It was a mixed bag but ok in the end. Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2018 to 12/18/2018 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I'm not sure yet.
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. |
So it was definitely easier than Wellesley, but I wouldn't call it easy. There are less resources , professors can sometimes be unhelpful/unclear and UCO students also aren't usually interested in being helpful so simple tasks can become difficult. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were really nice and supportive, but there were some communication errors throughout the semester. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family/house was really nice. I had my own space and I felt free to move around the house. I was close to the two University campuses II went to, but little far from the Annex, but this wasn't a big deal for me. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a good cook. If you have allergies, you have to be careful. You're safe for the most part, but Spain is not the most allergy conscious place. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Trying to become part of UCO culture is really hard. There are a lot of things you can do in the city, but unless you stay the whole year t'shard together involved in things. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The actual healthcare was fine. Getting it though can be a hassle especially in urgent situations. A receptionist in urgent care/emergency room once refused to put me on the list to see a doctor because he insisted (without checking my insurance) that I didn't have insurance and couldn't pay. Even after I told him I would pay with my card, he refused to let me see a doctor. I was fine after Encarni showed, but I wouldn't recommend going to the doctor alone. |
| * Safety: |
It's pretty safe, but I wouldn't recommend walking anywhere alone after the bus stops running (11/12), so take a taxi or walk in groups after that. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I don't think it's the programs fault. Spain just isn't 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) |
It was pretty easy and your cultural fund can go pretty far if you don't just use it to pay for travel. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $15-$20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at home, have your host-mom make/give you something as much as possible. Eating out/ drinking will probably be your biggest expenditure outside of souvenirs and any travel you want to do outside of Spain that won't be covered by your cultural fund. |
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 |
We were supposed to speak only Spanish in UCO and PRESHCO buildings and when interacting with each other, but very few people actually followed it. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPAN 245 |
| 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? | I'm not the best speaker, but I have a high comprehension level which was largely developed by watching lots of TV and movies. Also, develop a short vocab list for everyday objects like bras. You will need it. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More about the Spanish education system |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
