Deep Cultural Immersion in Charming, Authentic Spanish Town Past Review
By Eileen R (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/17/2015 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I would never change my time abroad. I learned about a new culture and about myself. Being able to live in a foreign country teaches you a lot about yourself and managing yourself. Above all, the cultural experience and immersion we received was unique, rich, and multidimensional.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
During the semester you are required to take 4 courses. Of those 4 courses students tend to take 2-3 of them with the PRESCHO program. This means that the professors from the Universidad de Córdoba teach special classes for only PRESCHO students. This was incredible and a nice ease into courses taught in Spanish. The professors were knowledgable and overall the courses were not incredibly challenging like our home institutions. In regards to courses at the Universidad de Córdoba, I was able to take an art history course that was very challenging and interesting. This was more challenging. There were a great amount of resources and support offered by our program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was wonderful. Having an on campus resident director from one of our home universities was comforting and incredibly useful. The permanent, Spanish members of the staff are incredibly fun, knowledgable, experienced, and down to earth. They were always around to consult anything and everything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was incredible. They were able to respect my privacy, dietary needs, and overall make me feel at home. They were loving and experienced. |
| * Food: |
The food in Spain is stellar. Firstly, it is very cheap and secondly it tastes great. My host mother cooked everyday and it was delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family contributed greatly. I felt as if I was a part of the community in Córdoba. Having cultural activities contributed to my overall understanding of the culture, but no inclusion. Additionally, taking classes at the local university was an opportunity for integration, but I feel that I spent a lot of time with Americans still. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I encountered no health issues during the program |
| * Safety: |
I felt safer in Córdoba than in most cities in the United States. I almost always felt safe walking through the streets at any given time. But, people in Spain tend to be more vocal and there are pickpockets and Córdoba is affected by that. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Spain is cheap!! Food, drinks, and most things that students spend money on is very cheap. That given, Spanish people do spend more time out and on the street, consequently you may purchase more food and beverages than you normally do. I would say that in a week on everyday drinking, dining I spent about 30 euros a week, but I'm sure it could be done with less money. Additionally, the program provides cultural reimbursements that can cover costs of cultural activities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 euros |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were always encouraged to speak in Spanish. Also, living with a host family is a great push to continually speak Spanish. Furthermore, our program paired us with Spanish conversation partners. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| 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? | don't spend time with Americans |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You only have a limited amount of time abroad, make the most of every day. Also Spain gets cold, bring the appropriate attire for the entire duration of the program. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
