Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A well-run and supportive program Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/16/2015 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
flexibility, spontaneity, independence, trip-planning, navigating social situations in a second language

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.

Academics are not as rigorous as what you will find at Wellesley, but given that you are learning in a foreign language and that you are steeped in a completely new and exciting culture, there was a nice balance between in-class learning and out-of-class learning. I devoted most of my study time to my 1 direct enrollment class; the classes offered within the PRESHCO program have been nicely tailored over the years to meet the needs and interests of students like us.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site team are wonderful and lively people. It was nice to have a professor from Wellesley serving as the program director during my time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The home stays are undoubtedly a great way to get to know more intimately the depths of Spanish culture. My host parents instantly welcomed me into their home life, taking me on hikes or out to restaurants and introducing me to their friends and family, though the degree of involvement certainly varies from family to family. While at times I envied friends on other programs living independently in flats with other students our age, living with a Spanish family was an invaluable experience that allowed me to really live like a Spaniard.

* Food:

Amazing. Contrary to what the program manual warns, fresh fruits and vegetables do exist in Spain, as well as delicious pastries and fish freshly fried in olive oil!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you make an effort to immerse yourself in the culture and meet locals you certainly will!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

Córdoba is extremely safe at virtually all hours of the day.

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 reimbursement program and the fact that your host family provides all meals makes it feasible to spend little to no extra money if you stay in Córdoba at all times. I spent the most amount of extra money on travel, both on airfare and on train/bus transportation to airports.

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? Spanish241

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • ease of transferring academic credit back to Wellesley
  • nice balance of academics and extra-curricular learning
  • organized excursions that allow you to see more of Spain than you might on your own
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I had had more prior knowledge of the course and extra-curricular options available so that I could have planned my semester accordingly.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time flies- don't wait to throw yourself immediately into opportunities that present themselves! Stay for a full year if possible!

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 Urbanite
A 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.