Past Review
By Hannah K (Spanish Language and Literature., Wellesley College) for
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
Yes, I loved going abroad. I am happy that I only studied with PRESHCO for one semester because it is such a small program (Cordoba is a small city).
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved my direct matriculation class and learned a lot throughout the semester |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration was great- very helpful, fun, kind and available if we needed them. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment building with a mom, a sister and a brother (both of whom were around my age). It was so much fun and I felt as though I was a part of the family. They were the best part of my abroad experience. The apartment was in a great area and there were a lot of fun things in the neighborhood. <br /><br /> I loved living with a host family. It helped to immerse me completely in the culture. My spanish improved and my host mom was a great cook. |
* Food: |
My host mom is a great cook!!! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people were nice and the nightlife was fun. I'm pretty independent and enjoyed exploring the city on my own. I'm happy that I was only there for 1 semester because Cordoba is not a big city and can be boring once you get to know it. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
The administration was great about helping us if we were sick or needed to see a doctor. Cordoba is a pretty safe city and I only felt in danger once, but it all worked out fine. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I lived with a host family so did not spend money on food. I only spent money when I went out with friends, traveled, or shopped. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The reimbursement program by PRESHCO is great, save your receipts and you'll get refunded! Use Skype to call home- it's super cheap and is free skype to skype |
Language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Level 275 |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Language acquisition improvement? |
Going abroad is a great way to improve language skills and living with a host family adds to the experience because it forces you to speak the language and learn how to express yourself clearly and coherently. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The schools in the consortium are very similar, so the students that go on the PRESHCO trips are very similar as well. If you are looking to meet different people and live in a big city, this is not the program for you. PRESHCO is smaller and takes good care of you while you're abroad (refund program, good housing) but I would not suggest doing it for more than 1 semester |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Historia Moderna de Europa - - European History from 1300-1700 |
Course Department: | History Department |
Instructor: | Soledad Gomez |
Instruction Language: | Spanish |
Comments: | It was my favorite course. I learned a lot and the professor was great. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I'm not sure yet |
Course Name/Rating: |
Phonetics |
Course Department: | PRESHCO course |
Instructor: | Elena |
Instruction Language: | Spanish |
Comments: | Fun and interesting class, learned about different Spanish accents and learned correct pronunciation |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Translation |
Course Department: | PRESHCO course |
Instructor: | JMM |
Instruction Language: | Spanish and English |
Comments: | It was a pretty boring class although the professor was nice and tried to do some fun projects |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Advanced Oral and Written Communication |
Course Department: | PRESHCO course |
Instructor: | Blas |
Instruction Language: | Spanish |
Comments: | Very helpful to improve my spanish and make me more comfortable with grammatical concepts |
Credit Transfer Issues: |