Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in Cordoba 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 learned how to live a different lifestyle than I was used to in many ways. I also learned valuable skills in terms of spending money, traveling, and making friends. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

The Spanish university system is very different from the one I was used to in the United States. The classes are usually lecture style, and there is almost no work until finals, when there is suddenly a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I grew to love Cordoba - it was the perfect size. I loved my host family. I made a lot of really amazing friends. I felt like I really experienced Spanish culture.

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? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The culture of going out late at night means that you will likely have to spend money. Also, traveling is more expensive because Cordoba is not super close to any airports, so you have to travel to Sevilla, Malaga, or Madrid in order to travel by plane.

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? 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? 300 level Spanish class
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your host family and conversation partner as much as possible.

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?
  • My host family
  • Going out for drinks with friends
  • Festivities in Cordoba
* What could be improved?
  • Support for non-Christian students who want to practice their religion(s)
  • More academic support
  • More gender and racial sensitivity and support from staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The university system is very different - it is all lecture style, and there is almost no work during the semester until finals, when there is suddenly a lot. I wish I had known how much there would be at the end so I could have planned ahead over the course of the semester. Also, there is still a good amount of racism and catcalling in Spain, which I wasn't prepared for. But overall I had a really great experience and felt well prepared for it.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.