Go to Granada, it's a must!

Studying abroad in this beautiful, multi-influential city was the best decision I ever made in my college career. Granada is a small city, but the people, the culture, and events made up for it and made it feel bigger. The city is vastly influenced on Islamic culture, but had influences of Jewish, and Christianity. Take advantage of the free tapas that come along with your drinks! The food is amazing there, my recommendation is get cafe con leche and napolitana from bakeries. You must try a shwarma at least once there. Since there's a university in the city, there's a lot of international students. Even though it was a small city, I walked around everyday with my friends, finding new places.

Program provided excellent classes that require active participation, along with class trips where we see what we are learning. I had multiple trips to the majestic Alhambra and other places around the city and saw a lot theater shows. The field trips of the program was the best part, my favorite was going to Sevilla, Morocco, Cabo de Gata (beach trip). Morocco is optional but I recommend it, it was great experience of meeting and really getting to know students the same age as us and families and getting a better understanding of their views in an Islamic Country.

IES Staff were very helpful and supportive, they always posted events such as festivals, concerts and shows that was happening in town. They help you with anything to the best of their abilities, for example, going to the pharmacy to help get your medicine and so much more. The staff is very supportive and I'm very thankful for that. They also create events to get more involved in the city and also with spanish students.

I lived a 30 minute walk away from the center, which was annoying because I lived far away from everything. However, my host mom was amazing. Took me a while to get comfortable but her hospitality, sense of humor and how helpful she was with my spanish and how supportive she was made things better. In general, the locals were nice and helpful, especially when you are lost. I recommend, speaking as much spanish as possible!