The Best Year of my Life (So far) Past Review
By A student (Spanish, Religion, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 05/27/2014 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
Growth. Sanity. Support from a network of new friends, program staff and host family. A host of new experiences. Fearlessness. Ability to use public transportation in a number of countries.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Preshco staff here in Cordoba and abroad are like family -they go above and beyond to make sure all students solve any and all programs while here. They are absolutely wonderful at their jobs and incredible people besides. They are part of the reason study abroad with PRESHCO is so lovely. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed with the most wonderful family, they are exactly what I needed and wanted during my study abroad. We have a great relationship, one that will continue after I leave Spain |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10 Euro, tops |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | n/a Native speaker |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't give into the temptation to speak English with your peers. The more time you speak, think, read, and dream and Spanish, the better your skills will be. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Exactly how hot it'd be in Cordoba when I packed? Knew to pack better shoes? Honestly, I felt really prepared and anything I wasn't ready for I was helped with once I arrived. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
