Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Once In a Lifetime Amazing Experience! Past Review

By (Spanish and History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/31/2013 to 05/27/2013 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain a whole new perspective from my experience abroad. I met AMAZING people, had great adventures and learned new things. I would without a doubt do it all over again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor is not very high.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program were great! Great people that were always available and that made the whole experience go smoothly!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my living arrangements. My host mom is an amazing person! The only downside was that my roommate and I lived the farthest from the university. We just had to walk a bit more than others.

* Food:

The food was great but it all depends on your host family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Staying with a host family and attending events in Cordoba made it easier to feel integrated with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health concerns during the the program.

* Safety:

I felt safe overall. Late nights are part of the culture so you don't feel unsafe in the streets. There tends to be people around always. But still be careful and never travel alone just to be on the safe side.

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

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)

It all depends on how you choose to spend your money. It depends on whether you travel or not, if so where. As well as where you go out and how much you spend during these outings.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 10 euros but it depended on where I went out that week.

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

I was always encouraged to use the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 302
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always speak in Spanish and only speak in English as a last option.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The whole PRESCHO family
  • Host family
  • Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not hesitate and just go for it!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.