Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life changing experience May 23, 2024

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/27/2024 to 05/21/2024 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Primarily, I grew as a Spanish speaker and this alone made the experience worthwhile. I also became more integrated into Spanish culture and my best experience here was learning to make salmorejo and tortilla de patatas from one of my friends' grandparents.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were very rigorous and there were tutors available to help. The UCO courses were more challenging to complete due to the language barrier in the first month.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very lucky with my host family and we plan to stay in touch.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital several times during the program, which, while unfortunate, could have been much worse. I was always accompanied at the hospital by both PRESHCO and hospital staff who made the experience much better than it could have been without their support. The healthcare here is good and the program helps overcome language and cultural barriers to healthcare.

* Safety:

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

Through this program, I grew as a Spanish speaker and as a student, had abundant support throughout the semester, and made some of the best friends of my life.

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)

The program costs themselves included everything essential. I spent very little extra money, mainly on travel during semana santa and on going out with friends.

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? I completed Spanish 241 before the program.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The best way to practice Spanish is to use it. I spent a lot of time with Spanish friends and I feel much more confident in the language now. Staying with erasmus students makes it much harder to learn Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The academic and non-academic support it offers
  • The commitment to immersion in the Spanish culture
  • The cultural reimbursements that allowed me to explore the history of Cordoba
* What could be improved?
  • More subject specific tutoring for UCO classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You need to leave space in your luggage when you arrive in Spain. I bought new clothes and a lot of new books here and packing everything is a struggle. You also need to be prepared to start studying as soon as classes start, because most assignments are at the end of the semester and May in Cordoba has so many events that it'll be hard to study.

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!