A semester in Spain Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/26/2015 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I gained much more travel experience; I was able to visit countries that I don't think I would otherwise ever get to see. I learned a lot more Spanish, and a lot more about Spanish culture as well. It's one thing to read about Spain and speak Spanish in class, it's another to experience it firsthand.
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. |
I felt that for the most part, the classes were easy. I found some classes very interesting but other classes were incredibly boring. The teaching style in Spain can be the professors standing in front of the class talking for the full hour and a half. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was, for the most part, really great and truly cared about our well-being and that we enjoyed our time. At times it was hard to get hold of them |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
My host family was very considerate about food allergies and always made sure that I enjoyed the food. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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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? | ~$30 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you plan on travelling, it helps to book trips in as far advance as possible because you will be able to plan and save money more accordingly. |
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 |
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How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 272 |
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? | I would suggest that students talk to and hang out with other Spanish students and that they talk in Spanish even when with American or English-speaking friends |
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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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would have liked more preparation for the academics. I was not sure what to expect, and I found some of the classes very dull. I would have to know how classes were taught. We also had no information on what classes to pick for our university course, so I would have liked more information on that. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |