Having great time with a really nice program November 11, 2025
By A student (Medicine, American International College) - abroad from 07/03/2022 to 07/16/2022 with
Cerca Abroad: Medical in Greece
Hi, my name is Tashir Balard, I am from New Jersey and I came to this program because I basically wanted to see the coacher in a different country and see how they work in a hospital and see the technology and gain a different experience how they do it here, outside the US. Besides that, I am an undergraduate student in biochemistry and here in Athens is a very nice place, the people were really helpful. For example, I’ve had trouble with the metro and they have helped me very easily. They are very nice. During my time at the hospital I saw so many surgeries, I also saw a spinal fusion which is a very hard surgery- approximately nine hours- it was really good. I watched a brain tumor surgery. Today I am at the kidney analysis. The program itself is really nice. The directors are here for you when you need them. They are really one text away. Yes, great time.
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. |
I had the chance to observe advanced medical procedures like spinal fusion and brain tumor surgeries which gave me a deeper understanding of clinical practice. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host country program administrators were incredibly supportive and approachable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing during the program was comfortable and convenient. |
| * Food: |
The food in Athens was absolutely delicious and a big part of the overall experience |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living in Athens allowed me to connect with the local community , explore Greek traditions, and interact with incredibly kind and helpful people |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The staff and program administrators were always available and responsive , making sure participants felt safe and supported |
| * Safety: |
Safety during the program was excellent. |
| 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) |
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| 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? | Absolutely! Here are some practical tips: a. Cook your own meals b. Use public transportation c. Get a local sim card d. Enjoy free cultural events |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | Everything was clearly communicated and I felt fully prepared and supported throughout the experience |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
