Unforgettable Experience with Heritage Greece Past Review
By James B (Movement Science, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/01/2011 to 06/16/2011 with
American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program
I am a Greek-American so it was an opportunity to connect with my heritage, other Greek-Americans, and young Greeks in their environment. I was always aware of the cultural history, but I learned so much about Modern Greece by being there. Totally worthwhile and I loved every moment.
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 educational experience for my study abroad wasn't about the classroom. We did take a Greek language and culture course and the facilities are fantastic. However, my experience was an immersion into Greek history, modern culture, food, and more through excursions to the sites and by spending time with Greek young adults who could teach us about their language and culture firsthand. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
3 bedroom - 1 bath apartments with kitchens and balconies. The housing was where the US Olympic team stayed for the Athens 2004 Olympics. As far as study abroad goes, it probably doesn't get much better. |
| * Food: |
I was already a big fan of Greek food and the authentic product did not disappoint. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were fortunate to have a group of students from Greece travel and spend time with us. We spent some time "out" in the area and every one was very friendly. I suppose my only complaint would be that transportation to other parts of the city isn't that easy to figure out, but I'm sure with more time I would have been able to (my trip was just 16 days). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
My program was unique in that most of my expenses were handled by the National Hellenic Society. My expenses were souvenirs, snacks, and extra entertainment so I was able to get by just fine. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Can't Remember.... |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget |
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 |
Each of us knew different amounts of Greek but we were always encouraged to try it out. Everyone was very patient with us and appreciated our effort. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 8 years of Greek School, 1.5 in Undergrad. I consider myself semi-fluent with a much better ability to understand. |
| 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? | It really helps to BE there. I've taken Greek in a classroom before, but being there and using it in context really helps. Wish I was there longer because I definitely improved. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | N/A |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
