Self-Growth and Cultural Learning Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2017 to 12/18/2017 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the cultural differences between Spain and the United States. I think my study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enrolled in an Economic Policy course at the Facultad de Derecho and was initially a little overwhelmed with the course content. I didn't really receive much support from the program in terms of tutoring but eventually understood more of the concepts as time went on.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Having a host family really levelled out the study abroad experience. I really enjoyed having that support system, especially on the days where I wasn't feeling the best.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My host family made me feel pretty integrated with the local culture. Because of the way the Spanish higher-ed is organized, students will have friend groups already established and be pretty closed off to making new friends. I would advise that you befriend the ERASMUS students because they also have access to other social events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Córdoba is an extremely safe city.

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

The PRESHCO program is a really great option because it gives students the ability to explore Spain.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 15-20 euro

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? 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? SPAN 265
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? Befriending ERASMUS students would be one of the best ways to practice the language because if they don't know english, you have no other option but to speak in Spanish.

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?
  • Travel in Spain
* What could be improved?
  • Tutoring
  • Social Engagement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known that making local friends or international friends takes a lot of work.

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!