I learned how to navigate myself in a foreign country. Past Review
By A student (Smith College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 05/24/2017 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
It was definitely worthwhile. My academic experience wasn't what I was hoping for but the things I learned outside of the classroom made my experience something that will always stay with me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found the UCO classes to be the most challenging. The classes by PRESHCO were more enjoyable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very organized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were great! One of the best parts of my experience. |
| * Food: |
I had no problem with the food. My host family cooked great and was very accommodating. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I might have gone to another country because I'm a Native Spanish speaker. |
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) |
PRESHO gave lots of refunds and that really helped. Living with a host family and eating with them really helped me save money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On average about €30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of student discounts as much as you can. StudentUniverse.com is a great resource for finding deals on flights, specifically from the States to other countries. |
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 |
Always encouraged. |
| 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? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 know that the European style of teaching is very different. Everything is mostly lecture based as opposed to discussions and professors are not very invested in making sure you are staying afloat. |
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.' |
