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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in Spain? We recently caught up with Alexis from Concordia University Chicago, who did a study abroad program in the flamenco-famous city of Granada during the spring semester.
Discover how Alexis’s experience with AIFS Abroad shaped her academic future and provided inspiring cultural experiences!
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
Want to study abroad but not sure where and when you want to go? Connect with our team—our study abroad experts will help you narrow your choices!
Here’s how Alexis decided on Granada:
“I chose Spain because I wanted to complete my Spanish language studies in a Spanish-speaking country. While I also considered other options AIFS offered, such as Costa Rica and Argentina, I found that Argentina had more biology and science-focused classes, which didn’t align with my academic interests. Spain, on the other hand, offered classes in Spanish that fit both my language studies and my business major/minor. I specifically picked Granada because it provided the longest duration abroad compared to other cities in Spain, especially since I opted for the early start, which gave me a few extra months abroad. I would highly recommend this program to those who have an interest in Spanish literature and are open to thinking outside the box. My classes in Granada were entirely in Spanish, which was perfect for my language level, and I appreciated how my professor pushed me to go deeper into literature and further develop my understanding.”
If you’re like Alexis, you may choose a term in order to escape bad weather back home!
“I chose the spring term because I wanted to escape the harsh Chicago winter, and I also wanted the opportunity to travel once the program ended. Since one of my main goals was to have a longer stay abroad, spring was the only option that worked for me, as it offered a longer term compared to the summer term, and it also allowed me to extend my time after the program concluded. Spring also coincides with more festivals, holidays, and typical tourism levels in Spain. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Semana Santa in Spain, as well as the Feria de Sevilla and other local, culturally rich holidays and festivals. It was a unique experience that made my time abroad even more memorable.”
Academics Abroad
Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a new academic culture and take classes that may not be offered at your home university. Hear Alexis describe her academic experience in Granada:
“I studied at the Universidad de Granada in Spain, and my experience was incredibly positive. The professors were highly qualified in their respective fields, and it was clear that they were passionate about the subjects they were teaching. One aspect I really appreciated was that, despite being a foreign student, my professors didn’t treat us as typical language learners. At least in my case, it never felt like they were simplifying the content for non-native speakers. Instead, they taught the material as if we were native students, but in a way that still felt accessible and appropriate for our level of understanding. This approach made the classes feel more engaging and challenging, and I appreciated the level of respect and expectation they had for us as students.”
Your classes abroad are also a great chance to meet AIFS Abroad participants and other international students, as Alexis explains:
“The classes were a mix of AIFS students and other international students… The University of Granada has a dedicated building for international students, which created a unique environment where we could connect with peers from all over the world while focusing on our studies in Spain.”
Study abroad courses frequently offer unique local perspectives, allowing you to dive into the native cultural and historical context in a way that inspires deeper learning. Alexis’s favorite class in Granada was one such course:
“The class that stood out to me the most was Spanish Civics and Culture, as I learned a tremendous amount from it. One of the most eye-opening aspects was learning about the Francoist period, a part of Spanish history I hadn’t studied before. It was fascinating to dive into the history of Spain, particularly the complex political and social changes that took place during that time. The class not only provided a deeper understanding of Spain’s past but also sparked a personal interest in Spanish history that has continued to influence my academic work. In fact, a year later, I found myself incorporating many of the ideas and insights from that class into my senior project and honors thesis. The knowledge I gained in this course had a lasting impact on my studies and my approach to research, and it remains one of the most valuable and thought-provoking classes I took abroad.”
Language Learning
Language proficiency is not required for the majority of our programs; however, many students elect to take language classes abroad. Even people like Alexis, whose first language is Spanish, can develop their language skills:
“Spanish is my first language, so transitioning to Spain was relatively easy for me. However, the main adjustment I had to make was getting used to the various regional dialects, particularly the differences between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the Mexican Spanish I’m accustomed to… One of the things I appreciated about the program was that you didn’t need to have advanced Spanish skills to be eligible. Granada offered different programs based on your Spanish proficiency level, so students at various stages could find a class suited to their abilities… This flexibility helped create an environment where students of different language levels could thrive and engage in the academic experience at their own pace.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Abroad programs, which can take a lot of the stress out of planning! Hear Alexis describe her experience in a homestay in Granada:
“My housing accommodation in Spain was a homestay with a roommate, and overall, I really enjoyed the experience. One of the things I appreciated the most was the opportunity to learn about local holidays, traditions, and customs, which I feel is something that those who stay in apartments or dorms might miss out on. Living with a host family allowed me to see how locals celebrate certain events and experience everyday life from a Spanish perspective.
One of the most impactful cultural experiences I had while studying abroad was living with a host mom. This experience helped me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Not only did I get to immerse myself in the local culture, but my host mom also provided invaluable insight into daily life in Spain—things that you wouldn’t necessarily learn from a textbook or in a classroom. From local customs and traditions to simple, everyday habits like mealtimes, I was able to experience Spain in a much more intimate and personal way.”
Making Friends Abroad
While you’re welcome to study abroad with friends from home (the more the merrier!), setting out by yourself offers more opportunities to make new friends, as Alexis did:
“I did the early start program in Granada, [which] provided a really nice opportunity to build friendships with others right from the beginning, as the group was smaller and more intimate. This gave me the chance to connect with people in my program, as well as fellow students at school. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was the relationships I built, not just with my peers, but also with my professors. These connections have benefited me even beyond my time abroad, as they’ve provided me with support, advice, and a deeper understanding of the academic world.
Something that really helped me during my time abroad was reminding myself that everyone in the program was in a similar situation; we were all in a new country, trying to navigate a new culture and make new friends. This shared experience made it easier to reach out to others, and I learned not to be afraid to talk to people. Everyone was looking to form connections, and it made the process of finding friends much smoother. So, my advice to future students would be to embrace the opportunity to meet new people and remember that you’re not alone in this experience. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and find your ‘people’ in the program, because you’ll all be going through similar challenges and moments of growth together.”
Cultural Appreciation
Wherever you decide to study abroad, you’ll have ample opportunities for unique cultural experiences. Just living in a new city is a cultural experience in and of itself! Hear how Spanish culture and morning traditions has helped Alexis even after returning home:
“One thing I really admired about the culture in Spain was how they valued taking time for themselves, especially in the mornings. In Spain, breakfast is an important and social part of the day, and it gave me a chance to slow down and enjoy a peaceful start before diving into my busy schedule. I admired how the Spanish approach to meals was not rushed, and how they made space in their day for moments of relaxation, even if just for a quick coffee or toast. This practice of taking time for myself, especially in the mornings, became something I truly enjoyed. When I returned home, I made a conscious effort to incorporate more mindful moments into my routine, especially by dedicating time in the morning for breakfast and slowing down, rather than rushing through the day. This mindset shift helped me feel more grounded and intentional in my daily life, something I hadn’t prioritized as much before.”
Weekend Trips
Did you know that when you study abroad, you can travel outside of your host country? As long as you’re not missing classes, you’re free to travel as much as you’d like! Below, Alexis describes her favorite trip during her semester in Granada:
“I took a lot of memorable weekend trips during my time abroad, but one that stands out the most was to Budapest. It was an incredible experience to visit the stunning Buda Castle and explore the historical palace. I loved walking around the city, taking in the beautiful architecture, and soaking in the rich history… The atmosphere in Budapest was so unique, and I felt like I was living in a storybook as I wandered through its charming streets.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
Our housing options, immersive programs, and on-site support staff are just a few reasons why students choose AIFS Abroad and are so happy with their decision. Hear why Alexis chose us for her semester abroad:
“When I first started exploring study abroad options, I quickly realized that my university didn’t have a dedicated person or office to guide me through the process, which meant I had to take matters into my own hands and do a lot of research on my own. I spent hours browsing different programs and trying to figure out what would be the best fit for me. Eventually, I had a conversation with my academic advisor, and during our discussion, she mentioned that AIFS had been very popular in her time and that Concordia had a partnership with the organization. This piece of information really piqued my interest, so I decided to explore the AIFS Abroad website. I spent time looking through the various destinations they offered, carefully considering each one, until I finally came across Granada, Spain. I was drawn to it because it seemed to offer exactly what I was looking for in a study abroad experience, and that’s how my journey to studying in Spain began.”
Alexis’s Advice for Studying Abroad in Granada
For anyone considering studying abroad in Granada, Alexis leaves you with the following advice:
- “Embrace the Language: Practice your Spanish as much as possible. The locals are friendly and will appreciate your effort to speak their language.
- Walk and Explore: Granada is a city best seen on foot. Get lost in the cobbled streets and be sure to check out the stunning views of the Alhambra.
- Enjoy the Food: Take advantage of Granada’s free tapas with every drink! Try local dishes and explore the markets.
- Adapt to Local Time: Spanish life is slower, with late lunches and dinners. Don’t rush—enjoy the relaxed pace.”
Are you a student ready to take the leap and study abroad like Alexis did in Granada with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.