PRESHCO Spain: Growth, Racism and Adventure Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/25/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew in my Spanish speaking abilities, stepped out of my comfort zone and got to see new things and places.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The hardest part of the classes wasn't the content, but rather adjusting to the language and classroom culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was kind, but did not provide support for culture shock experienced by students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very kind, but at times racially insensitive because of their lack of exposure to people of color, specifically Black people.

* Food:

My host family provided quality home-cooked meals, however, many carbs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel very integrated into the culture of Cordoba. The town lacked diversity and was not inclusive of Black and Brown people. I received a lot of stares, had racist comments said to me and about me, and experienced fetishizing catcalling. I did not feel integrated into the culture and I would not want to anyhow. I only felt somewhat integrated into my family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any health issues during the program.

* Safety:

Cordoba is pretty safe. I would advise to just be well aware of your surroundings and where your belongings are.

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

PRESHCO has a lot of short-comings but definitely provides way more support than other programs.

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? 10-20 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If your are a low-income student, definitely try to save up before the semester starts. Little things like coffees and big things like traveling outside of Spain add up.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 200-level Spanish course at Wellesley
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? Speak strictly Spanish with your host family and program friends.

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?
  • Sight-seeing
  • Program friends
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Program addressing racism/sexism
  • Transparency between program administration and students
  • More support in university classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about all the blatant racism, bigotry and micro-aggressions that I would experience in Spain.

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.'