Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing, challenging, but overall important Past Review

By (Smith College) - abroad from 01/25/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, about Spain, about what it's like to live abroad (both how hard and surprisingly easy it is).

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.

The classes I took through the program were somewhat disorganized or I did not understand the purpose of what I was learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

At times disorganized, but helpful for me if I needed it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I didn't personally jive with my host family all that well, but it was definitely useful for integrating into Spanish culture.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I joined a local rugby team which was perhaps one of the best decisions I made and helped me make Spanish friends and integrate more fully into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe

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

I think PRESHCO does a really good job of trying to really get students integrated into Spanish culture and life.

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)

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? Advanced
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 260
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? Make Spanish friends!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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
  • International Students
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?
  • Cultural integration/activities
  • Super friendly/helpful staff
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation trip was LONG
  • More advising in choosing classes
  • Disorganized sometimes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That academics in Spain are not even close to what they're like in the program.

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.