WE OUT GRANADA

Coming from a small town where my high school was amongst a cornfield, I had never believed that I could live in a foreign country, especially one where a different language was spoken. Last summer, I worked doubles and even triples with the hope that I would be able to participate in this program. Words can't express how incredibly grateful I am that I had this experience, and I can't seem to adequately summarize all I have learned. The stand out thing that I am leaving with is a sense of clarity. After months in Ann Arbor, it's easy to get sucked into the internship searching, resume building, and late night cramming mode. Having time here to mix learning with real world experience has invigorated my passion for my education. While here, I didn't feel like I was studying just for the grade, but because then I could go home and actually have a discussion about the Spanish election process or political system with my host family. And from these conversations has come another huge tack away: a new perspective on my country. After school everyday, I would watch the Spanish news with my host dad. It was incredibly interesting to see how happenings in the US were reported here and to hear my family's thoughts about the US. Having grown up in such a small, homogenous area, putting my life in a global perspective has been an incredible and humbling experience.

And now for future students,,,,Know that this program isn't one size all, and it didn't exactly turn out how I expected after my orientation. Here is my non-Trip Advisor (and hopefully not too cliche) advice:

DO get to know your family and spend time with them outside of meals. If they invite you to an event, you should always go. For example, every Sunday morning my sister has an equestrian class in the country outside Granada. I also made excuses or had activities because getting up early to watch her trot around on a horse didn't sound too appealing, but I finally committed this weekend and had an amazing day. I have spent nearly this entire weekend with my host family (Saturday we went to their summer house), and it has been one of my favorite weekends of the trip. I got to see the silly, pleasantly weird side of my little sister and taught her the Cupid Shuffle. By far, I will remember those moments more than any monument I could have visited in that time.

I got to play with kittens and feed the chickens, horses, and turkeys at the stable!

DO find activities that are especially tailored to your interests. While popular attractions and "must-see" lists are fine, you will always learn and appreciate more if you can connect to it beyond just a beautiful view. My favorite experiences always involved music and dance because those are my passions. Seeing and even taking a class in a different style of dance was amazing, and I can honestly say I am obsessed with flamenco (and looked up classes in Ann Arbor if anyone wants to join...). I would recommend paying attention to those sometimes ratty-looking flyers on the street and local pamphlets/newspapers because is where you can find the true gems that are overly-touristy.

DO keep a journal.... Make friends with the CEA people (I love Loly!!!!!!).... take siestas.... eat ice cream almost everyday... share with your family want you are learning...pay attention to the "words of the day"...at least try to keep a budget (sometimes you forget you are spending real money)...

DON'T be surprised by the lack of diversity in Granada...Although there is a rich culture and history here, it isn't quite as diverse as the United States. When someone says "negro" or "chino" here, they don't mean it with bad intentions, and often times something your host family says that seems inappropriate to you is simply because of a different in culture. I have had some very interesting discussions about sexuality, racism, etc. with my family, but I enjoyed them as learning experiences. Be open and don't take offense; know that when they tell you about stereotypes, you don't have to be the voice of the United States.

DON'T update your Facebook everyday, send a Snapchat every 5 minutes, or try to stay in constant contact with your friends back home. My second week here, I broke my iPhone and used an old, non-smart phone with a Spanish SIM card for the rest of the trip. I really only used it to talk to my mom, and otherwise I had Skype to keep in touch with my family. It was nice to not have to check email or text messages constantly. Use the opportunity to disconnect a bit; if you really have secure friendships, you won't need to talk with them every single day.

DON'T stress to much about the class... expect ice in your drinks... get a tattoo... be scared to tell your family when you have a problem... refuse to try anything (even if only once)... only visit Granada (I highly recommend Madrid)... forget to relax (seriously, it's not like Ann Arbor)...

HASTA PRONTO EEUU