Gearing up for Granada

I’m about a week out from my departure date for Spain, and while the summer days are technically longer, they seem to be going by faster and faster. While balancing work, friends and family, and preparing for my time abroad, it can be easy to quickly move from one thing to another, but as my departure date gets closer, it’s important to reflect on the reasons why I am studying abroad in Granada, Spain in the first place. 

Deciding to study abroad was a lengthy and emotional process for me. I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but I soon found out that finding a good program, applying, and realizing that I would be living in a completely different country was quite daunting. I was constantly switching from complete excitement to utter disbelief that I was actually going to do this. But so much of my stress and anxiety was overcome as IES Abroad helped me understand the study abroad process.

Once I came upon the IES Liberal Arts and Language (Global Partner) program in Granada, Spain, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Through researching Granada, I discovered the rich history of the city. The combination of Muslim, Catholic, Arab and Spanish culture immediately grabbed my attention. Coming from a multireligious and multicultural background, I have always been interested in how various cultures come together to create their own unique space. Granada’s conglomerate of cultures and rich history drew me in.

Along with its cosmopolitan culture, I knew I wanted to study in a Spanish speaking country. Having the opportunity to improve my Spanish speaking skills was a priority when searching for a program. As my goal for myself was immersion, the homestay housing option really stood out to me. Ultimately, choosing Granada was a no-brainer.

Another piece of my decision lay in the University of Granada. The University of Granada is one of the largest Universities in Spain, dating back to the 1500s. The university plays a major role in the community and lifestyle of the city. Being a very social person, making friends abroad is an important goal of mine. Knowing that I am in a city with many people similar in age to me who are also dedicated to their education further influenced my choice of Granada.

And now, you may be asking yourself, why choose IES Abroad? Well, where do I start! From the beginning of this process, I have felt incredibly supported, and that support has just seemed to grow through each step I have taken. IES Abroad makes the study abroad process easy. From the clearly stated due dates on the website, reminders to submit forms, and responses to frantic emails and calls, IES Abroad has been there for me, quelling my anxiety with clear answers. 

Further, finances played a large role in my decision to study abroad. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, but there were times when I thought I would not be able to pursue it because of financial circumstances. IES Abroad’s financial aid allowed me to pursue this dream of mine. Because of the various ways IES Abroad provides support, my dream has become a reality.