Challenging but worth it Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2019 to 12/21/2019 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
huge gain in language proficiency, international perspective, some travelling experience, being more comfortable out of my comfort zone

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.

intense as you make it, but definitely challenging due to the immersive nature of the courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They staff were so helpful and kind, we really became close and knew they looked out for us

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

hit or miss like any home stay!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

physical health issues were addressed well but there was a couple times mental health of some students was not prioritized

* 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)

travel was expensive but if you stayed in cordoba it was relatively cheap because meals were provided

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10/15 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? plan travels early

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? Beginner
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 241
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? stick to it, even with other americans. make native friends

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
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?
  • hanging out with spanish friends
  • travelling
  • dancing
* What could be improved?
  • resources for mental health
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? take time picking classes, make sure they aren't too hard for you

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!