As my study abroad experience in Granada comes to an end, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything this city has given me—and it’s a lot more than just improved Spanish!
I came to Spain with two main goals: to become more fluent in Spanish and to go on fun dates with locals. And, honestly, I think I couldn’t have accomplished one without the other. Dating, entirely in Spanish, became one of my favorite (and surprisingly effective) language-immersion tools. It was through these experiences—navigating conversation, flirting, misunderstanding of trying to tell a joke in Spanish, and laughing when the jokes made no sense—that I deepened my understanding of the language and culture. Some dates became friends, some remained great memories, some were just good practice for how to argue in another language because all of them helped me become a better Spanish speaker.
But it wasn’t just the language I fell in love with—it was the city itself. Granada is full of charm and history, and there’s an energy here that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Locals are warm, quick to smile and always ready to chat. There’s a community spirit here that I think we’re really missing in the U.S. People take their time. They prioritize connection. Siesta isn’t just a break—it’s a cultural value that forces rest into the day.
