Amazing semester with some amazing people December 13, 2023
By A student (Political Science and Government, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/26/2023 to 12/20/2023 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
It was 100% worthwhile and I think that I’m more confident now, both language wise but also on a personal level. I’ve definitely started to adopt the more carefree lifestyle of the locals and I’m glad I am!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As someone who was seeking a program where I could travel while balancing academics, I think PRESHCO was a good fit. The program coordinators were always helpful with getting extra help! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I absolutely adore the PRESCHO ladies and all the effort they put into making us feel comfortable yet immersed in the culture. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing, truly a perfect fit! |
| * Food: |
It was pretty good and affordable but I definitely miss food from home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Host family wise: great! But it was very difficult to befriend the Spanish students but I think it’s because they’ve known each other longer and we’re here for such a short time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I (along with others) had health emergencies and they were really helpful in informing us about what to do and explained insurance information really clearly. |
| * Safety: |
Always felt safe walking around Córdoba, even in the early morning hours (4-6am), both with a group and alone. People tend to be really respectful and nice. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved how supportive/funny the program coordinators were and how they treated us like friends. They also did a really good job with matching the students and host families (for the most part- some students did face microaggressions). I also loved the nightlife in Córdoba, it wasn’t as big and crazy as Madrid but it was the most fun I’ve had. Also, for those wanting to travel, Córdoba is near two airports that go almost anywhere in Europe/North Africa. |
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) |
I think it varies; for me, I prioritized travel outside of Spain/Córdoba so I booked everything in advanced and it was fairly cheap. Meals are covered by host family but if you wanted drinks or to go to a restaurant, I would say it’s pretty affordable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at home! |
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? | SPAN 241 |
| 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? | Try to encourage each other to speak Spanish or maybe Spanglish to make it more casual. We often went back to speaking English which I think was not the best idea. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I would’ve known more about the UCO /Córdoba students in general. I came in believing that everyone would be welcoming and opening their social circles but that wasn’t the case at all. People were nice but it never went further than that. |
