Studying in Spain: An Inside Look into Academics Abroad

Now that I am four weeks into classes in Granada, I think I can finally say that I am far enough in to share my experience with academics in Spain. Coming from the United States, classes in a different country can seem intimidating, so here are some differences and tips that hopefully will help alleviate the fear of the academic unknown.

An Explanation of Granada Academics

Here in Granada, everyone takes four to five classes at the IES Abroad Center with IES Abroad professors. If one chooses to, they can take a class at the University of Granada, but these classes are typically more difficult for the average student because they are regular lectures for Spanish students, and thus the Spanish can be difficult to understand. I am not taking a class at the University of Granada and therefore can not provide information on those, but the people I know who are taking them are enjoying them.

Within IES Abroad Granada, there are two different tracks for academics. Those who are earlier on in their Spanish learning (I believe typically those who have taken less than four semesters of language) are on the intermediate track, which means they have an hour and 40 minute Spanish class every morning and then take three other classes in English alongside it. For those who have taken more Spanish (usually more than four semesters), they will be on the advanced track which means that they will have an hour and five minute Spanish class every morning (which alternates between being at 8:35 in the morning and 9:45 in the morning) and then take four classes in Spanish alongside it.

I am in the advanced track and taking Spanish 352 here. Alongside Spanish, I am also taking Memoria e Identidad de Judeos Sefardíes, Psicología Transcultural, Flamenco, and Arab World and the West. Arab World and the West, however, as you might be able to tell from its name, is in English. Students in the advanced track can take classes in English if they can show proof that the class fills a requirement that they need to fill. For me, I am an international relations major and Arab World and the West filled one of my requirements for the major.

Workload and Handling Homework

Everyone talks about study abroad classes being easy, but while they may not be as rigorous as the university classes we’re used to with papers every week and major assignments due every time you come to class, they still require their work. Especially in Granada, where you’re also doing your work in a language that is not your first.

I find it especially important here to keep track of my work and when it’s due on a calendar. With new activities everyday, millions of places to explore, and travelling most weekends, it can be easy for work to slip your mind, but that is how it becomes overwhelming. What has been working for me is doing my work during my breaks in classes throughout the day, so that by the time I’m done with my classes each day, I have nothing left to worry about.

In terms of workload, there is definitely less work than in the United States. For most of my classes, I’ll get little assignments here and there but besides that, I have a midterm assignment/test, a final, and for many of my classes, a presentation in between. As someone who hates presenting, discovering that this was a part of my grade for multiple of my classes was stressful, but I made the decision to volunteer to go early on so that I could get them done quickly and relax the rest of the semester. I recommend this course of action.

Inside the Classroom

Classes with IES Abroad professors are great. They’re small, typically between 12-18 students, and the professors are engaging and kind. I was scared at first that since they were in Spanish, I would spend the entire time sitting there stressed, not knowing what was going on. This has not been the case. I feel comfortable talking to my professors, am not worried about getting answers wrong, and feel like the professors are there to support me. 

Spanish is the class I was most scared of before studying abroad, but it has ended up being such a fun class. My teacher is great and makes the entire class feel like a fun conversation between him and the twelve students. It is by far the most comfortable I’ve ever felt practicing my Spanish skills in a classroom environment.

My two Spanish lecture classes can be tiring because I don’t always understand what’s being talked about, but the teachers take their time, ask many times if students are understanding, and are always there to help outside of class if needed. My English lecture class is, obviously, much easier to understand, and is also interesting and enjoyable.

Flamenco takes place inside a classroom once a week for the theory part of it and then outside the IES Abroad Center and inside a dance studio once a week for the practical part of it. Having a class that involves moving my body and not sitting in a seat has been great, especially on days where I have a lot of classes. The change of pace helps me keep my energy up and get through the long day.

Final Tips for the “Study” in Study Abroad

Forgetting to involve yourself in your classes and learn while abroad is a big mistake, especially if most of your classes are through IES. They can be so interesting and help you learn so much in an environment that’s different than what you’re used to.

Make sure to stay on top of your work and keep track of it. While there is less than back home, if you don’t stay on top of what there is, it will end up feeling just as overwhelming as doing work at your home university. Staying on top of it makes sure that study abroad stays a time for fun and exploration.

While staying on top of your work, also don’t forget to take advantage of your home city. With so much travel on weekends and school on weekdays, we can forget to experience what’s right outside our door. Don’t keep putting off those activities you want to do or places you want to see because of homework. Get the homework done when you can and don’t fall behind, but keep going out and doing all the things. If you keep pushing things off, at some point, the semester’s going to be over and you’re going to realize you never got to do all of the things you wanted.