Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Chance for traveling and exploring March 31, 2025

By (Wildlife, National Taiwan University) - abroad from 12/26/2022 to 01/21/2023 with

Cerca Abroad: Greece - Wildlife Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a worthwhile experience!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

Hello, I am Isabelle Lu from Taiwan. Currently I am studying wildlife at the National Taiwan University. The reason I wanted to come to this internship program is because we don’t have a lot of wildlife in Taiwan and I really wanted to get to know that. Also I wanted to get this chance to travel and explore and try to get along with myself. Somehow I’ve met with a lot of school friends here. So I’m really grateful for this program. For me the highlight of the program is actual conservation of wildlife. There are a lot of wildlife animals and birds like seagulls, flamingos and a lot of falcons, owls and everything. I had to prepare for them, take care of the cages and try to help with the vet. The people of the program are all very warm. They were always there to answer my questions with patience and try to teach me more. So, this is more than I expected. For me the coordination is like, awesome, because since I was still in Taiwan they would check on me and when I have sent a lot of messages asking a lot of random questions such as what I should bring with me, they would always answer the soonest possible. As for my arrival in Greece, they started to check on me in a weekly basis as about my well being, how do I do, how the program’s doing and everything. And when I decided to travel they wanted to meet me in person which is very great. I’m very grateful for that. In my perspective I think that Thessaloniki is a very cute city. The people there are always so wonderful and I met some of them in the street and we became friends. I also like the view of the host in Thessaloniki, you never feel alone even in the night. I really loved those historical sites and the food there. Since I am a vegetarian it is hard for me to find food randomly in Taiwan but it’s so easy here and everything is so delicious.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I have nothing to say

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?
  • Thessaloniki's dynamic and lively atmosphere
  • The city's charming historical sites
  • The program participants are exceptionally welcoming
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I have no further comments.

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.