Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very helpful program in so many ways May 30, 2025

By (Medicine, University of California - Irvine) - abroad from 09/11/2022 to 09/24/2022 with

Cerca Abroad: Greece - Medical

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I found it incredible insightful how all the doctors were so open to answering my questions , providing invaluable learning opportunities.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

I am a fourth-year public health science major on a pre-med track as I want to get a more experience on the medical field, specific for surgery as I know since I was 15-16 years old that I just wanted to e a surgeon. Just the thrill of being in the OR excites me. And it's been a pleasure, especially since I've seen so many different specialties. Anywhere from in physiology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, general surgery, orthopedic surgery. I've seen so many different kinds of surgery since I've been here. It's been so interesting to see all these different things. Because it's different from just like learning something in a book. I'm actually seeing it in real life, which is a lot better than just reading about it. I'm a very visual person. It just puts everything in perspective of different connections in the body. And the doctors are really helpful and helped me in answering any questions or identifying different areas of the body. And I highly recommend this internship anyone wanting to go to medical school. Because it really helps you see what you like, what you don't like. So I highly recommend that. And Athens is such a great city. There's quite a few things to see here. We're close to so many different islands. And the weather is just amazing. And the hospital is looking at such a great area. And I'm only two metros stops away, which is really nice. And I've made so many close friends since I've been here with the other interns. And our connections are true. People come all over the world. So I really highly recommend this program to anyone. And I have such a great experience. It's been a pleasure.

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? $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I have nothing to add.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Witnessing an innovative robotic surgery demonstration
  • How receptive and patient all the doctors were in answering my questions
  • Experiencing Athens as such a great city
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing to say
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The entire program was very well organized. I have nothing to add.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.