Universidad de Granada Centro de Lenguas Modernas

I wound up spending a semester here through the Central College (Pella, IA) study abroad program. Granada was the only choice for those wanting to go to Spain, but I’m glad it was. As an American, there’s some temptation to want to go to Madrid to maintain a hold on the nears McDonald’s or Starbucks. But Granada offers much more culture.
When Central advertises «intensive language immersion,» they mean it. I was fortunate enough to place in the advanced program and as a result, got a lot out of the experience. I wrapped up 20 credits in one semester after completing the following courses:
Advanced Conversation and Composition
Granada Seminar
Phonetics
Orientation to Spain
History of Modern Spain
Politics and Government of Spain
The European Union
Advanced Islamic Culture in Spain
The first four were mandatory; the second four electives I chose. Each and every one of these classes were taught by native Spanish-​speaking professors, none of whom had much proficiency in English. This forced me to have to listen, read, write, speak and think in Spanish every day. I was so impressed with the professors here, the content and quality of their instruction and the demands they placed on their students.
Did it cost a fortune? Yes. Was it worth every penny? There’s not a doubt in my mind.
In addition to the school offering Spanish to foreigners, it also offers foreign languages to Spaniards, including English, so you can pick and choose who your friends are if you want to totally immerse yourself and only speak Spanish while you’re there.
Side note: The cafeteria makes a bangin’ café con leche and pan con chocolate.