipped to address them and help us deal with them. At one point I contracted COVID-19 and struggled a little with my mental health; IES immediately organised for me to visit a mental health specialist and continually checked up on me to ensure I was okay. I felt safe and happy with them!

My trip to Granada through IES Abroad was the time of my life. Although it was cut short, I am so blessed to have had the experiences I did. The staff did wonderful working students through the cultural immersion and showing us the true story of Granada. Almost all of my classes took days on the town, visiting different locations and discussing their significance. The trip also tied the material into the visits we took, going to Sevilla to study the Cathedral and Christianity in Spain, Morocco to study the Arabic culture and its influence on Granada, and Córdoba to study the mosque. Everyone wants you to have an incredible time - and will work to make sure you do!

I studied abroad this Fall with IES Abroad in Granada and loved every second of it! I was nervous to study abroad and the IES staff was very supportive and helped ease the stress of being in a new country. We spent a lot of time with the staff and I found they genuinely cared about getting to know each one of us. Granada was an amazing location as well. Not too big of a city, or too small and was super affordable and there was a ton to do as well. The classes I took were unique and engaging and I learned a ton while also improving my Spanish. I would 100% recommend studying abroad in Spain with IES and I hope you have as wonderful of an experience as I did abroad! As basic as it sounds, it will change your life!

Granada is one of the best cities to travel around by yourself. If you are ever bored on a Sunday, take a stroll down the river and pass people biking, skateboarding, and running. It is a lively community that feels welcoming to even those of us who come from across the pond. I lived and loved every aspect of the small-city charm that Granada gives you and am already planning my next trip to hike above the Alhambra on my next visit, only this time I hope that I can share my experience with more of my family and friends!

Everything about my experience in Granada was magical. From the compassionate center staff to the rigorous yet not overbearing course load, I couldn't have asked for a better program. A walk through Granada feels like a walk back in time to the Moorish days. There always seemed to be more to discover around every corner and the history and architecture never failed to take my breath away. In the fall all of my classes were in Spanish, but I did have the opportunity to take two classes in English in the spring. They were all very interesting and geared towards the experience in Granada. No class at my home university would have been as fulfilling because a key component would have been different - the location. If you go to Granada with IES, I wholeheartedly recommend living with a host family. There is no better way to truly immerse yourself in the culture and language. Not to mention, no one cooks as well as a Spanish señora (sorry mom!).