Why IES Abroad Granada — From an Official Program Alum

Wow. I’m sitting on my flight home, reflecting on my semester, and my heart feels full.

When I was younger, my dad told me that what we remember most about people is how they make us feel. With that in mind, I can say that Granada—and the people I’ve met here—have filled my cup with calmness, contentment, and warmth.

Trying to sum up this past semester feels like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. But for the sake of my dedicated readers… I’ll try. Here are the top five reasons why IES Abroad Granada should be at the top of your study abroad list:

1. Small Program, Unique Opportunities

Granada is a smaller Spanish city packed with possibility. One of the first things you'll notice is how much Granadinos care about each other—and about you. Locals are kind, patient, and encouraging as you practice your Spanish. From baristas who check in on you when you seem down to the incredible IES Abroad program "orientadoras" who connect you with local students and share their favorite spots, you feel instantly part of a community.

That “hometown” feel creates countless ways to get involved. I played on a soccer team, interned as an English teacher, and attended various talleres (workshops). Friends of mine joined ski clubs, played at open mic nights, and volunteered with local organizations. Granada honestly offers something for everyone.

The small class sizes (never more than 10 students) also make a huge difference. You build real relationships with your professors—shoutout to Maite, Rafa, Javier, Trini, and Ana, I miss you already!—who are not only incredible educators but also lifelong mentors. Many of them are happy to help you find opportunities if you want to return to Spain in the future.

Also, IES Abroad Granada has incredible opportunities not offered in any other study abroad program. I mean where else can you visit Morocco as part of your program or intern at a local hospital, ceramic factory, or elementary school? The unique offerings at IES Abroad Granada are incredible.

2. The IES Abroad Granada Staff Is UNMATCHED

The Granada staff is filled with kind, passionate, and artistic people deeply committed to making your experience unforgettable.

I do not have enough good things to say, so I will simply say “thank you.” Thank you Javier for leading this amazing semester. Thank you Vicky and Raquel for coordinating countless events and always leaving your office door open when we needed someone to talk to. Thank you Eva for guiding us through our internship process and always checking in. Thank you, Patricia and Juana Rosa for greeting us with a smile and a wave goodbye everyday. Thank you Elvira for helping us with course planning and making sure tests went smoothly. Thank you Melina, Patri, and Ana for making sure each of us had a personalized experience in Granada. And of course, thank to all of our professors for making us feel valued each and every day.

If you’re considering IES Abroad Granada, do yourself a favor and spend a semester with these incredible people.

3. The Alhambra and the Albacín 

Studying in Granada means living among not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alhambra and the Albaicín neighborhood. As part of the program, you’ll go on guided excursions—at no extra cost—with expert professors who help bring centuries of culture and history to life. Whether you're walking through the Alhambra’s palaces or wandering the winding streets of the Albaicín, you’ll learn something new each day in Granada.

4. So Affordable

A lot of people assume studying abroad means that you have to spend a lot of money throughout the semester. I think this is true in big cities like Madrid or Rome. However, in Granada, you get the best of both worlds. The Andalusian city offers a much more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality or fun opportunities. 

Here’s what I mean, in Granada:

• Every drink at a tapas bar comes with a free small plate of food. Try Bar Poe and Café Bar Damasqueros!
• Coffee rarely costs more than 2–4 euros.
• A avocado toast with salmon and eggs? Around $6–7.
• Going out? Entry fees are usually around $5.
• You can walk nearly everywhere, and a bus pass is super cheap.

Granada makes it possible to live an exciting study abroad life on a student budget.

5. Getting to Know the People (Especially Through Homestay)

If you’re on the fence about housing, let me just say: do the homestay.

My host mom, Shaima, and her daughter became my family away from home. We ate lunch together every day, shared quiet mornings before class, and had movie nights that made homesick days feel lighter. I will carry them with me forever.

Living with a family offers a level of cultural immersion, language practice, and emotional support that you simply don’t get anywhere else. Whether it was learning how to make homemade recipes or discussing traditions or new words, I was constantly growing, connecting, and learning in ways that went far beyond academics. 

I am beyond grateful for this experience, and I can’t imagine my semester without it.

Final Thoughts

As I sit here, heading back to the US, I keep thinking about how hard it is to say goodbye to a place that became so much more than a temporary stop. Granada is an unforgettable place.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad and haven’t decided where—GO TO GRANADA. I promise it will change your life.  As cliche as it sounds, it changed mine :)