by Stephanie Casas, ISA Senior Site Specialist
Are you considering studying abroad in the South of Spain? Here are five reasons why Granada should be your top choice!
Tapas
Delicious small plates of food that are free with the purchase of a beverage.
Fun fact: the word tapa means to cover. It is believed that the first tapas were introduced so people could cover their drinks in between sips to keep the bugs out!
Multicultural Vibe
Students will be able to experience traditional Spanish culture, with flairs of Arabic influence. In the classroom, students can take classes such as Islamic Culture in Spain, The Arab World and the West: Past and Future (In English) , and even Arabic language. Throughout the semester, students will meet up for intercambios, or language exchanges with local Spaniards at teterias, or tea houses. The ISA staff will also take students on a tour through the Albaicin, the old Moorish section of Granada. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful white washed buildings, and winding streets which lead to the Mirador de San Nicolas, which has tremendous views of the Alhambra.
La Alhambra and Generalife
This is the most impressive and historical aspect of Granada to say the least. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous palace and gardens cannot be missed. ISA students will tour the site with the ISA staff, but many students go back a second and third time to visit again! Viewing the palace from the Mirador de San Nicolas is the perfect backdrop for afternoon study sessions. If you visit at sunset, you are sure to hear traditional flamenco music in the distance, or be in the presence of impressive Spanish guitarists.
Nature
Studying abroad in Granada gives students the best of both worlds, sun and snow, beaches and mountains. Both the beach and mountains are within an hour distance from the city. ISA even has an excursion planned where students will spend one day hiking through Las Alpujarras, and then spend the next day relaxing at the beach in Nerja.
The ISA Staff
The ISA staff in Granada is out of this world! Don’t take our word for it, here it what our students have to say:
“ISA Granada staff is absolutely incredible and made the experience infinitely better than it would have been without them. Some of the best people in Spain!” – Aaron Lathrop – Melting, University of Colorado, Boulder
“The ISA staff was so supportive, personable and knowledgeable. They really went above and beyond any expectations I could have had.” – Olivia Meyer, James Madison University
