Challenging but worth it and amazing. Past Review
By Karen Banda (Smith College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 05/25/2017 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
Being away can be difficult, but the experiences will be worth it. The growth in a personal level was more than I had ever had. It is worthwhile to study abroad and be able to experience a different culture and customs
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics were not as rigorous as home institution, but the materials discussed in every class were still interesting and important. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Equipo always made sure that every student was doing well |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host families are great. You have your independence but they are a direct exposure to the culture and traditions |
* Food: |
Host families cooked most meals and you shared meals with them, adding to the experience of being in a different country |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is difficult to feel fully integrated to local culture but there are different aspects that make you feel like the city is home. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Not applicable |
* Safety: |
Always felt safe no matter where I was walking or the time |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
There were some challenges being in Spain, but the people I met in the program were all supportive and helpful in any way they could be. The program also had many cultural opportunities that I wouldn't have had experienced any other way. |
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) |
Cordoba is not an expensive city so budgeting was easy |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20€ |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Travel in groups to cut the cost of accommodations and look into flights for different days and flexibility if able to travel around |
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 |
We were encouraged to speak only Spanish during the duration of the program |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
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? | Spanish 261 |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to friends who know the language in that language. Go to office hours to practice. |
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? |
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? | Classes will be different than what you are used to, but that is okay. Talk to the professors and explain your situation. Ask questions if you don't understand. |
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! |