Improved my Spanish, Immersed in Spanish Culture, and Traveled Europe Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically speaking, the PRESHCO classes were not very rigorous which was fine with me because I didn't want to spend too many hours doing studying and homework. The UCO classes were at times challenging because it was difficult to sometimes understand the professors with their Córdoba accents. Also, the UCO classes were not very academically stimulating as much of my work was at a middle school/high school level. I did not find the PRESHCO staff helpful in planning my schedule- they didn't know answers to many of my questions and were not eager to help me.

On-site administration of your program

They were all very nice, but I sometimes I found them unhelpful. In the beginning of the program, I was very confused as to how to take the bus around Córdoba and how to acquire a bus card, and they did not give me a concrete answer as to how to do so. However, they were very nice people and affectionate to all the girls.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very kind, and their apartment was modern, comfortable, clean, and in a great location. Although they were always good to me, I personally would have liked to be included in more family activities. For example, I soon learned that when I was told "we were going for lunch", "we" did not include me. I would have enjoyed simply accompanying on errands maybe once or twice a week. I felt that the students whose parents included them in simple daily activities such as walking the dog developed closer relationships with their parents. Although my family occasionally did a good job of introducing me to the Spanish culture, I wasn't able to develop the familial bond that I would have liked and saw other PRESHCO students develop with their families. However, having a host family really helped me develop my Spanish speaking skills, and I am grateful for that.

My host family cooked amazing food for each meal, and never forced me to eat more than I wanted. The food was one of the highlights of my experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

PRESHCO does a good job integrating the students with the Spanish culture. PRESHCO gives each student a conversation partner, and although mine wasn't the best, I know other girls had great partners. Taking UCO classes also really helps with this integration, and you are able to meet and develop friendships with other Spanish students.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Córdoba itself is a safe city, so I never felt very unsafe walking home by myself late at night. My one complaint however is that the phone plans were not explained to the PRESHCO students very well, and at times I did not have cell service when walking home by myself at night. I think the phone plans could be improved and explained in English because the information was presented in Spanish and very confusing.

Although there were some negative aspects about this program, overall I found it a worthwhile experience, made lasting friendships, and achieved my goal of improving my Spanish language skills. In hindsight, although I experienced many frustrations in Córdoba, it was a beneficial learning experience and helped me to mature as a person. This program would not be suitable for someone looking for mainly a time abroad "partying" experience.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I definitely spent more money living abroad than I normally would at school, primarily due to travel expenses. Also, if you ever wanted to meet up with friends, you were required to spend money because the only place to go hang out was a coffee shop. You could not invite friends over to your house so you would have to go spend money to see them.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were always told we had to speak Spanish.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The tour- traveling Spain
• The friends I made in the program
• Constantly hearing Spanish and being forced to use it

• PRESHCO staff needs to become more knowledgable regarding UCO system
• Phone plans
• More help from PRESHCO staff in becoming familiar with Córdoba (e.g. bus system, location of academic buildings, how to put more money on phone)

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer