Córdoba: My New Home! Past Review
By Michelle S (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) for
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
My study abroad experience, as cliched as it is, changed my life. I learned so much about myself and about other people, my language abilities soared, and I had the opportunity to be truly independent.
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 |
The program size was fantastic and the administration was extremely helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing and truly made my experience. I lived with a young gay couple, and it is because of them that I felt at home and learned Spanish. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
La Feria! Cruces de Mayo! Patios! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Cordoba is very safe and the administration was really helpful if you needed to see a doctor. |
| 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'm not sure. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I'm not sure. |
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? | 200 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced Spanish with my host family. A lot of students spoke English. |
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? | Through yourself completely into the study abroad experience. Spend time with your host family, watch local television, speak as little English as possible. Go out and meet people. Don't get caught up on being nervous. |
