An opportunity to live abroad and learn about myself! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/25/2017 to 05/25/2017 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've been anticipating going abroad for a long time, and so some elements of this program were disappointing. Ultimately, I really appreciate the experience, and I think it helped me to grow as a person and gain confidence.

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.

Courses were not challenging. I appreciate the effort made by the UCO professors to help out PRESHCO students, but I found most of my courses uninspiring. The exception to this would be my PRESHCO art history class, which was valuable and engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff are friendly and helpful, although there were some persistent communication issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with a host family but it is important to be ready to change your lifestyle significantly to adapt.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no healthcare issues.

* Safety:

I always felt safe walking around Cordoba.

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

This program allowed me to feel pretty comfortable in my Spanish without challenging me academically. Ultimately, the program was the most accessible to me, and I went into it expecting pretty much exactly what I got out of 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)

Since we all lived with host families, going out to eat was an essential part of the social scene. Other than that, very low costs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40-50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the reembolsos and prioritize activities you are able to be reimbursed for. Remember eating out/going out for drinks adds up.

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? Advanced
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? SPAIN 272
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? Take advantage of your host family's language skills and talk to them as much as you can- if you are really dedicated, also try to chat with your friends in Spanish!b

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Ease of application process
  • Reimbursed expenses
* What could be improved?
  • Academic offerings, course registration
  • Condescending tone of some tour guides and professors
  • More resources for students of color, anti-racism work
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not expect stellar academic offerings.