Study abroad in
Granada, Spain

Take advantage of the unique flavor of Granada through a variety of local cultural activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy concerts, clubs, sports, language exchanges or something entirely different, CEA Granada staff will help you get involved in the local culture.

The Alhambra
A palace, fortress, and citadel constructed in the 11th century, the Alhambra is Europe's largest Arab palace and Spain’s most visited tourist site. This artistic-historical monument is surrounded by a forest and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, forming a palatial city of six palaces and two tower-palaces. There’s nothing else like it in the world. The lush Generalife Gardens and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees and water insulate visitors from noise of the city below, creating an unforgettable experience.

Albaycín Tour
The Albaycín, Granada’s Arab quarter, is the site of the ancient city of Elvira. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Albaycín is lined with hundreds of narrow streets, churches, monasteries, and palaces. Here you’ll discover the remains of an Arab bath, Granada's archeological museum, the church of San Salvador, the great mosque, and stunning views of the Alhambra, Generalife and Sierra Nevada. The Albaycín is also home to many restaurants, including several streets whose eateries are inspired by North Africa.

Flamenco Show
Dating back to the 15th century, Flamenco is a music and dance that’s considered both art and a vital part of the Spanish culture. The Sacromonte, a Romani neighborhood, is home to caves that’ve been converted into zambras where flamenco is performed. Attend the show at the Zambra la Rocío, a well-known cave visited by the former King & Queen of Spain and, more recently, Michelle and Sasha Obama.

Visit to the Jewish Granada: El Realejo
The city’s name derives from a Jewish municipality called Garnata Al-Yahud, or “Granada of the Jewish,” before Catholic Monarchs arrived in 1492. You’ll learn about the city’s history, explore its beautiful areas and monuments, and get familiar with its museums and attractions.

Visit to the Sephardic Museum
The Sephardic Culture Museum illustrates the importance of the Sephardic (Spanish-Jewish) community in Granada and Spain. The Museum’s exhibits cover topics like the role of women in the Sephardic community and the Inquisition. You’ll learn about the culture, history, peoples, and traditions of the Jewish Spaniards in the times of Garnata al-Yahud (Granada of the Jewish) and learn about the most relevant figures in the life of this community.

Romani Granada: Sacromonte
The historical Romani neighborhood of Sacromonte sits atop catacomb-riddled Valparaiso hill. Spend an afternoon hiking to the top, where residents still live in caves carved into the mountain. We’ll visit the Romani Caves Museum to learn about the culture and history of this unique environment, including tours of caves that recreate the living conditions and traditions of inhabitants.

Flamenco Dancing Workshop
Andalucía is known as the birthplace of flamenco and Granada has contributed many prestigious singers, dances, and guitarists to the art form. You’ll have the chance to attend a dance workshop at one of most popular flamenco schools in Granada.

Belly Dancing Workshop
Belly dancing combines traditional elements of Arabic, Middle Eastern, and North African cultures. Learn the basics of belly dance technique, posturing, language, and execution in this fun workshop, led by one of Granada’s most well-known instructors.

Bullring Visit
Bullfights play an important role in traditional Spanish culture, and bullrings are often masterpieces of local architecture. During the visit to the Granada bullring, you’ll have the chance to feel like a torero as you tour the albero (arena).

Guided Visit to Science Park Museum
The interactive Parque de las Ciencias is the largest museum in Andalucía. Exhibitions cover a broad range of STEM and cultural topics; one of the most visited is the Al-Andalus Pavilion, which illustrates the historical and social link between Arabic and Mediterranean countries through artistic and cultural events.

Churros con Chocolate
Satisfy your sweet tooth with churros con chocolate, a traditional local treat. Churros, a doughnut-like fried pastry, are a popular food served with a cup of thick Spanish hot chocolate for dipping. No matter if its time for breakfast, a snack, or dinner, it’s always a good time for churros!

Carmen de los Mártires
Feed the ducks as you stroll through Carmen de los Martires, one of Granada’s most romantic gardens. Considered a paradise for the five senses, you’ll enjoy its rich greenery, fountains, statues, and exotic peacocks. Not only is Carmen de los Mártires a beautiful spot, it also has a rich history and offers amazing city views.

Huerta de San Vincente & García Lorca’s Park
Visit the summer residence of the world-famous poet Federico García Lorca. García Lorca wrote some of his most famous works at Huerta de San Vincente, including Blood Wedding (Bodas de Sangre) and Yerma. Today, the gardens surrounding his home have been converted into Granada’s largest park.

Language Exchange Partners
Gatherings with Spanish students offer the ideal opportunity to connect with a local language exchange partner and practice your Spanish. Oh, and make new friends, too.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering abroad is a smart way to engage with your host culture and community. Immerse in the language and culture of Granada while helping others! You can volunteer as a teaching assistant in local schools, provide company to the elderly, engage in activities with deaf children, teach English to mental health patients, organize games for underprivileged children, and assist the homeless.

*Please note: If you intend to volunteer, intern, or participate in service learning with children, you must obtain a criminal background check prior to departure for your program. Please contact your Site Specialist for more information.

Sporting Opportunities

Join a multitude of sporting activities available through the university and the city of Granada for an additional small fee. You can bike, hike, swim, climb, ski, and play volleyball, soccer, and basketball, just to name a few. Sports Activity Centers provide access to pools, tennis courts, and organized activities like yoga, aerobics, and salsa dancing.

Career and Re-entry Workshop

Explore the skills and knowledge you’ve gained and learn how to articulate your growth in your future job searches. In this interactive workshop, you’ll reflect and process your study abroad experience, connect study abroad with your career goals, and obtain practical advice to help you transition back to the U.S.

University Workshops

Every trimester, the University of Granada (UGR) offers more than 50 workshops for a small additional fee. Choose from options such as theater, Spanish cooking class, flamenco dancing, guitar, photography, sign language, puppetry, pottery, painting, short film making, basketry, and more.

University Cultural Activities

UGR offers free weekly cultural activities, such as cinema- forum, concerts, live theater, opera, lectures, reading club, and more.

Mobile Journalist Program

Want to build your digital portfolio while you study abroad? Join the Mobile Journalist (MOJO) program! You’ll blog, photograph, and video your experience abroad, then share them on social media.

Alumni Ambassador Program

Your study abroad adventure doesn’t have to end when your program is over. Keep sharing your study abroad love on your home campus…become an Alumni Ambassador! This internship allows you to help other students on their study abroad journeys while gaining work experience and growing your professional network.