My time in Granada has been incredible. It's impossible to believe that I've already spent six weeks in this incredible city. It feels as if it was just yesterday when I stepped of the bus for the first time, tired after having been up for almost 24 hours and trying to communicate with my host mom. It seems incredible that I, and my classmates, have come so far in our Spanish education in only six weeks, though I definitely wish I had at least six more. I'll definitely be coming back to Spain as soon as I possibly can.
Living in Granada, I've learned a lot of things. I've learned about new foods, tasted some incredible french fries, and learned just how great a mojito can be. I've learned how to go to sleep before midnight every day of the week and then stay up until 6 am Friday night, though I'm still not sure how I ever managed to do that. Being here, I've gained a new appreciation for Spain and its politics, its fashion, and its other interesting customs. I've fallen in love with big lunches followed by long naps, evening tapas, and the company of good friends. I've learned not only what sangria and tinto de verano are, but also that they're extremely delicious.
(CLICHE ALERT: SKIP THE NEXT PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ EVERY CLICHE ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD EVER)
Studying here in Spain has been life-changing (1). I've learned so much about Spanish culture (2) and can't wait to come back (3). I've fallen hopelessly in love with Spain (4) and I hope to spend a few years living here in the future (5). I will never forget the people I met here (6), especially my host family who have been incredible to me. I especially won't forget my host mother's cooking. Though the food here is actually quite boring, it was still good and my host mother is wonderful at cooking it.
(IF YOU READ MY CLICHES: THANK YOU. IF YOU DIDN'T: THEY'RE DONE, WORRY NOT)
Finally, I have some advice for future participants in this program.
DO study and practice some Spanish before you come. I was barely able to talk to my family the first week I was here because I barely remembered any Spanish.
DO make the most of every opportunity and try new things. I know this is another cliche (sorry) but really, if you have a chance to try something new you should definitely take it. Spain is an incredible place with some different customs and culture than the US and you should definitely try to learn as much about it as possible. The more you try the better your experience will be.
DO try to do some side travel. I know it's hard with all of the studying and other requirements of the program, but some of the most incredible experiences I had were on side trips. Nerja is especially nice, though definitely wear a lot of sunscreen. I was a lobster for a week after going to Nerja.
DON'T take things too seriously. Class is hard and there's a lot to do, but make sure to make time to get tapas, go out with friends, and otherwise explore the city. Remember, you could be taking this class in Ann Arbor. You're in Granada for a reason, and that's not to stay home and study all day. It's more important to learn the culture first hand than to boost your grade one or two percent by staying home studying.
DON'T go to the same Cafes, Bars, Taperias, Discotechs, etc. every time you go out. There are so many different incredible places in the city to experience, it's a waste to go to the same places every time. That said, it's fun to make one or two places your own and patronize them frequently, just make sure you're always trying new places as well.
DON'T forget TAPA TUESDAY. TAPA TUESDAY is the most important day of the week. On Tuesday go try new tapas and drinks with your friends, and don't forget to use as much alliteration as possible. Alliteration adds a lot of enjoyment to all activities, especially TAPA TUESDAY.
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