A Semester of Rebirth Rooted in History. June 20, 2024
By Emily R (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/28/2024 to 05/21/2024 with
PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain
I gained a new sense of self while abroad. It had been years since I had taken a pure history course and I have never been so far from home for so long. While it was a challenge at times to constantly have to introduce myself to new people in my second language, I was able to learn so much more about myself in the process. I feel reinvigorated for my last year at Wellesley and to learn as much as I can from a diverse and rigorous course schedule.
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. |
The courses I took in the PRESHCO program were not as rigorous as my Wellesley classes. I believe that some of this can be attributed to the fact that the language was not a large barrier for me as I made sure to take coursework before the program that would help my success and then made sure to talk frequently with my host family about anything and everything that build a relationship and gain practice. Additionally, the economics courses I took were based in readings rather than the mathematics of learning the topic. The PRESHCO directors ensured that we stayed informed, helped us through the registration process, and provided weekly tutoring hours to help with our classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors did a good job of accommodating everyone in their different journeys abroad and supporting us through every step. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was extremely satisfied with my host family, Rocio and Marco provided an amazing family experience and I am eternally grateful for having been placed there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick one night and could not stop throwing up. One of the directors came to pick me up in a taxi and accompanied me to the hospital. The hospital was covered through insurance and I was really appreciative to have that support with me. |
| * Safety: |
Córdoba is a very safe city, I felt safe all day and night. Of course, traveling and going out in groups is always better as you never know what could happen, but I did not run into any safety-related incidents. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
PRESHCO provided me the opportunity to authentically engage with the Córdobes community and take advantage of their programming. I was able to take Sevillanas, ceramics and crochet classes throughout the semester. Additionally, I was an English tutor for one high school student and we met weekly to help her prepare for her exams. |
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) |
I was able to take advantage of many opportunities abroad, and luckily the average cost for goods in Córdoba is cheaper than that of Boston. Still, I am accustomed to having a regular stream of income from, minimally, my work-study job, so this was an adjustment. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say to plan your trips ahead of time if you plan to take a train or plane to another area to get the best price. Additionally, make as many connections as possible to avoid hotel expenses. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I spoke Spanish 100% of the time while with my host family and with program participants. Occasionally in social settings we would switch back and forth, but I felt very encouraged to engage as much as possible in speaking Spanish. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 329 |
| 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 would say to not be shy. Most host families are very encouraging and just want you to try your best. Speaking Spanglish is okay and encouraged as well as long as you try to express as much as you can in Spanish. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had a better idea for what my course schedule would look like and what opportunities I could have taken advantage of that pertain to my major. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
