Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

a rewarding challenge Past Review

By (Smith College) - abroad from 01/26/2017 to 05/25/2017 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It helped me improve my Spanish and gain confidence in myself, especially in my ability to adapt and thrive in a foreign environment. I also got a chance to spend more time in Europe (where I'm from) and truly experience a new culture.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think in the future it would be nice to have the option to not live in a home-stay, at it creates a dynamic where socializing outside of the students in the program difficult. I think a living situation similar to that of ERASMUS (shared flat among students from different parts of Europe) would be more beneficial for learning Spanish as well as taking full advantage of all of the events going on in town.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I started to feel more integrated when I ventured away from the program. Always being surrounded by other American students added to the feeling of being spectators/outsiders of the local culture instead of really participating in it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Even though this program had its difficulties, it helped me improve my Spanish and gain confidence in myself (my ability to adapt and thrive in a foreign environment) which is what I wanted out of the program. Every program will have its problems, but I feel that this one helped us well find solutions and always kept us feeling supported.

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)

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? Save your money for travel and group activities, those memories are so much more valuable than having that snack outside of your home or that third pair of strappy sandles.

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? SPN 245
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? Try to make friends with the locals, talking to people your own age and with similar interests is the best way to make true progress. Simply listening in class and writing papers isn't enough because it doesn't help you create a fluid usage of the language (you'll never feel natural when using it).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Travel
  • Language
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Correspondence between program and Spanish university
  • Housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To venture outside of the people in the program earlier in the semester

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.