Angela DeVore is an ISA Site Specialist for Spain. Angela works with students studying abroad in Granada and Madrid.
Granada is a fantastic locale to learn and practice Spanish, not only because of the University of Granada (though that’s certainly a big part). In my opinion it’s the perfect-sized city for meeting locals, practicing the language and learning the culture. Follow these five steps and and you’ll be well on your way to a truly immersive experience in Granada:
1. Eat free tapas. Most cafes in Granada will serve complementary tapas dishes with the purchase of a beverage. Current student Haley Snyder describes this phenomenon perfectly in her post for the ISA Student Blog.
2. Get an intercambio. Many Spanish students in Granada want to practice their English, and in turn will help you practice your Spanish. Our staff in Granada will help set up a language exchange partner for you.
3. Hang out where the locals do. After a full day of classes ISA students can unwind by relaxing in a traditional Arabic bath with a cup of mint tea, hang out in one of the many picturesque plazas in town, or listen to live music at a local jazz club.
4. Play intermurals or join a sports team. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals if you participate in the many cultural activities planned by ISA Granada staff, such as playing sports in a league with other university students or going to a screening of a Spanish film.
5. Intern or volunteer. Depending on your level of Spanish, you can intern at an educational institution or a local business for academic credit, or you can complement your studies with an ELAP internship.
