Transformative Experience in Córdoba, Spain January 30, 2024
By A student (Spanish Language, Literature and Biological Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2024 to 12/20/2023 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I learned a lot in the classroom and even more being immersed in the culture of day to day life. It was definitely a worthwhile and once in a lifetime experience. I met new people (from spain and other european countries), ate new foods, learned about traditions and different ways of life all while speaking in a different language. I also developed some essential life skills that will be valuable in the future like being confident in navigating new places on my own, people skills and empathizing with other people. I left with a changed and enriched perspective on life and meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
The PRESHCO staff were wonderful. They made me feel welcome and I knew I could go to them if I ever had a problem. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was very welcoming and at the end of my experience I feel I found a home away from home. My room and private bathroom were perfect! |
| * Food: |
At home I felt privileged to be eating so well! My host parents cooked a variety of cooked meals, and made sure to cook traditional meals too! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I learned a lot and was very integrated in the culture! Living with a family from Córdoba and taking clases at the University played a big part in feeling part of the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Luckily, I did not experience any health complications. But PRESHCO made it easy to know what to do if I ever needed help. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe in the city. There is a large young population and I never found myself in a situation where I was uncomfortable walking around the city alone. In the old part of the town, the streets are narrow and there are people living on either side. A tip my host dad gave me: if you were ever in a situation where you needed help on a dark street, make a lot of noise and people in their houses will hear you! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, I felt supported throughout my whole time in the program. I appreciated the emphasis on cultural, language and academic immersion. The program pushed me to better my language skills, explore new places and learn more about myself. |
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) |
4 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be smart about how you use your money but also remember this is a once in a lifetime experience. The cultural reimbursements were really helpful in allowing me to prioritize cultural experiences. I used some of my own money to take other trips and do some shopping. |
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 |
PRESHCO always encouraged us to practice the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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 level |
| 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? | Put in the time and effort! It makes a big difference! |
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? | Having the four PRESHCO ladies there as support system throughout the entirety of the program was very reassuring and helpful. I think knowing more about PRESHCO's support and the multitude of opportunities offered throughout the semester would be reassuring. I think it would have also been helpful to know in more detail about the different levels of classes, how they work and that you have the opportunity to switch classes in the first couple weeks. All of the logistics of classes are explained in more detail later on, but I think knowing a little earlier would be helpful. |
