Study Abroad Córdoba! Past Review
By A student (Colby College) - abroad from 01/20/2016 to 05/24/2016 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
Studying abroad is absolutely a worthwhile experience. It helps you to gain a broader perspective of the world and also allows you gain a new found independence and confidence while navigating through unknown territory. Studying abroad is be challenging and exciting. It pushes you outside your comfort zone, and allows you to meet new people, become a part of a different culture, and learn what makes people in a different part of the world tick. I learned just as much about Spain as I did about myself through my study abroad experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics of this program are not incredibly difficult. Instead, the program has a heavier emphasis on cultural integration and language improvement. We were expected to be engaged while in class, but outside of the classroom, professors wanted us to embrace the Spanish culture. We had the opportunity to take direct enrollment courses through the University of Córdoba, which were more academically challenging than the PRESHCO classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
El Equipo was always there if you needed anything over the course of the semester. They were more than willing to help in any capacity from problems in the classroom to problems with health. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family not only forces you to be surrounded by the Spanish culture, but also allows you to improve your language skills significantly. I could not have been more happy with my host family placement. They were kind and welcoming and immediately made me feel at home! At times it can be difficult living with a host family, but it is well worth it. I hope to be able to go back and visit my host family some day |
| * Food: |
I was lucky to have a host mom who is an amazing cook! Traditional Spanish food includes a lot of pork and potatoes. My host family shared her favorite foods with me, and I felt it was an authentic food experience. Families are usually very accommodating to those with food restrictions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family and attending classes at the local University did create a strong connection with the culture for me. We were also paired with language conversation partners, who were studying english at UCO. It was great to be put in contact with people my own age and be able to make friends that way. I feel I fully adopted the Spanish culture and lifestyle while I was abroad. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
When I was sick, one of the program administrators accompanied me to the doctor's office. She took care of appointments and everything and even helped me get my prescription filled at the pharmacy. The health care system in Spain seemed fairly painless, I was in and out in just a few minutes and cured within a few days. |
| * Safety: |
As a female, I never felt in danger of uncomfortable walking around the city of Córdoba. It is a smaller city and is extremely safe. |
| 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) |
Host families provide 3 meals a day, every day for you, so there are no extra costs for food. I spent nothing on transportation within the city because everything was within walking distance. PRESHCO also has a reimbursement program for travel and cultural activities within Spain. My only costs were dining out with friends or travel outside of Spain. |
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 |
All classes were taught in Spanish, and only Spanish was spoken in host family homes. Speaking spanish was always encouraged, though we did not have to commit to only speaking Spanish with each other. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Take advantage of language conversation partners! They are a great recourse and a fun way to make friends! |
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? |
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 wish I had known that many students are placed with another PRESHCO student in host family homes. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
