Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester in Córdoba! Past Review

By (Oberlin College) - abroad from 01/25/2019 to 05/27/2019 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program let me push myself out of my comfort zone while knowing there was always a group of students and staff to help me if I needed it. It was completely worthwhile. I learned about a new culture, improved my Spanish, and made new friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a really interesting experience attending the University of Cordoba for a semester, and completely different from college in the US. I would have liked to have been able to take my exams with the rest of the students, though in the end it was okay to take them early and I understand that the program would be very long if we stayed for more weeks. The PRESHCO classes were not fantastic, but it was nice to have some classes with just PRESHCO students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The PRESHCO staff of Teresa, Marina, Kim, Encarni, Eva, and Maribel are extremely helpful and always willing to give you a hug or answer your questions. They are always there for you and make this program really special.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am giving four stars for two reasons. Firstly, the host family I ended up with was excellent and are a huge part of why I really enjoyed my semester. However, I was originally placed in a homestay that was not very good and resulted in me leaving to find a new homestay. In all, I would suggest more host families with children and younger family members. I think it is more important to have a variety of host families rather than the same host families each semester.

* Food:

As a vegetarian, I was worried coming to Spain, but I shouldn’t have been! My host mom was very accommodating and worked with me to make sure I had good food to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During my semester I did not feel very integrated with the community. I think that creating a list of suggestions or opportunities of suggestions would give students that are not as outgoing as others to find their place more easily in the community and to adapt to living in Spain. That said, I felt integrated in the culture because of living with my host family.

* 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

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

We were encouraged to speak Spanish at all times as it was a full immersion program.

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? 400 level in college
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host families
  • Staff
  • Language immersion
* What could be improved?
  • More variety in host families
  • Better program classes
  • Less tour guides
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I known more about the spanish education system before going on this 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 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!