Past Review
By Sarah O (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) for
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I think my study abroad experience was worthwhile. I think I could have worked harder on my Spanish, but I did gain a different perspective on life/culture in the United States and abroad.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics felt easier, but maybe that was because of the lecture based classes. Without having to be responsible for a lot of readings every week, it really loosened up my schedule, and made the classes feel a lot easier. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt like the administrative staff on-site was very good, and if you had a problem, they would do their best to take care of it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in San Basilio, which is a traditional neighborhood, and my host family owned a patio and participates in the annual Concurso de Patios de Cordoba. <br /><br /> I think that living with a family if very helpful in terms of learning the language. I also loved the house and the family. I felt very safe in the house and neighborhood. Honestly, I didn't feel like part of the family - more like a guest, I suppose, but I didn't mind. |
| * Food: |
I think that my host family was very good at preparing enough food and good quality food. Also, if I didn't like something and told them, they wouldn't cook it again. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The optional trips were the most fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't experience any need for the program to help me with health issues, but they were fantastic when my roommate was sick. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say to probably give yourself a budget and to always convert the money at a higher rate than what it might actually be (so that you spend less). |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 200-level Spanish |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I mostly made friends with American students, which may have hindered my ability to improve my language skills. |
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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