Learning as Much Spanish As Possible in Four Months Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/17/2018 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
Definitely - learned a lot about the language, made connections with people, learned about different points of view.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall very good! The one big annoying thing was that it took a very long time (nearly halfway through the semester) for us to receive our emails for the university and be officially added to our class rosters, which was a hassle. However my impression is that this was mostly the university's fault. Overall I found that the program was very attentive/helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took some time but I eventually made friends who I spent a lot of time with in Córdoba and did a lot within the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had one instance of having to use the emergency clinic in the neighborhood due to an allergic reaction, but overall had an ok expereince and insurance worked out more quickly than expected. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My goal was, as the title suggest, to learn as much Spanish as I possible could in four months. I believe that I did that! |
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? | Generally very little, more when we went on trips. While in Cordoba, maybe 10 or 15 euros? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy too much stuff! |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A Spanish theatre course (Don Juan and the like, old school plays) |
| 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? | Honestly...shut off the part of you that's nervous about sounding silly and just go for it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | Group chats are necessary for class success! |
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.' |
