Journey of a lifetime in Thessaloniki! Past Review
By Amanda S (Education, Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) - abroad from 09/11/2011 to 12/23/2011 with
American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The study abroad experience was the best thing I ever did. I learned a lot about myself, about how I react to tricky situations and how I deal under pressure. But I also learned how awesome other cultures are, and gained lots of insight into how the rest of the world views the US. I gained friends from all over the US and the world, and made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
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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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Living in Greece was great because we never got individual meals like we were used to doing back home. Instead, at dinner the group orders several smaller plates and shares. This is a cheap and easy way to taste the local culture and explore what the city has to offer. |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Don't hesitate to use the new language you've learned in everyday conversation. Locals appreciate that you try to use their language, even if it's way off base. You'll never have another better way to learn a language than being submersed into it, so don't be shy! |
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?
Select all that apply |
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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 was so worried before I left that not knowing the language would hinder me, but being in a foreign place makes you adapt really fast and figure out a way to say whatever you need to, in any language. |
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