Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Preshco is family! Past Review

By (Spanish, Film Studies, Smith College) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 05/24/2016 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being abroad first and foremost taught me how to "be a person" as weird as it sounds. Especially being in such a relaxed place like Spain, I was able to understand what it meant to learn for the sake of learning, be productive and successful, have time to enjoy myself, immerse myself in exciting and new situations, etc., all without becoming overwhelmed or under pressure.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably 50 euros or less each 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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? 200 level
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? do not hold back!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • A close-knit and comfortable program--everyone becomes your family (host family, program directors, students, Spanish friends)
  • Financially feasible--reimbursements, affordable city, etc.
  • A truly magical city
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How life-changing this program would be so my anxieties would be eased beforehand. I was initially going to stay for just the fall 2015 semester, and now I've changed my plans and am going to stay for the whole year! This program is absolutely incredible and I recommend it to anyone. It's the best program out there.

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.