Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Change of Pace August 02, 2023

By (Political Science and Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/27/2023 to 05/23/2023 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be an adult. Not only have I taken these skills back home with me, but it made me realize how much easier adulting would be than I realized. It could be fun and is not as scary as some may think it to be. Being "alone" in Spain allowed me to really hone my social skills and start making friends from "scratch."

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There weren't that many accommodations for vegetarians while at the homestay, and I had to frequently break by "diet" (I have been vegetarian for all my life so it is more of a lifestyle).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people were more than just welcoming and included me as their own. I absolutely loved Córdoba in the spring-time. The festivals are like no other!

* 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

PRESHCO was one of the greatest things that has happened to me. Not only have I learned to value a much slower life in Spain, but have learned the beauty of learning/perfecting a somewhat new language. I would do it all over again because it would mean reliving some experiences that I know were only once in a lifetime.

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)

It was hard to manage a budget considering I used a credit card rather than cash.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 25 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring at least a couple thousand extra for traveling or if you plan to stay in Spain for longer as I did.

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
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? Do not be afraid to make mistakes! Make friends from the country and try your best to meet up on a week- by- week basis!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Culture
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Activities
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take easier classes that do not have an exam. It was really stressful.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.