A Semester of Spanish Dreams, Pan, and a lot of Time to Think. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/26/2017 to 05/24/2017 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the realization that one does not always need to be told what to do to make the most of their time. I did not implement this as much as I wanted to, but I feel that the lack of consistent academic rigor could have allowed me to explore the subject matter in a more customized way. I gained the ability to make non-american friends and mesh with people who are used to a different life-style.

Review Photos

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain Photo PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain Photo

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.

The academics were not stimulating. There was not a consistent demand or expectation for work, thus it was difficult to stay motivated.I had a couple teacher who were passionate about their courses, and the information was interesting, but I wish I myself delved into it more through assignments and other opportunities to do so.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Equipo was a nice resource to have should we run into any issues. However, at times I feel that they could have prepared a little more prior to arrival in Córdoba. The orientations could have been more constructive toward how our first two weeks of classes would be. Although I had done a lot of prep on my own before the program began, I felt very confused about classes upon arrival to UCO.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host. She was very sweet, sociable, caring, and had a very comfortable home. I am glad we had the opportunity to live with a local family.

* Food:

I was initially vegetarian upon arrival. The home cooked meals were great and accommodating to my picky eating preferences. My host made many traditional dishes, just with the exception of "un poquito de jamón."

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I could have befriended more locals if I was more persistent. Once I conversed with a few in my classes, I could tell some were willing to get to know me. I mostly made friends with Erasmus students, who then were friends with a few locals. As for getting around and interacting with the local shops and restaurants, I felt very welcomed and was [usually] not treated like a foreigner. It was very nice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I used my at home health care for the program. What was really great is that with proof of healthcare, the program gives you clearance to see a general clinic at no cost. I wish this had been better explained in the beginning because I was under the impression that I would have to pay for ANY medical visits. Then when I needed one toward the end of the semester, I was pleasantly surprised.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe in my neighborhood. Walking back in the late night/very early morning could be a little worrying because it is so quiet and the jardín is dark, but just always be sure to walk with a purpose ad be alert.

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

I really liked the host family situation.

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, very easy. I am so grateful that the program includes a cultural stipend and homestay meals. I arrived with barely anything, but many of the meals were provided during the 2-week tour. With the little that I had, I was still able to get substantial meals for an inexpensive amount.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €15.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I sacrificed a few meals out and ate at home in order to save. I am very glad that option to eat at home was there. I could always just go out with friends for a drink or light tapas to share. I did not feel like I was getting a "lesser" experience by eating at home or having a low budget.

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

The program greatly encouraged us to use Spanish, especially during group meals.However, the program can only go so far. Among the program participants, we always spoke English with one another. The determination and discipline has to come from the students themselves. One thing I did retain was speaking Spanish in the home always, including with my house mate.

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? One level above general intermediate Spanish.
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? Make friends OUTSIDE of the program [as well]. As I mentioned before, most people in the program speak English with one another. Therefore, I found it necessary to separate myself at times and make friends with Erasmus students. For the most part, because English is not the native language to some, they were more willing to speak in Spanish all the time. They were also patient and willing to help because they too were trying to improve. Having a a foreign or European perspective to Spanish also helped in word choice when I would mistakenly use words better suited in Latin American Spanish.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Mom
  • Weather
  • Close Proximity to Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Compatability of Courses with Respective Universities
  • Pre-Cordoba Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew for sure that my classes were not going to be accepted by my department. That is my biggest and only disappointment.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'