PRESHCO: The best way to learn about Spain's language and culture! Past Review
By Kristine B (Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, Wellesley College) for
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
My experience was definitely worthwhile. I have greatly improved my Spanish skills, but more importantly I understand a lot more about Andalusian culture. I grew as a person, and found my way to find a niche in Cordoba. While PRESHCO did not help me much academically, it made me more aware of my ability to adapt in a new environment.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I never understood the grading system, there was barely a work-load, and some teachers did very little teaching. In only one of my class did I feel like I was learning a lot, despite the very little homework. It was very, very hard to be motivated to work hard when the teachers seemed to have such low expectations. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people who ran the program were wonderful, extremely friendly, helpful and accessible. It was great to have the PRESHCO office as a meeting place and a place to go if I ever had any questions. As the on-site administration were mostly locals, they were extremely knowledgeable about the host country. The program size, however, was way too big. PRESHCO should have a cap of around 30 people. 50 were just too many, as it was always difficult for us to meet as a group. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a wonderful neighborhood, with a great family. I felt very comfortable. The home was nice, and my family was extremely understanding to our needs. |
| * Food: |
There was a very large quantity of food, and while I didn't love all of it, my host family was great at accommodating the other American girl and me. I liked eating out sometimes for snacks, but most meals I ate at home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Cordoba has amazing cultural events in May, and I found that to be the best month. Not only did the locals have more time to hang out with me, but PRESHCO set up some great get-togethers during the holidays. The best cultural events were the Cruces de Mayo, the Romeria, the Patios, and the Feria. All of these were during weekends in May. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt extremely safe in Cordoba. It is fine to walk around late at night (as long as you're in a group). I never needed to seek healthcare, so I'm not sure how that worked. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | I spent about 30 euros on food and personal expenses each week. This was mostly just toiletries and snacks. It is very common to go out to cafes and bars with friends, so you have to pay more for snacks and beverages than you would expect. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Unanticipated expenses included the price of some clothing items, so pack all the types of clothes you need. Also, save money for traveling, because it really is worth it. Buy a 'carnet joven', or a Youth Card, because it gives lots and lots of discounts! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | An upper 200-level Spanish class |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced my language with my host family, with my local friends, during class, and while out and about in Cordoba. Most locals did not speak English, and I had to use Spanish every day. However, people in my program all spoke English, and we were not encouraged enough to speak Spanish among ourselves. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone interested in not only learning Spanish but also immersing oneself in Andalusian culture would love this program. If you want to study abroad in a smaller city with a supportive program, this is the place for you! |
