Self-Growth and Cultural Learning Past Review
By Mariana Hernandez (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2017 to 12/18/2017 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I learned a lot about the cultural differences between Spain and the United States. I think my study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enrolled in an Economic Policy course at the Facultad de Derecho and was initially a little overwhelmed with the course content. I didn't really receive much support from the program in terms of tutoring but eventually understood more of the concepts as time went on. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Having a host family really levelled out the study abroad experience. I really enjoyed having that support system, especially on the days where I wasn't feeling the best. |
* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My host family made me feel pretty integrated with the local culture. Because of the way the Spanish higher-ed is organized, students will have friend groups already established and be pretty closed off to making new friends. I would advise that you befriend the ERASMUS students because they also have access to other social events. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Córdoba is an extremely safe city. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The PRESHCO program is a really great option because it gives students the ability to explore Spain. |
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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 15-20 euro |
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? | 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? | SPAN 265 |
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? | Befriending ERASMUS students would be one of the best ways to practice the language because if they don't know english, you have no other option but to speak in Spanish. |
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?
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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 wish that I had known that making local friends or international friends takes a lot of work. |
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! |