Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Córdoba felt like home January 02, 2025

By (Multiple, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2024 to 05/28/2025 with

PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Córdoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish language skills, I felt immersed in a culture that was new to me, I learned how to deal with challenging and uncomfortable situations

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

I think the high level of administrator support and academic rigor that PRESHCO provided is very rare to find in study abroad programs.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20

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? 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? Span 251
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? Focus on listening and speaking

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I really loved Córdoba and the Spanish people/culture in general
  • I appreciated the constant support from the administrators with everything from host families to visas to medical care, they were always there for us.
  • The computer science classes that I took at UCO were interesting, relevant, and counted as credit for my major.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing — just that it’s ending. It’s disappointing that Wellesley will no longer be offering it.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how important it is to put yourself out there socially early and to say yes to invites even when you’re nervous or tired because connections with locals really shape the experience.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.