Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Beautiful and Balanced Time Abroad Past Review

By (Oberlin College) - abroad from 01/25/2017 to 05/25/2017 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a knowledge of the language, good friends, new perspectives on both American and International politics, and international connections. I gained a profound sense of independence and a deeper sense of self. It was definitely worth while.

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.

Classes were not as intense as classes at my home college--but that really helped with transitioning to living in a new place and focusing on learning the language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes communication wasn't the best, but overall the program team put a lot of effort and care into organizing activities, classes, and homestays.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family! It was an adjustment, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.

* Food:

I loved my host mom's cooking, but there's a lot of fried food and a lot of eating in general. However, host families are usually super accommodating when it comes to likes/dislikes and allergies.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was kind of hard to make Spanish friends, but I think living with a family, being in a smaller city like Córdoba, and taking classes at the university really made me feel at home there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an experience with health care but have heard good things. I didn't need any vaccines specifically for this program.

* Safety:

I felt very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was a good fit for me--small and structured, but we weren't coddled. I loved the size of Córdoba and the host family component.

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)

Since I ate meals with my host money, it was relatively easy to save money. Also, Spain is very cheap! However, doing any traveling, going out to eat, buying souvenirs and clothes--that can get expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do a lot of research to find all the free things you can do!! A student visa goes a long way. I got into a lot of expensive museums for free with my visa. Also coffee adds up. whoops!

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? 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? a 400 level course
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? make friends with people you feel comfortable practicing your Spanish around.

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
  • International Students
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?
  • The place: Córdoba
  • The small size of the program
  • The host families
* What could be improved?
  • Structure of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have pushed myself to make more Spanish friends.

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 Linguist
You 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!