Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A New Way of Life Past Review

By (Neurosceince; Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/29/2013 to 12/18/2013 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish language skills, learned that I'm capable of a lot of things, problem solving, how to manage money and look for deals, and that there are different ways of living from my own. YES.

Personal Information

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

I loved my host family!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Too much time spent with other Americans.

* 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? 20 euros when not travelling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Avoid transferring between currencies often

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? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Host family
  • Classes offered
  • financial support for travel
* What could be improved?
  • more classes with Spaniards
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Speaking English with your friends is really detrimental to improving your Spanish. And it makes you stick out like a sore thumb.

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!