A Mexican-American in Spain Past Review

By (Latin American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 05/26/2015 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take a break and it was good to be taken care of for a change.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were interesting, diverse, definitely I know Wellesley wouldn't offer these classes so I took advantage of this.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We need to keep all staff possible because with so many students and so few of them, they go beyond their normal duties. I appreciate the staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in the historic part in a house with amazing host parents but I know not everyone lived in good housing.

* Food:

I was able to cook for myself when needed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I participated in all events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe but I know other students were verbally harrassed just for being foreigners.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

If you want to integrate in Spanish culture, you need spending money, even though the euro has gone down, some of us are on full financial aid and need to work during the school year so giving a bigger stipend to students who normally work during the school year is helpful.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40 euros because the Spanish life is outside home, you can't integrate well when you're tied on funds.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? 300 seminar senior level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get out of your comfort zone and integrate with local Spaniards.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • the supportive staff
  • my host family
  • the easiness of life there
* What could be improved?
  • more economic support for students who are on federal work study like me
  • more events organized by the PRESHCO staff with our Spanish speaking buddies
  • more volunteer events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the easiness of traveling within Europe and I hope the trip to Morocco in the fall no longer gets cancelled last minute. I arranged my own travels to Morocco but that's because I have a friend there. PRESHCO can't promise a trip to Morocco if it cancels it a week before.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.