Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A semester in Spain Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/26/2015 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained much more travel experience; I was able to visit countries that I don't think I would otherwise ever get to see. I learned a lot more Spanish, and a lot more about Spanish culture as well. It's one thing to read about Spain and speak Spanish in class, it's another to experience it firsthand.

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.

I felt that for the most part, the classes were easy. I found some classes very interesting but other classes were incredibly boring. The teaching style in Spain can be the professors standing in front of the class talking for the full hour and a half.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was, for the most part, really great and truly cared about our well-being and that we enjoyed our time. At times it was hard to get hold of them

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host family was very considerate about food allergies and always made sure that I enjoyed the 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? ~$30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on travelling, it helps to book trips in as far advance as possible because you will be able to plan and save money more accordingly.

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? Intermediate
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 272
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? I would suggest that students talk to and hang out with other Spanish students and that they talk in Spanish even when with American or English-speaking friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Reimbursement for flights and other expenses
  • Trips to Spanish cities both at the beginning and throughout the semester
  • Living with a host family
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with administrators
  • More opportunities to meet with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked more preparation for the academics. I was not sure what to expect, and I found some of the classes very dull. I would have to know how classes were taught. We also had no information on what classes to pick for our university course, so I would have liked more information on that.

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!