My time studying abroad in Granada, Spain was an unforgettable experience! It helped me grow as a person, build life-time friendships, experience amazing new things, and improved my Spanish in all aspects of my life: personally, academically, and professionally! 10/10 recommend!
Andrea Ayllon – Granada Semester Program 2025
Studying in a country that is not your own is one of the most rewarding experiences GMU students can have. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers excellent opportunities to study abroad during the winter and summer, but its crown jewel is the spring semester program in Granada—a vibrant city in southern Spain rich in history and culture.
The program allows students to take up to 18 resident credits in Spanish and English, enabling many to complete Mason Core and foreign language requirements abroad. Students with an intermediate level of Spanish can pursue a minor and earn internship credits, while Spanish majors may enroll in 400-level courses and complete their studies in an immersive environment that enhances both language proficiency and cultural understanding.
In 2024 and 2025, Professor Román Mendoza was extremely fortunate to lead the Granada Spring semester program. Originally from Madrid, she studied in several countries, including Germany and Belgium, during her academic career. For her, the best way to understand one’s own culture—as well as that of others—is to study abroad and share time with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
In spring 2025, Damari Abrego-Nataren joined the program to complete a full minor in Spanish after earning her B.S. in Marketing. Seoyeon Choi, the first Mason Korea student to enroll in the Granada program, participated to advance her studies in Spanish while continuing her International Relations major. Andrea Ayllon completed several 400-level courses to finish her Spanish major. Both Damari and Andrea also took advantage of the opportunity to intern in the local community and at the University of Granada’s Centro de Lenguas Modernas.
Former participants in the Granada Experience Program strongly encourage others to consider joining the program. The cost is comparable to a semester at GMU, yet Granada also offers the added benefit of travel opportunities throughout Spain and across Europe during weekends and academic breaks.
Take the leap—an opportunity like this is truly one of a kind.
For more information visit this website or contact Prof. Román Mendoza at eromanme@gmu.edu.
September 01, 2025