Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/20/2016 to 05/23/2016 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was definitely worthwhile. I gained many new friends (though mostly other Americans) and I improved my Spanish abilities. I saw so many amazing and beautiful sights and cities. There were ups and downs, as with any experience, but overall I had an amazing time and learned a lot.

Review Photos

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very interesting, but not particularly academically demanding. I do not think this is a bad thing though, as it gave me time to explore Cordoba and Spain. I really enjoyed having the additional time to experience the place, instead of devoting all of my time to my studies.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program is made up of a wonderful team of people, all of whom are very nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was a wonderful woman and very kind. She took excellent care of me, and I am so appreciative of my friendship with her.

* Food:

I'm a fish-eating vegetarian, and my host mom was always completely accommodating of my dietary restrictions. With her, it was never an issue. It could be more of an issue in restaurants, but I was always able to find something to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural classes offered by PRESHCO really helped me learn a lot about certain parts of Andalusian culture. I really enjoyed learning about regional dance and the style of food. I also volunteered at a local non-profit organization, and that helped me interact with locals. I personally found it a bit harder to integrate socially with other Spaniards, but I think that had more to do with my lack of confidence and frequent weekend travels than with the program itself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I think it was good, but I don't really have a direct experience. I never had to go to the doctor.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Cordoba.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I have made so many wonderful friends, improved my Spanish some, and discovered an amazing country that I had never really appreciated before. It was worth it.

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)

Very easy, since most of the weekly expenses of food and lodging were included in the program price, since we were living with host families.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$100 (depends on whether I was travelling or not)

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 always encouraged us to speak Spanish

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? A 200 level Wellesley Spanish literature class
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? Talk to your host parents! It's hard to remember to speak Spanish with other program participants, but your host parents are always going to want to speak the language with you and will correct your mistakes.

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
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 cultural classes - sevillanas dancing and guitar
  • Friends
  • My host mom
* What could be improved?
  • The academic administrative support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything that I could have been told before-hand - I really had to experience it to understand and appreciate the experience.

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!