A consortium of Oberlin College, Smith College, The College of Wooster, Trinity College, Wellesley College, and Wheaton College created the Programa de Estudios Hispánicos en Córdoba in 1981 in order to encourage the intellectual and personal growth that comes from cultural immersion; to offer an opportunity to strengthen acquisition of the Spanish language ; and to foster knowledge and appreciation of Spanish culture through studies in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts. Academic study in the PRESHCO program features both courses specially developed for US students and direct-matriculation courses at the University of Córdoba. The program is housed in an eighteenth-century landmark building located in the heart of the medieval quarter and within the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Course offerings are extensive, from more general survey-type courses on Spain and the European Community, to specialized offerings on such topics as Roman Andalusia and Semitic Cultures in Al-Andalus. PRESHCO students enjoy the use of the University library, computer services (including e-mail and Wi-Fi at the university), and student discounts. Books required for courses are included as are funds for individually-determined cultural activities.

Students are housed in either privately-run student dormitories or host families-depending on student preferences. Meals and laundry services or facilities are included in both. Extensive excursions complement and enhance the program of study. As part of each semester´s orientation, students take part in an orientation tour through Spain that includes visits to Avila, Barcelona, El Escorial, Madrid, Toledo, Salamanca, Segovia and Zaragoza. Visits to sites in Andalucía, including Seville and Granada, are also included during each semester. Round-trip airfare to Spain from a gateway US city is included in the comprehensive fee.

Córdoba, famous throughout the world for its unique historical significance in terms of Christian, Islamic and Jewish cultures, is a vibrant city known for its hospitality, cuisine, and cultural offerings-including its month-long festivities of "Cruces, "Patios", and "Feria" in May. Being a city with very few American students, the location offers an ideal setting for immersion into Spanish life. Córdoba is centrally located in the heart of Andalucía near Seville, Granada, Jaén and Málaga. Madrid is only one hour and forty minutes from Córdoba by high-speed "AVE" train.