Colbys Spring in Granada Spain

Studying abroad in Granada, Spain was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I spent the spring semester there through the CEA CAPA program, earning credits toward my Spanish minor at the University of Utah, and the experience exceeded my expectations in nearly every way.

Before arriving, I was most nervous about making friends and keeping up with the language. Both of those concerns disappeared quickly. The social environment of the program, combined with daily life in a Spanish-speaking city, made it easy to connect with others and grow comfortable using Spanish in real situations. By the end of the semester, my confidence in the language had grown immensely, and I feel very close to fluent.

My daily routine helped me feel grounded and truly immersed. On a typical weekday, I would wake up early for classes, spend time studying or grabbing breakfast between sessions, and return for afternoon courses. After classes, afternoons were usually spent relaxing or working, followed by meeting up with friends for tapas, dinner, or exploring Granada’s nightlife. This balance of structure and freedom made the semester feel sustainable and enjoyable.
Living in a hostel with one roommate and shared meals was a huge part of what made my experience special. Eating meals together gave me a built-in sense of community and made it easy to meet others in the program. It also removed a lot of daily stress, allowing me to focus on academics, exploring the city, and enjoying my time abroad.

Granada itself was the perfect place to study. It is a small-to-medium-sized college town, set against stunning mountains, with a historic Arabic castle overlooking the city. With a large student population, Granada offers an ideal mix of affordability, nightlife, rich history, and welcoming people. It truly felt like a place designed for students and travelers alike.

One of my favorite daily routines was visiting a breakfast spot near Calle Las Flores between my morning classes. For just four euros, I could get a coffee, orange juice, and two toasts de jamón. On other days, I would grab churros and sit in a nearby park. These quiet moments became some of the most meaningful parts of my experience and helped me realize the value of spending time alone and being present.

Academically, the program was seamless. I completed a full semester of necessary college credits that transferred easily toward my degree, which made studying abroad feel both enriching and practical.

Overall, I had an incredible experience in Granada and would strongly recommend doing it exactly the way I did. From the housing setup to the city choice and program structure, everything worked together to create a truly unforgettable semester abroad.