The best learning/ friendship-forming/travel experience I've ever had. Past Review

By (Political Science and Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/27/2013 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be even more open-minded regarding other peoples' political/social views. I learned to embrace new experiences and to speak Spanish more fluently. I gained so many new friends from my experience abroad and learned so much about Spanish history, culture and family life. It was definitely a worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Maybe $50 on food/going out, excluding times I traveled on my own.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family when you're at home.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish seminar
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? Make local friends, talk to your host parents as much as possible, try and engage with other students in your program in the local language.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Friends from the program
  • Host Mom
  • traveling with the group
* What could be improved?
  • Rigor of classes
  • Events to meet other local students
  • (Some more) professor preparation for classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how cold and rainy Spain was during the first four months of the year! I would have brought more boots.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!