What Could Have Been Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/25/0018 to 05/24/2018 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I learned about my American identity and have a deeper appreciation for the US and my family. I think it was significantly worthwhile to be abroad, but I wish that I did have to endure some of the demoralizing aspects of my specific host family. However, I appreciate "home" so, so much more now.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academic courses weren't my priority while abroad - rather, I focused on experiential learning through traveling. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program administration was not helpful with finding classes - not much support was given. The relationship between administration and students was not entirely welcoming. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing situation was not ideal - my host mother was new and very stingy. Her moods fluctuated day to day, depending on her personal life and work. My basic needs were met, such as food and shelter, but even then I felt like I was an invader in her home. |
* Food: |
My host mother cooked food at her convenience after or before work. I had a limited supply of food to eat when not meal time (snacks), of which included breadsticks and fruit. Just as a note, I had a powder soup once a week, and though it is food, it was not the most appetizing. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I definitely felt involved in local culture, but I credit this mostly to being abroad for 4 months - you're forced to be among the culture. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No issues with healthcare. |
* Safety: |
Safety was fine for the most part. However, being a female Person of Color abroad is not easy. Microaggressions and fetishizing abound - so be wary of this! Especially at night - try not to walk home alone. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would only do it for the people. The people in my program made my experience wonderful, and some of these students have become best friends. I enjoyed laughing and enduring being abroad with them, and would do this again in a heartbeat to spend time with each one of them. |
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) |
Everything in Cordoba is cheap, however getting to international airports and airports in Malaga, Seville, or Madrid costs some $$ that will add 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? | Beginner |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
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?
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? | Spain can be blunt about racism, and there is no airport in Cordoba, so flying out on the weekends will be a long, time consuming journey. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |