Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing, Amazing Experience September 05, 2025

By (Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies and Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/20/2025 to 07/25/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much independence! I learned I am so capable of doing so much more than I thought. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

The courses were just as difficult as the leveling. I did a lot of hands on work, which accounts for a slightly higher rating of intensity. It was generally very manageable, and very digestible material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was some miscommunication about my allergies, but otherwise the communication worked very well and everything else went smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I have celiac disease, so it made it harder to eat. Any gluten-free food they gave me was not wonderful, but it was definitely edible.

* 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

I loved what ACT had to offer in terms of classes, especially as they directly related to my interests. ACT provides so many opportunities for explore Greece, including a weekend trip to Athens and hiking Mount Olympus. Also, Thessaloniki is an amazing city, and it was so safe, especially compared to the cities I am from. It allowed me to learn about a new place while still feeling like I knew what I was doing!

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Classes
  • Activities
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Access to Gluten Free food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew I would have to cook every single meal for myself because I have an allergy, but I adapted so easily.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.