Arcadia Spain

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

* 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.

* Other events will be added during the program, keep checking your email and Canvas, Arcadia Social Media, and the Spain Blog!

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, 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. 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.

UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA Orientation

In the first week 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

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)

The cornerstone course will show 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

We will attend a traditional flamenco show at one of the caves in the lower Albaicín. 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.

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. 

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” paella at Playa Burriana. 

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 Madrid, 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.

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 Muslim 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.

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 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! 

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.