Arcadia Spain

Granada and Spain are full of co-curricular opportunities, and Arcadia wants to offer you all the best! We have some excellent activities planned for the fall. Take a look at what’s on offer!

Events are only open to Arcadia program participants. Please note that dates, times, and prices are subject to change.

Event registration opens Thursday, August 10 and closes on September 29. Events are first come, first served so don't wait too long to register! In the event that an excursion you wanted to sign up for is full, instructions for joining a waitlist will be provided.

Other events will be added during the program, keep checking your email and the Arcadia Granada Facebook page!

ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES

CITY TOUR AND WELCOME DINNER

On your first night in Granada, we want you to meet the rest of the group and discover the well-known Tapas gastronomy. We will pick you up at the orientation hotel and give you a brief tour of the city center before dinner. We will also treat you to dessert in the best-known ice-cream place in town after having tapas!

SCAVENGER HUNT

On the second day of orientation, you will take your placement test at the University of Granada (Center of Modern Languages), and we will have a Scavenger Hunt through the city in the afternoon. This is a fun way to discover Granada and its key locations: post office, police station, clinics, supermarkets, CLM meeting points, etc.

The first group to find all the places, answer the questions correctly, and arrive at the Arcadia center will win a prize.

GROUP LUNCH & CHOCOLATE CON CHURROS

Once you begin your regular classes (mostly in the mornings), we will take you to lunch. You will keep discovering the local gastronomy and tapas. In the afternoon, you can taste the delicious chocolate con churros at one of Granada´s most famous cafés.

GUIDED VISIT: ALHAMBRA & generalife

On the first week of the program you will enjoy a guided tour of Granada´s most famous monument: the Alhambra castle, a stunning 13^th century palace and fortress, and a World Heritage Site.

GUIDED VISIT: ALBAICÍN (OLD TOWN)

You will enjoy a private tour of the old city with a professional tour guide. The Albaicín quarter is an area declared a World Heritage site. Its wonderful views, magical alleys, and stunning houses with private gardens called “Carmen” make this area quite unique.

Relaxing afternoon: Tea Rooms

You will experience the traditional, Arab-style tea rooms in the lower Albaycín. You can enjoy a selection of herbal infusions and traditional Moorish pastries in a relaxing atmosphere created by candle-light, incense, and traditional Arabic music.

UGR Orientation

Prior to the beginning of classes, you will attend the official University of Granada New Student Orientation, where you will learn about all the services and facilities available to you during the semester.

SEMESTER ACTIVITIES 

Tapas TOUR

Early in the semester you will discover Granada’s best-known secret: each time you order a drink, you get some free food! We will show you the best places for tapas around town, and challenge you to find your own favorites.

Trip to the Tropical Coast

We will spend a day traveling through the coast of Granada and Málaga, and discovering its different characteristics: the Tropical climate on the coast Granada, which allows for mango, guava, papaya, and avocado crops; and the old fishing village of Nerja, with 9 miles of clear-water, sandy beaches. We will enjoy some time sunbathing and then taste their famous “all-you-can-eat” fish paella at Playa Burriana.

Trip to Morocco 

This is an optional trip where students spend 4 days in Northern Morocco, exploring historic and cultural sites, engaging with the local community (homestays, college students, women´s centers, Peace Corps), and learning about Islamic culture and politics. One of the semester favorites, students often describe this trip as an eye-opening, mind-blowing, or life-changing experience. You will not want to miss it! 

Flamenco Show

You will attend a traditional flamenco show at one of the caves in the lower Albaycín. You will enjoy and experience the intensity and emotion of different flamenco styles (such as flamenco tango, bulería, guajira, or alegría) in an amazing atmosphere.

tapas lab

Do you dare to become a Spanish tapas chef? In our very own tapas lab, you will experiment with different ingredients in an attempt to create the most unique and tasty recipe. The best creation will receive an award!

Cultural trip to Toledo and Madrid

This 3-day weekend trip to Toledo and Madrid includes a guided visit of Toledo, a guided visit of Madrid, the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. You will have a lot of free time to explore on your own, and discover two cities full of history and charm.

Cooking class

Arcadia wants their students discover the Spanish gastronomy, and we think the best way is to see and experience it themselves: with the help of a reputable local chef, you will get to cook paella or some other traditional Spanish dish, and then taste it!

Arcadia Thanksgiving dinner

Arcadia organizes a very special Thanksgiving dinner and you are our guest! Students, professors, and Arcadia staff are going to get together on this memorable day. We know it will not be you mom´s turkey and gravy, but we promise great food and a lot of fun!

Hammam (“Arab baths”)

A relaxing moment during your stressful finals period! Immerse your mind and your senses in this old tradition, enjoying a relaxing bath that includes a massage to give you some extra energy for the final stretch of the semester.

Cultural Reimbursement Program

You still want more?! With the Cultural Reimbursement Program, you will be partially reimbursed for the cultural activities you do on your own, whether it be monuments, museums, day trips, exhibitions, sports, or the trip to Morocco.  We will also let you know of any ongoing activities that you may be interested in. Be sure to make use of these funds during the semester!

FAREWELL DINNER

A great experience like this one needs a proper ending. On your last night in Granada, we will all have dinner together to remember the best memories and experiences of the summer.

Important

The Arcadia Granada Center will also add other events throughout the semester (check your email and the Arcadia Granada Facebook page!).