When Tyler said, “I want to do my study abroad in Granada!” I replied, “Where?… Where is Granada?… Didn’t we have some conflict with them?” Her reply, “Not the Caribbean, Granada! Spain!”
Out of all her options, she chose Granada, Spain. Although, in retrospect, I was struggling with even supporting her desire to leave the country for a semester, and any location would have caused me angst. In my desire for her to gain life experiences, I attempted to calm my fears and supported her choice.
Contrary to what my other three daughters believe, being the first one born is not always a privilege. Tyler, being the oldest of our four daughters, has been on the receiving end of my and my husband’s learning curve, and often at her expense. With every new embarkation into unfamiliar territory, we become smarter and wiser—but only after the experience. Ultimately, that knowledge and wisdom benefit each of her three sisters.
In my quest to become informed about Granada, I sought answers to questions that pertained mostly to travel advisories, civil unrest, government stability, violent crimes, terrorism, treatment towards women, and general safety. Because these concerns were uppermost in my mind, I took only a cursory look into the program itself. I assumed that because the University of Delaware offered and approved it, it must meet a standard they deemed worthy.
As per the website, GRIIS places an emphasis on undergraduate and graduate study abroad programs in the areas of Spanish Language and Culture, and International and Professional Studies, with a focus on Graduate Studies of Translation and Interpretation. Everything I ascertained sounded promising. Tyler met fellow students who were GRIIS alum and touted the awesomeness of the place and the program. So, off she went.
Tyler faced both expected and unexpected challenges during her time in Granada. These came in the form of language struggles, missing family, friends and familiarity, altered diets and meal times, an unprecedented wet season, and figuring out her place in unfamiliar territory. Fortunately, we spoke regularly by phone, and she appeared to be facing those challenges with the support of the GRIIS team and her peers.
An opportunity arose for me to visit Tyler in Granada for two weeks. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking at length with Program Director Amalia Pulgarín and Executive Assistant Teresa Checa. Our interactions could have been cursory and were anything but. We discussed everything from general observations to program specifics. My “learning curve” came to fruition during those hours. I walked away from that setting with the knowledge and awareness I wished I had possessed when Tyler first began her search for a study abroad program.
I also had the opportunity to meet Tyler’s host mother, Fermina. I could not have asked for someone more exceptional to stand in and assume the position of caregiver. Part of my role in Tyler’s life changed when she departed the airport that January day, but Fermina picked up where I left off. She nurtured Tyler in every way possible. Tyler flourished under her care, supported unconditionally by her gentle nature. I took great comfort in knowing she woke up to Fermina each morning and came home to her each evening.
Amalia, Teresa, and Fermina showed a depth of sensitivity, caring, compassion, sincerity, affection, support, guidance, and unconditional positive regard that set the tone for the entirety of the study abroad. They encouraged Tyler to explore while ensuring she understood how to stay safe and well. They exposed her to the richness of Granada’s culture and inspired her to try new things.
Throughout Tyler’s journey, there were choices she made and others left to chance. Every aspect of her study abroad experience held value, meaning, and significance—both in the moment and for the future. I was fortunate that, through chance, the study abroad program my daughter chose far exceeded our expectations. GRIIS contributed immensely to the transformative experience that Granada became for Tyler.
Her growth was visible in how she immersed herself in the community, her confidence in the language, her academic success, and her awareness of herself as a global citizen. Her maturity and independence, which had only just begun to develop before her departure, flourished abroad. In Granada, challenges that once tested her resilience became opportunities.
Ironically, the trip transformed me in ways I never anticipated. My own experience in Granada shifted my perspective. As someone self-employed in a demanding field, I found myself longing to slow down, embrace simplicity, linger over a meal, walk more, observe the everyday, and enjoy each moment. That mindset stayed with me.
I made a commitment to return to Granada with my family. It is truly a wondrous place—one that must be seen to be understood.
In the future, when my other daughters choose a study abroad program, I’ll be grateful for everything Tyler’s experience with the Granada Institute of International Studies taught me. I will accept nothing less than the standard, dedication, commitment, and expectations set by GRIIS.
by Christina Allen (Mother of GRIIS student Tyler Allen)
