Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Tight-knit, fun experience December 18, 2023

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2023 to 12/19/2023 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained: - Improved Spanish skills - Cultural art training (guitar and dance classes) - A love of Cordoba! I definitely think it was 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.

I had a hard time adjusting at first, but I learned a lot. It was nice to have a humanities heavy semester, though it meant lots of papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt supported by the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom and I got along well.

* Food:

My host mom cooked, and I liked the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I didn't make any local friends, I was able to go to museums and restaurants and chat with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a stomach bug and was able to get treatment the same day.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking home alone at night.

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

I had an amazing time and can't imagine a better program for me.

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

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? SPAN 251 at Wellesley
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
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?
  • Planned outings
  • Lots of support
  • Living with a host family
* What could be improved?
  • More tutoring hours, maybe
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Even if the classes may be "easier", adjusting to a different type of university is hard, especially in your non-native language.

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.