How My Year Abroad in Greece Changed My Life Past Review
By Kristen C (Global Studies, Middle Tennessee State University) - abroad from 09/16/2012 to 06/10/2013 with
American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned more about myself in my time abroad than I have ever before. I learned how to adapt and become flexible in new environments, widened my networking, and learned about a culture apart from my own. It was most definitely worth while. I am more motivated than ever.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were genuinely concerned for their student's success. They worked just as hard as the students to make sure their getting the most out of their academic career. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The friendliest, warming people I've ever met abroad. They immediately make you feel at home. They do everything they can to make sure you have what you need and that you're comfortable. From taking you out to dinner to helping you arrange travel plans, they were the BEST! I miss them every day! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked that all the study abroad students were grouped together in the same apartment building, but it wast just a little too expensive. |
| * Food: |
I need a gyro. Now. |
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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? |
There was a doctor on campus, so we didn't have to worry about finding a hospital or worrying about language barriers. When we did have to take a vaccine for our residence permit, we went as a group so it wasn't a hassle. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Thessaloniki. |
| 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) |
There was a market every Tuesday/Thursday where food was DIRT CHEAP and so delicious and fresh. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget. Budget. Budget some more. |
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 |
They provided a first and second level Greek course. When you weren't using it in class, they guys in the cafe made you practice! Super helpful for using it around the city. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Repitition! |
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? | I wish I knew how to pack better. |
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.' |
