Challenging but worth it and amazing. Past Review

By (Smith College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 05/25/2017 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being away can be difficult, but the experiences will be worth it. The growth in a personal level was more than I had ever had. It is worthwhile to study abroad and be able to experience a different culture and customs

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were not as rigorous as home institution, but the materials discussed in every class were still interesting and important.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Equipo always made sure that every student was doing well

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host families are great. You have your independence but they are a direct exposure to the culture and traditions

* Food:

Host families cooked most meals and you shared meals with them, adding to the experience of being in a different country

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is difficult to feel fully integrated to local culture but there are different aspects that make you feel like the city is home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable

* Safety:

Always felt safe no matter where I was walking or the time

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

There were some challenges being in Spain, but the people I met in the program were all supportive and helpful in any way they could be. The program also had many cultural opportunities that I wouldn't have had experienced any other way.

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)

Cordoba is not an expensive city so budgeting was easy

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel in groups to cut the cost of accommodations and look into flights for different days and flexibility if able to travel around

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

We were encouraged to speak only Spanish during the duration of the program

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? Spanish 261
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? Talk to friends who know the language in that language. Go to office hours to practice.

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
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?
  • Cultural classes
  • Orientation/Trips
  • Host families
* What could be improved?
  • Academics/Better communication with direct matriculation professors who may not have had many students in this situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes will be different than what you are used to, but that is okay. Talk to the professors and explain your situation. Ask questions if you don't understand.

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!