Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic study abroad experience! Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/29/2015 to 05/26/2015 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Spanish culture, politics, etc. I was able to practice my Spanish daily. I was able to make new friends from Spain and other European countries.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My two direct matriculation classes were interesting and it was a good challenge to be the only American student in the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrative team is very helpful and enthusiastic.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a nice host family.

* Food:

My host mother was an excellent cook!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made Spanish friends, joined local organizations, and participated in many cultural events

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues that needed to be addressed.

* 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)

The PRESHCO program provides reimbursements for money spent on cultural events, etc., making it easy to have fun, visit different sites, etc. without worrying about cost too much.

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? Upper-level Spanish Seminar (300-level)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Spend a lot of time with your conversation partner!

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
  • 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?
  • I enjoyed the orientation tour around Spain.
  • The conversation partners program is wonderful.
  • The reimbursements from the program made it possible to have fun without worrying about financial concerns.
* What could be improved?
  • It was difficult to create a schedule at the beginning of the course. The hours for the classes in the PRESHCO program didn't always match well with the University class schedule.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Start looking for organizations to volunteer with or groups to join before going to Spain! It took me about a month to figure out everything and then it felt like I didn't have tons of time left to enjoy the activities I found.

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!