Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Vosotros is hard but the food is AMAZING 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?
On top of improving my language skills and gaining a new appreciation for Wellesley, I feel like I have become more confident and independent. I am more comfortable being uncomfortable and putting myself out there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In general the program, the program is very comparable to my home institution academically, but there was definitely a lack of language support resources

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely adored my host family!!!!

* Food:

The food my host family provided me was DELICIOUS and there were many reasonably priced restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area for every occasion

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I was living the Spanish lifestyle, however I was still very removed from the locals that weren't directly involved in my program

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a good experience with the pharmacy, but I only had experience with a minor injury and common cold

* Safety:

The city is generally very safe, however there was A LOT of street harassment at night

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

I had an absolutely wonderful time and I don't regret my program choice

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)

Living with a host family helped reduce most costs, the area around the university and near most of the host families was relatively cheep, and we also had access to a cultural fund that helped with other expenses

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget, plan your trips early and try not to spend money frivolously (always buying snacks after class)

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

Our director is constantly encouraging us to speak in Spanish. The program is good about being encouraging, but not demanding. I rarely felt like I was being forced to speak in Spanish and there were no guilt trips

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? SPAN 241
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? Just talk as much as you can stand, even if you feel dumb and can only form an unintelligible mess, practice really does make perfect and you will get WAY more out of it

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?
  • Host family
  • Cultural classes
  • Orientation Tour and Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Comunication (in general)
  • More help with academic side (choosing classes and support throughout semester, talking with professor)
  • Conversation Partner program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I needed to stay on top of my classes, even if I don’t have work for them every week. I also wish I had a more well-rounded closet and brought more clothes for colder weather.

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!