Sol Education Abroad: Study in Granada, Spain

Don't even think twice about going – do it! I was on the fence about going abroad this past summer, and now looking back, it's one of the best experiences I've ever had.

My second piece of advice would be to not stress the little things once you're there, and try to soak up every moment because it flies by faster than you think.

My third piece of advice would be to make the experience your own, and don't compare yours to others. Everyone's experience will differ enormously based on your homestay family, your professors, your classes, your roommate, etc, and it’s easy to start to compare with that of your friends'.

My last piece of advice would be to go to every activity and excursion SOL has planned for the duration of your trip. It might be overwhelming at first, but you will thank yourself endlessly because it may end up being one of your most favorite things on your study abroad. If it isn't, oh well, at least you can say you experienced it!

My study abroad was for a total of two months (June-July). An average week during the first month was pretty busy: you have class all day, come home for a few hours for lunch and rest, go to the daily activity SOL has planned for you, and when you get back, eat and try to squeeze in your last bit of homework before class the next morning.

At first, when you are still getting used to everything, it can get a little overwhelming. However, I still encourage everyone to not siesta for too long, and to go to every SOL activity possible as it may turn out to be one of your favorite things you've done on your trip, and you will thank yourself in the end for doing it!

Towards the last few weeks of the first month and the beginning of the second month, things start to get more routine and you will start planning activities and trips of your own with friends. The second month, you will feel more like a local and less of a tourist and really get to experience the city in its fullest.

I've always been a person of routine, planning, and organization. One of my biggest fears going abroad was knowing that I would have to break that routine which means that I would not be able to eat my normal diet, exercise regularly at my preferred hour, or even know the other students who I would be spending my entire summer with.

I feared the unknown and how I would react under that. Turns out, my routine that I was so scared of changing didn't even exist in my new country! Ironically, it also turns out that this was maybe the best thing that could have happened to me. I learned to embrace the spontaneity of traveling and plans. I learned to absolutely love the lifestyle, values, new food, and culture.

Throughout this trip, I was able to get to know people from different states, countries, and backgrounds. When I look back at my time in Spain, I think of all the crazy, fun, memories I now have and how they wouldn't have happened without the hand of spontaneity and adventure. Now, back in Texas, I see the importance of living your life as it comes, with friends and family, rather than stressing about living a daily routine.

The best story I have heard was the story of two students that came to Granada for the Spring semester in 2009. I did not know that at the end of the program they had started dating and they got married when they returned to the United States. When I traveled to Texas in 2010, I contacted one of them that lived in Austin and I went to greet them. My surprise was when I saw them both arrive and they told me they had gotten married and lived together. It was very exciting!

I would choose to go to the program in Oaxaca, Mexico. For a long time, I have been attracted to the cultures in Central America like the Mayan, Aztec, Zapotec culture, etc. I think living in Oaxaca would allow me to discover more about its culture, its cultural identity, its food, etc. I have also heard that the city is very beautiful and has a great student atmosphere.

What makes Sol Education unique among other companies is the dedication and human involvement that we have when it comes to doing our job. We are interested and concerned about the circumstances of our students and we work to make them as comfortable as possible so that their experience can be the best! We also always do everything with a little bit of love!

The most important factor that makes a company successful is offering a service that goes beyond the expectations of the client. If the client leaves satisfied, they will speak well about the service and the company.

The best publicity that a company can have (and the worst as well) is without a doubt what is transmitted by “word of mouth” between clients and their friends. Therefore, the company has to take good care of the entire process of providing the service so that it results in the customer having quality service from beginning to end.

In addition to good service, we must not forget the human factor of being close to the client.