Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My host family situation was not great, but everything else was! Past Review

By (Colby College) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/17/2018 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I obviously gained improved knowledge of the Spanish language and culture, but I would say that I gained even more in learning to adjust to an entirely unfamiliar environment and in becoming a more independent person while abroad. I definitely consider my experience abroad to be 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

The only negative part of my experience in this program was my host family situation, which seemed to be a unique case, but certainly had a negative impact on my cultural immersion experience. The rest of the program, however, was a great fit for me.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Just speak it as much as possible. Try not to fall back into speaking English with other American students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • One of my favorite parts about this program was the amount of traveling we did within Spain.
  • I also loved the cultural fund component and the cultural courses offered to us.
* What could be improved?
  • I think communication could use the most improvement.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there is anything I wish I knew beforehand that I did not know.

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 Linguist
You 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!