An opportunity to live abroad and learn about myself! Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/25/2017 to 05/25/2017 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I've been anticipating going abroad for a long time, and so some elements of this program were disappointing. Ultimately, I really appreciate the experience, and I think it helped me to grow as a person and gain confidence.
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. |
Courses were not challenging. I appreciate the effort made by the UCO professors to help out PRESHCO students, but I found most of my courses uninspiring. The exception to this would be my PRESHCO art history class, which was valuable and engaging. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Staff are friendly and helpful, although there were some persistent communication issues. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living with a host family but it is important to be ready to change your lifestyle significantly to adapt. |
* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no healthcare issues. |
* Safety: |
I always felt safe walking around Cordoba. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program allowed me to feel pretty comfortable in my Spanish without challenging me academically. Ultimately, the program was the most accessible to me, and I went into it expecting pretty much exactly what I got out of it. |
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 we all lived with host families, going out to eat was an essential part of the social scene. Other than that, very low costs. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40-50 euros |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of the reembolsos and prioritize activities you are able to be reimbursed for. Remember eating out/going out for drinks adds up. |
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 |
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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? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPAIN 272 |
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 your host family's language skills and talk to them as much as you can- if you are really dedicated, also try to chat with your friends in Spanish!b |
Other Program Information
* 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?
Select all that apply |
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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? | To not expect stellar academic offerings. |