Sol Education Abroad

I never thought my semester in Spain would end like this. I, along with all the other study abroad students, got sent home early for our own safety and the safety of others. The Corona virus had made it impossible to stay for the remainder of the program. This was such a heartbreaking end to the best experience of my life. However, I don’t think dwelling on what could’ve been is the answer.…

With everything going on in the world right now, it was best for all of us study abroad students to return home to the states. As much as I did not want to leave the beautiful city of Granada, I knew I had to, as the situation got worse each day. However, I do not want this last blog to be about my departure, but instead, about all of the great memories I had made during my six weeks.

City…

Well… I write this fourth and final blog from my bed in the United States. These past two weeks have been a wild journey. Many students’ time studying abroad was cut short due to the national epidemic that I am sure you are aware of. In light of this disappointing event, I will share with you the joys of my last few weeks in Spain.

As I mentioned in the last blog, we indulged ourselves with a…

Beach Buddy

We recently spent 3 days at Puerto Escondido, and it was amazing. Swimming in the ocean, drinking cocos frios, and toasting marshmallows on the beach doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Turtle Sanctuary

On our first night we had the great opportunity to release baby sea turtles into the ocean. We visited a sea turtle sanctuary that helps protect the turtles by collecting and…

What a beautiful country! Morroco has everything from beaches to mountains. This country is in North Africa, only a boat ride away from Spain. Naturally, I had to see it.

Yes, you can ride camels at the beach

I went through a travel agency to Morroco, there’s so many to choose from and they all offer safe ways to see this country. Morroco is not what one might typically think of when they…

Spain; Studying Hard, or Hardly Studying??

Hi there!! Me again! Still in Spain! 

This week’s blog is going to be a little bit of everything, once again. The past weekends have been full of activities, and, since we don’t have class on Fridays, we students try to make the most of it. Last time I wrote, I was headed to Barcelona. Let me tell you, that trip was incredible!! We definitely got our money’s worth out of the town. We were able to…

Dos Días En Madrid

Weekend trips are a must while studying abroad! It is so easy to plan a two or three day trip almost anywhere around you. Hop on a bus for a few hours and discover a whole new city. Friday, my friends and I took an amazing weekend trip to Madrid.

We stayed in a hostile about 30 minutes walking distance from the city center. Since we were only there for a short period of time, we decided to…

Patio del León

Sevilla is a gorgeous city located in southern Spain filled with rich history and culture. My group and I visited the Cathedral, Giralda Tower, the Alcázar, and Las setas de Sevilla. Even after of month of living in Spain, this country never fails to take my breath away with its sights and architecture. We only spent one day in Sevilla, but it would take months to truly explore…

A Whirlwind of a Month

Woweee, two more weeks down!! I can’t believe it’s the start of week four; the days are still so full!!

With such a variety of activities and places, it is easy to fill your time. I wake up at 7:30 to go to school and I don’t sleep until 12:30 usually! Believe me, there are plenty of ways to spend your time into the night, but I need my sleep! I met some people in class that on several occasions…

Over the past two weeks I have experienced so many new and exciting activities and places in Granada. After class my friends and I like to meet up to do something fun with our free afternoons. So far we’ve gone hiking outside the city, shopping at the Sierra Nevada Mall and practiced our Spanish skills at the “Intercambio”.

A bunch of students from my program all met up last week to go on a…

View from the Royal Palace

This past weekend I took a bus at 1am with some friends to Madrid. We arrived on Saturday at 6am and only had two days to uncover a city rich in history, art, and architecture.

The Royal Palace

Under some of the Arches at the Royal Palace

Our first stop was the “Palacio Real”. The palace was enormous and equipped with a large courtyard. We were only allowed…

Sol Abroad took my group to a local tetería to try some Morrocan tea. I chose a Pakistani tea with milk. The purple lighting and cushioned seating made for a cost conversation area. I felt like I was in the Aladín movie when they brought out the tea pots. I learned that in Morroca they pour the tea into the glass and then back into the pot until it is cool enough to drink. This way, it also helps…

Una semana en Granada…

     Hello there! My name is Cameron Franks and I am a student from Oklahoma spending the semester in Granada, Spain. I am studying abroad in order to complete the requirements for a Spanish degree from Oklahoma State University. This is my blog, in which I will share my experiences as I embark on a journey across the globe for four short, or long, months. Lucky you all, you’ll be right along…

In my first two weeks I have:

Toured the city by foot and bike

Ate chapulines (grasshoppers) at a local market

Attended a “Lucha Libre”

Explored Monte Alban historical ruins

Visited the ex convent of Cuilapam

Toured the temple and museum of Santo Domingo

Cheered for Oaxaca’s soccer team the “Alebrijes”

Oaxaca de Juarez Chapulines ~ Grasshoppers Lucha Libre Monte Alban ruins Ex Convento…

Mi Primera Semana en Granada

Living in Spain has been an incredible cultural experience and has caused me to modify a large part of my lifestyle. The food, music, fashion, homes, etc. are all so different from what I am used to back home in America. I can easily say that I had a bit of culture shock after my first few days in this city, but I am slowly adjusting to the Spanish routine a little more each day.

The daily…

My host mom told me a story the other day. We were talking about differences between the U.S. and Spain. Spaniards live, in many ways, simpler than those in the U.S. Their houses are smaller and are often tiny apartments. They take quick showers and unplug devices instead of leaving them in the outlets. They also walk everywhere instead of taking a car. My host mom told me about an…

I arrived in Granada, Spain late January. Immediately, I was introduced to my wonderful host family and their lovable dog, “Chipi”. I share a room with one other study abroad student. Our host mom is the most amazing chef and has shared with us many delicious, traditional dishes.

Our host family has a precious fourteen year old dog named Chipi. However, they usually call him “Gordo”. I quickly…