Unforgettable Past Review
By Marcus C (Biology, Oberlin College) - abroad from 08/27/2016 to 12/17/2015 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I gain more proficiency in speaking Spanish. I experienced a lot of growth as an individual. The situation you are put in during study abroad causes many students to want to experience new things. This feeling persists and affects you in a positive way. It was very worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were not as challenging as courses in the US. However, I did learn a lot from the classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The team that was responsible for us were very experienced in caring for students and helping them with any issues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family that was chosen for me by the team. I could not have hoped for a better family and living arrangement. I am still in contact with them and they offered to house me again whenever I come back! |
| * Food: |
My host mom cooked some of the best food I have ever had, all of which was traditional cuisine. The meals that we ate with the rest of the program and team was fantastic as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Though I lived with a host family and met many Spanish students, I spent much of my time with the students in my program, and did not speak as much Spanish as I had hoped. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had to be current with vaccines. In Spain, healthcare is free and medicine is much cheaper and more accessible than in the US. The program was very supportive with any health issues that arose. Students had 2 chances if they got sick/hospitalized from over-drinking; on the third strike, you were sent back to your home institution. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Cordoba. The city has a very homey feel and most people know each other. It is very unlikely that you do not run into someone you know/met just by walking around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was fantastic and very accommodating to students in regards to cultural integration. Students were much more independent in class selection and matriculation, which many found to be irritating and stressful. Though help was offered and provided by the program, it was difficult to have full access to all the course materials of university classes. |
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) |
The host family was in charge of feeding you three times a day. The program provided reimbursements for all cultural expenses including food, clothing and cultural activities. Alcohol was not considered a cultural expense. |
| 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? | It is very easy to live off very little (~$10) each week and stay healthy and well-fed if you only spend money on essentials. However, it's hard to enjoy many things that the program/city has to offer by being extremely frugal. Though there are many sights, many museums and historically significant locations require money to experience. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The program always encouraged students to speak Spanish. The team would not allow English speaking on any excursions while they were around. The program pairs you up with Spanish students so that you can meet with them weekly to talk/do stuff. |
| 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 for Heritage Speakers- 334 |
| 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? | Though it's hard, try to talk with other people in your program in Spanish. It is very easy to forget and simply speak with them in the language that is easiest. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | The program prepared me sufficiently for the study abroad experience. |
