DAILY LIFE
What is life like in Granada?
Granada is a relatively small city with a huge student population and is known for its free tapas and overall lower cost of living. Outdoor cafés are busy all year long thanks to the good weather and the Spanish tradition of socializing “en la calle.” With easy access to nature , you can hike out of the city and into the hills, bike or run along the rivers to neighboring towns, or relax in the city’s parks and plazas or in the woods surrounding the Alhambra. The views of Sierra Nevada are breathtaking and the sunsets are unforgettable. You will find that the pace of life is slower here and that there is a general philosophy of “no pasa nada.”
How do I get around Granada?
Granada is a very walkable city and many students enjoy walking to and from classes. There is also an excellent public bus system. It is efficient and affordable and you can move around the city with ease with your discounted bus card. There are buses that connect three of the major university campuses and one metro line that runs from one side of Granada to the other. You should always take a taxi late at night; they are safe and much cheaper than in the U.S.
What is the weather like in Granada?
Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the temperatures in Granada can
change dramatically during the course of a single fall or spring day. Your best bet is to dress in layers since the mornings and evenings can be quite cool while the mid-afternoon can be very hot. Students arriving in August will find temps to be in the 80s-90s and in the 30s-40s when they leave in December. Students arriving in January will find just the opposite. Rain has not been abundant over the last several years and water has become a precious resource in southern Spain. That said, November and April still tend to bring storms and showers. During the winter months, there should be snow on the mountains but generally not in the city.
How far is my commute to class?
This will depend on where you are enrolled and where you choose to live (residence hall or homestay). The schools of the University, including the CLM, are spread across Granada. You can expect to walk or take a bus to class at least once or twice a day and spend approximately 20-30 minutes on each commute.
Where will I live?
The Resa Carlos V Residence Hall is located on the Cartuja Campus along with several schools of the University. The campus is on a hill and approximately a 20-minute walk from downtown Granada. Homestay locations are spread throughout the city. Our top priority when choosing your host family will be any health-related requirements (pet allergies, etc.). Then your preferences are taken into account, including distance from school, although not all preferences can always be accommodated.
Are meals included?
All meals are included with the homestay accommodations. Meals are included at the nearby dining hall for students residing at the Resa Carlos V dorms during normal weekdays only. Meals are not provided on weekends and holidays and you should plan to buy groceries and prepare your own meals in your kitchen (shared with one other student) on those days. The residence hall provides basic cooking utensils and dishware.
Is the local cuisine vegetarian/vegan friendly?
Granada is becoming increasingly vegetarian friendly and there are some options for vegans as well. It is very important to inform us of your dietary restrictions in advance so that we can ensure that you are accommodated at the orientation hotel, in your housing arrangements and at group meals throughout the semester. There are many gluten-free and lactose-free options at local restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries.
How much free time do I have? What can I expect to do outside of class?
The amount of free time you will have will depend on your academic program and your participation in co-curricular activities such as a STEM research internship (6-8 hours/ week) and/or a volunteering commitment (2-4 hours/week). That said, the overall experience of CASA Granada students is that they have more free time in Granada than they do during a semester on their home campuses.
There are many cultural, sports and outdoor activities that you can take part in, as well as local communities, student associations and workshops (drawing, cooking, ceramics, book clubs, etc.), all of which will help you to continue your language learning outside of the classroom. During the first weeks of the program, a team member will meet with you individually to learn about your personal goals and interests and to help connect you with local opportunities to engage in related activities. That said, a semester in Granada is also a nice opportunity to enjoy some downtime and the slower rhythm of life.
I have accommodations (academic, health, housing) at my home university. Can I expect the same accommodations in Granada?
While we will make every effort to accommodate you, disability laws, resources and practices vary across countries, so you may not receive exactly the same accommodations when you are abroad as at your home institution. See the Health & Safety page for more details.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Can I arrive early to my study abroad program?
Please note that you will only be able to enter Spain/the Schengen Zone on or after your visa start date. If you wish to arrive before the program start date, please check that your visa allows you to do so.
You will be responsible for covering the cost of any additional nights you spend in the city prior to the program start date. Hotel accommodations are provided by CASA Granada starting on the official arrival date of the program and not before.
When can I leave the program?
You must remain in the program until the official end date (except in cases of excused medical or family emergencies). Program housing must be vacated the day after your last class or final exam (according to your academic program). Please see the calendar for the departure dates of each academic program.
Please bear in mind that you are expected to complete all coursework before returning to the U.S. If you are enrolled in classes at the UGR during the fall semester, you must make special arrangements with your professors to take final exams in December, rather than on the scheduled exam dates in January. During the spring semester, if you need to return to the U.S. before the scheduled exam dates (typically in June) for work/internship purposes, you must also make special arrangements with your professors to take exams early, before finalizing your registration in a course.
ACADEMICS
How many credits will I take?
You will take anywhere from 29-37 ECTS credits depending on the semester in which you are studying abroad (fall or spring) and the specific academic program in which you are enrolled. Whether or not you need all credits to be transferred home, you must enroll in the minimum full course load as established by CASA Granada.
What is a typical class schedule? How many classes will I take?
Following the Al-Andalus Seminar and the initial intensive language courses, students in the University Studies, Translation Studies, Hispanic Studies and Spanish Language & Culture programs will typically take five courses for the remainder of the semester. Classes generally meet twice a week, but the length and schedules will vary according to semester and academic program. UGR classes may meet three times/week and can include labs or “prácticas.” In these programs, you should not schedule any personal travel until you know the dates of the mandatory midterm exams.
Students in the Intensive Language Program will have class in four-hour blocks on Monday through Friday (20 hours/week). At the end of each month, you will have a final exam and the opportunity to move up a level for the following month. There are no midterms in this program.
Can I take classes in English?
No. CASA Granada is a full immersion program and you must take all courses in Spanish (except for other foreign language courses). The Al-Andalus Seminar during the first weeks of the program is the only exception so that beginning Spanish language students can be accommodated with explanations in English.
Can I take classes at multiple universities?
There is only one university in Granada. Depending on your language level and your academic program, you may be able to enroll in both the UGR and the CLM. Students in levels 6 and above are also eligible to take the CASA Granada Course taught at our center.
Who will I take classes with?
Students in the directly enrolled University Studies and Translation Studies programs will take classes with Spanish students from Granada and other parts of Spain, international students, and possibly a few students from your CASA cohort.
Students in the Hispanic Studies and Spanish Language & Culture programs will be in classes with students from institutions across the United States participating in multiple study abroad programs in Granada.
Students in the Intensive Spanish Language Program will be in small classes with students of varying nationalities and ages, and generally, with other CASA students.
Are there any required courses?
The Al-Andalus Seminar and the initial intensive language courses are mandatory for all students in the CASA Granada cohort. There are also required language courses in both the Spanish Language & Culture and the Hispanic Studies programs. Apart from those, all students are required to enroll in the normal course load for their respective academic program. Reduced course loads will only be permitted with express permission from your home school.
When and how do I register for courses?
This will depend on your specific academic program. All programs (except for Intensive Language) have a pre-registration process regarding which you will receive guidance from staff well in advance of any deadlines. Final registration takes place once you are in Granada and have made a final determination about your academic program (if applicable).
How will my credit transfer back to my home school?
You should inquire about the credit transfer process with your home school study abroad office as these policies vary across institutions.
When can I expect to receive my grades? Your grades will be posted on the local institution’s online platform typically two weeks (for CLM) to two months (for UGR) after the end of semester. Once CASA Granada receives your official grade certificates from the UGR and CLM, we will send them, together with a CASA Grade Report, to your home school’s study abroad office. All grades, passing or not, will be sent on to your home school.
COSTS & FEES
How much does the program cost?
You can find the full program costs here. Please note that certain charges will be billed directly to students and/or their home school, while other charges are the responsibility of the student and should be accounted for in their overall program budget and cost of attendance.
How much money should I plan to spend?
Budgeting can vary depending on your personal spending habits. That said, we have put together a suggested budget here (link to Program Costs) based on the current standard of living in Granada and previous student feedback. Students with financial constraints are encouraged to attend the Q&A session hosted by program alums from low-income backgrounds in the weeks prior to departure to gain insights and tips. Additional resources for low-budget travel and living will be available on our protected website for accepted students.
Can I use my financial aid?
Most students who receive financial aid are able to apply these funds to their study abroad semester through CASA. Please contact your home school study abroad advisor and/or Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
Are there any withdrawal fees?
There may be withdrawal fees depending on the date of program withdrawal. Please work with your home school study abroad office to determine exact withdrawal costs. To see withdrawal dates and fees set by the program, please see the Program Costs page
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Are there excursions included?
Yes. CASA Granada includes a number of excursions throughout the semester. Please see the Excursions & Activities page for more information.
Can I intern, volunteer, or do research in Granada?
Yes. CASA Granada considers this opportunity to be a core aspect of the program that helps you become more immersed in the local culture. Please see the Research and Volunteering page for more information.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Do I need to get vaccinated before traveling?
Please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website to reference updated guidance on recommended vaccinations and hygiene while in Spain.
I am currently taking prescription medications. Can I take them with me?
It is extremely important that you research this question with your current health care provider and/or by contacting International SOS, well in advance of committing to your program, so that treatment is continued (if possible). Caring for your health and well-being is paramount; and, some countries do not allow certain medications (including both prescription and non-prescription) to be brought into the country and/or may require that you limit the quantity that you bring into the country at once. It may also be necessary to obtain a medical provider note or prescription documentation in order to travel with your medication.
You must research the legality and availability of your prescription and non-prescription medications in advance of your semester abroad so that you are well-prepared to care for your health.
We strongly encourage you to contact Sanitas and International SOS to learn more if you are taking medication or if you have a pre-existing medical condition. You can set up a pre-departure medical plan to ensure the appropriate medical care is in place before your arrival in Granada. You may wish to compare the services offered by both insurance coverages as there may be copayments for certain pre-existing conditions.
Will I be covered by insurance when participating in the program?
Yes. Please see the Health & Safety Page for details.
DIVERSITY & BELONGING
What is the climate for LGBTQ+ people? Where can I find allies and support, and are there particular laws or safety concerns that I should be aware of?
In general, Granada is known to be an open and welcoming city for the LGBTQ+ community. Spain was the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage and Granada has been drawing queer students to CASA for many semesters based on the positive feedback spreading on home campuses. Granada is also a very safe city, especially compared to cities in the U.S. and larger cities in Europe. LGBTQ+ students are encouraged to attend the Q&A session hosted by program alums in the weeks prior to departure to gain insights and tips. Additional local resources and community contacts will be available on our protected website for accepted students.
I am concerned I may be discriminated against because I am from a visible minority. What can I expect in Granada?
Based on previous students’ experiences, you can expect to be stared at and to be asked where you are from when you are out and about in Granada. You can also expect to be treated as an “intellectual equal” (a Black alum’s term) in the classroom. There are two sides to the color-blind coin in Granada: 1) on the positive side, you may feel more free and confident in the academic setting since all students are treated as equals (in general) and there is not the stigma of the U.S. history layered over every conversation; 2) on the negative side, there can be very little understanding of microaggressions or willingness to change. Often, there are good intentions combined with inexperience or lack of exposure given the historical context of this still quite homogeneous society.
You will find support from the CASA team and your CASA peers through connections to the community and specific program activities (such as tapas with guest speakers and student-hosted affinity evenings), from local students and host families, and through your existing connections with friends, family and home-school support networks. BIPOC students are encouraged to attend the Q&A session hosted by BIPOC program alums in the weeks prior to departure to gain insights and tips. Additional resources related to identity, safety and living in Granada, including specific tips collected over the years from many CASA students of visible minorities, will be available on our protected website for accepted students.
Can I find my religious community locally? Are there concerns about bias against people who share my religious identity?
Access to several religious communities in Granada is available, mainly to the Catholic and other Christian communities and to the local Muslim community. The absence of a Jewish community in Granada (and in much of Spain) will be dramatically apparent if you are a practicing Jew. Nonetheless, Jewish students comprise a fair percentage of our CASA Granada cohort every semester and find community within the group and among other Jewish students at the CLM. Based on feedback from past students of multiple religions, there have been no incidents of bias directed at a student due to their religious identity. There are often questions that arise out of curiosity and occasionally a complex debate with a politically passionate university student.
In terms of political demonstrations in Granada, they tend to be peaceful and there have been no recent incidents of violence. That said, CASA students are strongly discouraged (and in some cases prohibited by their home schools) from participating in mass demonstrations of any kind.
We would be happy to put you in contact with a program alum with a shared religious identity (whenever possible), if you would like first-hand perspectives and advice.
Food associated with my religion is important to me. How can I maintain my diet?
We would encourage you to contact CASA Granada staff with this question as the answer will vary based on the religion you practice. Some foods are widely available and others must be special ordered.
What do I do if I need accommodations for religious reasons?
Please note that the public education system in Spain does not allow for academic accommodations based on religion and would not offer alternative arrangements for exams/field travel.
APPLY/ELIGIBILITY
How do I apply to this program?
Application instructions can be found on the Apply page (include link).
Who can I contact for help with my application?
If you are a student from a CASA-member institution, please work with your home school study abroad office.
For non-CASA member visiting students, you may contact: Brown’s Office of Global Engagement / globalbrown@brown.edu
What is the language requirement for CASA Granada?
CASA Granada does not have a language requirement for acceptance into the overall program. These are the requirements per academic program:
Intensive Spanish Language (CILE)
There is no minimum language requirement for this program. Students entering the program with CLM Levels 1-5 (not above) are eligible to enroll in the CILE Program.
Spanish Language & Culture (CLCE)
Students must be in CLM Levels 5 & 6 at the start of CLCE classes to be eligible for this program.
Hispanic Studies (CEH) and Hybrid (CEH+UGR)
Students must be in CLM Levels 7-9 at the start of CEH classes to be eligible for this program.
University Studies (UGR)
Students must be in CLM Levels 6-9 at the start of UGR classes to be eligible for this program (the University’s required level for entrance is lower than the required level for the specialized CEH program).
Translation Studies (TRAD)
It is highly recommended that students be in CLM Levels 8 or 9 when classes start for this program.
How will I prepare for travel?
CASA staff, both in the U.S. and in Granada, offer comprehensive pre-departure virtual orientations, resources, and support to prepare you for your semester abroad. This will include guidance on academics, housing, program calendars, visas, internships, orientation, and more. We also highly recommend attending the Q&A sessions hosted by CASA Granada alums of specific student identities that are relevant to you. If there is not an existing Q&A session that addresses your identity/questions, please let us know so that we can connect with you an individual alum, if possible.
Do I need a visa to study in Spain? What is a student visa and how do I get one?
A student visa is an official authorization, typically placed in your passport, from a foreign government that shows you have permission to enter a country and enroll in full-time study for a specific period of time.
All students studying in Spain (except those with an EU passport; see note below) are required to apply for a Spanish student visa at a BLS Center or Spanish Consulate(s) with jurisdiction over their home school and/or state of permanent residence. As the process can take approximately 8-10 weeks at some Consulates, it is important that students have a valid passport – 6 months beyond the program end date – at the time of applying. Students are responsible for confirming the requirements with the consulate through which they intend to apply.
European passport holders:
If you are a dual-citizen holding both an EU and US passport, we strongly encourage you to apply for a Spanish visa on your US passport. While you can legally study in Spain on an EU passport, it has proven very difficult and time-consuming to obtain the necessary appointment and registration of a NIE (foreign identification number) while in Spain. We have found it to be a much smoother and less stressful process to obtain a visa prior to your semester abroad in Spain.
Students should work with their home institution to find out if their school will be offering a batch visa process for their semester. If so, they should follow their home school’s instructions and deadlines. If not, they will need to apply independently.
