Arcadia Spain

Are you getting excited about your upcoming semester in Granada? Are you ready for an exciting time abroad? Our program in Granada would not be complete without all the events and activities that we are planning for you. It is our goal to offer a varied array of activities that will help you better understand and enjoy the Spanish culture while having fun and discovering new places and experiences.

ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES

CITY TOUR AND WELCOME DINNER

On your first night in Spain, we want you to meet the rest of the group and start discovering the city that you will soon call home. We will give you a brief tour of downtown Granada before dinner. We will also treat you to dessert in the best-known ice-cream place in town!

SCAVENGER HUNT

During orientation, we will have a Scavenger Hunt through the city. 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, and arrive at the meeting point will win a prize.

Relaxing afternoon: Tea Rooms

You will experience the traditional, Arab-style tea rooms in the lower Albaicín. You can enjoy a selection of herbal infusions and traditional Moorish pastries in a relaxing atmosphere with a unique view of the Alhambra and the old town.  

CHOCOLATE CON CHURROS AND TAPAS

You will probably spend the whole semester discovering the local gastronomy and free tapas. You will learn about chocolate con churros, and how churros are made, before tasting them.

SEMESTER ACTIVITIES

GUIDED VISIT: ALHAMBRA & generalife

Alhambra is a must-see, and 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.

LOCAL TOURS (ALBAICÍN, REALEJO)

In the cornerstone course we will explore the different layers of history and culture that co-exist in the city, taking you through Granada’s traditional neighborhoods: the old Jewish quarter and the original Muslim city.

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 tapas areas around town, and challenge you to find your own favorite places.

Flamenco Show

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

Cooking class

Arcadia wants their students discover the local culture first-hand, including 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!

HIKING Trip IN SIERRA NEVADA

We will do a hiking trip in the Sierra Nevada National Park. The hike (medium difficulty) will take us through a unique landscape, the spectacular local countryside, and the views of the city (with any luck, we will get to see Africa), within the Sierra Nevada National Park. After the hike, we will treat you to a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

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 of Granada, which allows for mango, guava, papaya, and avocado crops; and the old fishing village of Nerja in Málaga, 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.

LORCA’S LEGACY: EXCURSION TO VALDERRUBIO

Did you know that Federico García Lorca was from Granada? Have you ever read one of his famous works like Blood Wedding or Poet in New York? In Valderrubio, we can visit the house where Lorca lived as a child and a teenager and his neighbor’s house, which inspired him to write his last work, "The House of Bernarda Alba".

excursion to MADRID AND Toledo

During the semester, we will travel to Madrid, the capital city of Spain, to learn about history, politics, art, and gastronomy. The trip includes a visit to the famous Prado Museum, and other major sites in the city. On our way to Granada, we will visit the medieval city of Toledo. During the walking tour, you will be amazed by a stunning medieval city full of history and charm. You will also have some free time to explore on your own.

TRIP TO MOROCCO 

This unique, educational trip is part of our Granada cornerstone course. You will spend four 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 the Islamic world, culture and lifestyle. One of the semester favorites, students often describe this trip as an eye-opening, mind-blowing, or life-changing experience.

WEEKEND TRIP TO CORDOBA AND SEVILLA

As part of the cornerstone course, we will travel to Córdoba and Sevilla, two Andalusian cities with a rich historical heritage (art, history, architecture) to see the contrast with Granada. You will be stunned by the impressive buildings (the major mosque, the alcazar, the cathedral, etc.) while discovering a slightly different Andalusian culture, food, and climate.

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 semester.

OTHER CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

In order to foster a true immersion and interaction with locals in Granada, we will offer you some other co-curricular activities, where you will be able to meet local students and unfold other layers of the Spanish culture. These activities include language exchanges, volunteering programs, sports competitions, etc.

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 is monuments, museums, day trips, exhibitions, sports, etc.  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!

Important

Events are only open to Arcadia Granada program participants. Please note that dates and times are subject to change. All activities are subject to change depending on current restrictions and local guidelines.

The Arcadia Granada Center will also add other events throughout the semester (check your email and Canvas accounts, Arcadia Social Media, and the Spain Blog).