Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Expensive yet enjoyably Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/12/2017 to 12/20/2018 with

AIFS: Athens - American College of Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Some things I gained from being abroad is being more independent. There weren’t many options for quick foods that we could buy, so we had to make all our foods from scratch. This also shows me how to time manage well. I’ve also learned a lot about the Greek culture while I was abroad as well as the ancient architecture there

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was hard to adjust from everything counting towards your grade to only two exams

* 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

Greece was a great experience. It was great if you’re on a budget, for at the time everything was so cheap. The locals were all pretty nice to us as well

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? $50

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school language
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? Watching movies in that language with English subtitles

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions throughout Greece
* What could be improved?
  • The interactions with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I didn’t bring so many things

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!