Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Campbell gets lost in Spain! Past Review

By (Political Science and Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/30/2013 to 05/26/2013 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Although I think I would chose a different program I did enjoy my experience abroad. My language skills improved drastically and being thrown into a foreign environment gave me a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was not academically challenging and I did not find the course material particularly interesting. The classes were the most disappointing part of my experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was amazing. The staff was encouraging, supportive, and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living arrangements. The family I lived with was fantastic. They were kind and made sure that I felt comfortable in their environment. The only downside was that I didn't have internet in my room.

* Food:

My "Spanish mom" was a great cook and I was impressed by all of the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had trouble integrating with the local culture. PRESHCO, however, could have done a better job organizing the Spanish conversation partners program. It would have been helpful if there had been more than one PRESHCO event with our "companeros."

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe throughout my time in Cordoba. Other students, however, had issues with men at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? About $150 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to avoid spending money on food which is provided by the program and your families.

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? 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? Spanish 222
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? Students should make sure to try and spend as much time as possible with Spaniards and to avoid going out in large groups of Americans.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The tour of Spain at the beginning of the trip
  • Host families
  • Being in the city of Cordoba
* What could be improved?
  • The Spanish Conversation Partners Program
  • The content of the courses
  • The orientation in Cordoba once we arrived
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I'd known how difficult it would be to make Spanish friends with a beginners understanding of the language.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'