Adventures in Spain Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/26/2015 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the cultural exposure was the most important part.

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 rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think this was a great part, an important part, of the experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied. Can't complain!

* Food:

I loved the food. I wish I had more vegetables to consume, but I was pretty pleased with the food overall.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Good.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally never had to visit the doctor, but had friend who did. They said it was very easy because one of the team members took her.

* Safety:

Very safe. Spanish men cat call A LOT. So while this made me feel uncomfortable sometimes, I never felt I was in actual danger.

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)

I mean, Spain is very cheap overall. I maybe spent like $35/week. With that said, it was still a significant amount on a student budget, especially when you adds travel expenses (i.e. flights and hotels)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Not really other than keeping track of what you buy.

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

They encourage you to speak Spanish, but when I was with my friends I mainly spoke english... and I was with them a lot.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 241
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? Review before you go abroad and practice every day by yourself.

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?
  • the reimbursement program
* What could be improved?
  • classes needed more organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing really

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.