The Most Amazing and Life-changing Cultural Experience of My Life Past Review
By Stephanie Q (Spanish, Political Science, Wellesley College) for
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
My Spanish improved significantly, I learned a lot about Spanish culture, I learned to be more independent, I didn't travel to many other countries but I had a blast travelling within Spain. It has made me even more fascinated with what I am learning and what I have learned within my Spanish major.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Choosing classes at the beginning of the semester was a little irritating because their policy for dealing with limited space in a certain classes was not concrete or clear. But otherwise if we had any concerns, the PRESHCO staff was helpful and supportive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Cooking classes, sevillanas lessons, weekend PRESHCO excursions to Granada, Sevilla, checking out local bars and cafes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Didn't experience any health nor safety issues. But from what I heard from people who did the PRESHCO staff was very responsive and a member of the staff is always there to take you to the doctor if you are not well. We also had a meeting with the police department at the beginning about safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 25-40 euros. this includes frequent cafe with friends, shopping, and going out on the weekends (drinks, clubs). I rarely ate out for meals, maybe once or twice a month. For travelling I probably spent about 250-300 euros each trip including plane/train tickets. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | travelling, you will spend a lot more that you anticipate. always have your ATM card with you just in case. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT, you might think that it's not for you like me, but I took a chance and I am so glad I went to Spain! |
