Prepare to be mesmerized by grand Moorish architecture and Muslim influences. Enjoy wandering aimlessly around the city’s narrow, winding streets in the warm weather and take in the sights and sounds of the city when you study in Granada. This energetic city is also known for its youthful population, which will make your Granada study abroad experience even more authentic and exciting. If you’re looking to explore history and religion in Spain, Granada is the way to go.
Liberal Arts & Language
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Academic Year 2024: Early September - Late May
- Fall 2025: September 04 - December 20
- Academic Year 2025-2026: September 04 - May 16
- Spring 2026: January 20 - May 16
- Spring 2027: Mid January - Mid May
- Fall 2026: September 03 - December 19
- Academic Year 2026-2027: Early September - Mid May
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Language of Instruction:
Language Prerequisites:
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
About the Program
Important Visa Note for Spain 2026 Students
Complete your program application early to participate in our Spain ACCeSS program, where we review and submit your visa application on your behalf. The Spain ACCeSS deadlines, mandated by the Consulate, are very early this year. The sooner you apply, the more options you may have. Already applied? A Spain Visa resource is now available in your MyIESAbroad account under the "My Account" section.
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Kayti Everette
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why Granada?
Imagine being fully immersed in Spanish culture as you study abroad on a program designed to take learning out of the classroom and into everyday life.
Now picture it in a city many travelers insist is the must-see in all of Spain, with one of the clearest windows into the country’s unique, multicultural history, and a youthful, vibrant city life where roughly a third of residents are university students.
This is what it’s like to study abroad on our Granada - Liberal Arts & Language Program.
The Student Experience
How to Spend the Perfect Day in Granada
Itinerary for the perfect Granada day, including hiking, shopping, a short film festival, and churros.
Program Dates
Fall 2025
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Academic Year 2025-2026
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Spring 2026
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Spring 2027
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Fall 2026
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Academic Year 2026-2027
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Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer a variety of courses at the IES Abroad Center that help you explore and better understand Spanish language, history, and culture, through an in-depth and hands-on approach.
In addition to the courses you take with IES Abroad faculty, professors and course options at the prestigious Universidad de Granada can enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Meet one of these professors, Hala Jadid al Kash, in this faculty spotlight interview.
Partner Institution
Universidad de Granada
The Universidad de Granada (UGR), Spain’s third-largest university, is consistently ranked among the top schools in the country. It was founded by Charles V in the early 16th century and evolved from the Quaranic Madrasah, founded in 1349. It is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution, offering diverse opportunities that attract the highest number of European exchange students of any European university. The new Campus de la Salud, created by the Andalusian government and UGR, brings together the private sector and university faculties for health care research. The University sponsors many programs, sports clubs, and cultural activities, such as concerts and film series.
The UGR has seven campuses; the Central Campus, The Health Campus and the Campuses of Cartuja, Fuentenueva, and Aynadamar in Granada, plus two additional campuses in the North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla. All local Granada campuses are 10-15 minutes walking from the IES Abroad Granada Center, except the Cartuja Campus which is 15 minutes by bus.
Courses
Create your own academic experience according to the program in which you enroll by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester.
Intermediate Program (2 semesters of college-level Spanish)
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 6 credits)
- IES Abroad English-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
- IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies course (optional - pending language placement results, 3 credits)
- Universidad de Granada English-taught courses (optional, 3 credits each, maximum 2 courses)
Advanced Program (4 semesters of college-level Spanish)
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
- Universidad de Granada Spanish-taught courses (optional, 3 credits each, maximum 2 courses)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Anthropology (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HL/AN 357 - Health, Culture and Global Society | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Universidad de Granada
All IES Abroad Granada students are registered as students of UGR. The Center staff provides extensive advising and support to all students.
If placed in the Intermediate Program, you are eligible to take at least one course in English. Course offering vary from semester to semester and are limited.
If placed in the Advanced Program, you may be eligible to take at least one course in Spanish. Course offerings vary from semester to semester, and are available, among others, in the following disciplines:
- Anthropology
- Arabic Language
- Art History
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Health Sciences
- History
- Language
- Literature
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
To get an idea of what courses may be available, search courses by grado (degree) on the University's Grados site.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Language Requirements*:
- Intermediate Program: 2 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
- Advanced Program: 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
- Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
- Some local university courses may not be available to students of sophomore standing
*Native or heritage Spanish speakers are also encouraged to apply irrespective of college level Spanish coursework.
About the IES Abroad Center
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Granada Center is located in the heart of the city on Plaza Nueva, a lively and central location of this vibrant destination. With a view of the Alhambra, and walking distance to several schools of the Universidad de Granada, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Granada Staff
Housing
Homestay
With locations throughout Granada, homestays offer you the opportunity to live like a local with a Spanish host family. Students in homestays receive two home-cooked meals per day (14 meals/week). Homestays offer single or double rooms, and private or shared bathrooms. In most cases, more than one IES Abroad student may be placed in the same home.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Granada, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Part-Time Internships
Did you know that, while in Granada, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Education
Cultural Management
Health Sciences
Volunteer Opportunities
When you volunteer in Granada, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
Past volunteer opportunities in Granada include:
English Tutor
Teach English to young students
Food Distribution
Provide lunch for the elderly without family, organize food drives at local supermarkets, or volunteer at a soup kitchen
Support the Community
Take part in environmentally focused opportunities, such as reforestation or participate in refugee work, such as preparing aid or care boxes
Program Cost
Fall 2025
Academic Year 2025-2026
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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