A great opportunity that helped me broaden my education. Past Review
By Hannah V (Architecture., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/16/2012 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I learned to be more independent and confident in myself. It was completely worthwhile and if I could do it again I would.
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. |
Classes were not as difficult as the ones I take a Wellesley. However, all the classes were in spanish which seriously helped with my comprehension. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration in Spain was great. .They were always there if we needed anything. Very friendly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host-family! I lived in a great area and had everything that I asked for. The family was great and very welcoming. One of the best parts of my study abroad experience. |
| * Food: |
My host family was very accommodating with my food preferences. I was introduced to a typical spanish diet which I thought was great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt comfortable going around the city. However, I had a hard time meeting local students since all my classes were with american students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Cordoba is a small city that you can feel very comfortable in. |
| 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) |
I found that it was difficult to keep track of how much money I was spending. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out how much money you are willing to spend the entire semester then break it down to weekly budgets. |
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 |
We were encouraged (and had to) use the language in our homes and class environments. However, while with people in the program, we mostly used english. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 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? | Use it all the time. Talk as much as you can with your family and in class. Don't worry about your abilities. You improve with practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | 0 |
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 had known better ways to meet local students. |
