Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take Me Back! Past Review

By (American College of Thessaloniki (ACT)) - abroad from 06/17/2013 to 07/23/2013 with

American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a new person after this experience in Greece. All of my friends in the program will agree that they too came back to the States as a changed person. I was able to gain friends that became family, and all of whom I know I will remain in contact with through the years. I was able to learn more about my culture than I ever could have just studying about Greece and the Hellenic birthright online or by reading books. It's hard to really tell anyone what I experienced in Greece because it was such an amazing and uniquely individual time for me. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for Greece; and most days I feel as if I have left a piece of my heart in Greece. It's there waiting for the day that I return for it.

Review Photos

American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

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? $300-$350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at the market. Don't rely solely on eating out as it can get expensive over the weeks. Plus shopping in the market, and stocking up your apartment is a great way to experience Greece on the native level.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Staff at ACT. Everyone I met was super friendly and quick to help if I had any questions. I know that I will keep in contact with some of this University's wonderful staff.
  • Campus. The campus was beautiful, set atop much of the city. I look back at pictures constantly and wish I was relaxing outside in between classes once more.
  • Thessaloniki. The city is amazing and I have been badgering my parents to look up real estate there and buy a place so I have more of an excuse to return.
* What could be improved?
  • Gym. I love working out, and I enjoyed running around the track at school. I only wish the weight room was a little more updated, and maybe had a few more cardio machines.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a little more Greek, only so I would have been able to connect on a deeper level with the natives of Thessaloniki, and Greece. It certainly wasn't required though to know Greek to go on this program. I was able to navigate the city just fine with the little to none that I knew.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.