Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spain: The Experience of a lifetime" Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Wellesley College) for

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about who I am and what my goals are. I also experienced an entirely different culture.

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.

There was not very much homework and the classes I took were not as interactive as the classes I am accustom to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was very well organized and everything went very smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood was very safe and I very much enjoyed my family. They did a lot for me while I was there.

* Food:

very well

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love the trip to Morocco and how easy it was to travel from country to country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cordoba was a very safe city but we were informed to be very safe when walking at night. Although it might not have been necessary we were always encouraged to walk home with someone so that we were never left alone. The program was always very open to giving help at any time to those who needed it.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend your money before you leave for Spain! also try to not spend money until the end on your trip. Use it to travel!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200 level spanish
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Everyone in my program spoke English but my best advice would be to make spanish friends to practice the language. By branching out it forces you to interact with people who speak the language which ultimately forces you to practice.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The security
  • The help from my University in applying
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think anyone could study abroad. It is an amazing experience. Try not to study abroad in a program where you know other students. Branch out when you get there. Use every minute of time you have while abroad. Live it up. Have fun. Take a lot of pictures. Never forget it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Political Comparisons

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This was my favorite class in Cordoba. I learned a lot about the spanish government and the differences between governments in Europe and the United States
Credit Transfer Issues: No transfer issues
Course Name/Rating:

Economic Policy

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was very difficult because it was for spanish students and the professor used a lot of slang that was hard to understand at times.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Geography
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was beneficial but very boring at times. There was not a lot of student participation during class.
Credit Transfer Issues: This transfered as credit toward my spanish major. I would suggest taking a more challenging class.
Course Name/Rating:

Music of Spain
Course Department: 1700
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I loved this class and the energy the professor brought. Our professor was an extraordinary person and I loved the class. I improved my spanish through this class while exploring the music of spain.
Credit Transfer Issues: no transfer issues.