An Unforgettable Experience Past Review
By A student (Smith College) - abroad from 08/23/2017 to 05/24/2018 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
It was very worthwhile. Although I took classes and learned from them, I gained more knowledge just being around Spanish people and learning about their culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The PRESHCO classes are similar to classes taken at your home institution. The UCO courses are tough because you are with Spanish students. My advice is to try to make friends with a couple of them the first day, so you can always go to them if you need help with something. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The equipo is great. They are always there for you when you need them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very, very satisfied with my living arrangements. I absolutely loved my host parents. |
| * Food: |
The food is AMAZING!! Be prepared to gain weight! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Córdoba is a VERY safe place. I was there for an entire year and I never once felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
PRESHCO is great. Always it is hard moving to a foreign country, they did a great job of trying to make us feel as comfortable as possible. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | SPN 225 at Smith College |
| 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? | Try your best to speak in Spanish all the time, even if it takes you a little longer to express yourself. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If possible, take the 2 UCO courses in the same field of study so you are with the same Spanish students. It makes it a lot easier. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
