Studying abroad in Greece was the most amazing decision I've ever made. Past Review
By A student (University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/31/2012 to 06/02/2012 with
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Thessaloniki - American College of Thessaloniki
Not only was I able to travel the world (well, just Europe) which I had never done before, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends (American, Greek, and international). Living away from home for 4 months, in a foreign country nonetheless, is an experience I'll never regret or forget. The places I've seen, the people I've met, the experiences I've gathered, were all amazing. If I could do it again, I would in a heartbeat. Just remember, always be open-minded and willing to take risks!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were scores of classes to take in many different areas, from business, to philosophy, to history, to science. All of the professors were very helpful, always willing to lend a hand and were very prepared with their curriculum. The rigor was appropriate, but not as intense as you may experience in your home school, which is great because it allows you to fully captivate on your cultural experiences outside of school and into Greece and the surrounding European countries. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at ACT are all spectacular. Everyone at the school is so open, friendly, helpful and treat you as they would their own child. With whatever type of worry or concern you may have, there is always someone there to listen and help. They were very thorough in making sure we (as study abroad students) were completely aware of our surroundings and comfortable as foreigners living in a new country for the duration of the semester. With that said, they weren't only there for our academic concerns, but also with the social and cultural adaptations as well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
As a student living in Thessaloniki, our housing was not on campus, but 20 minutes downtown in the center of the city. All the study abroad students lived together in the same apartment building. It was great to not have to live on campus, but instead to be able to live in the city and fully immerse ourselves in the true Greek culture on a daily basis -- from having to figure out city transportation on our own, adapting to daily operations and store hours, figuring out the best times and places to buy groceries, ordering a frappe, etc. We were a 3 minute walk from the water and the beautiful boardwalk, and just a short bus ride from the White Tower and all the store, bars and clubs. |
| * Food: |
Greek food is AMAZING. That's all there is to say. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not only do you have endless opportunities to integrate with Greeks and other international students in class, but also with the locals in the downtown living. You are constantly facing new opportunities to interact and meet new people. Buying a frappe or going to the bakery gives you the time to learn and practice your Greek. Being surrounded by local Greek students in school (who all speak English) gives you the chance to learn about them, their culture, and to also learn Greek as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
You are constantly reminded of all the potential dangers of pick-pocketing and what-not through the study abroad program. I did get pick-pocketed, but of course this is something you can 100% prevent by simply being aware of your surroundings. I did not feel that my safety was ever an issue while in Greece. |
| 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) |
Living and traveling within Europe and studying abroad in general can be very expensive. All I can say is to budget, and budget well. Spring break alone was the most expensive time for all of us, but that is because we took advantage of being abroad and traveled around Europe. Other than that, it was pretty simple to live on the student budget that I do in America. Probably no more than $100/week was easy for most weeks. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $200/month on food. Other expenses (shopping, going out, etc) was very hard to estimate. Probably no more than $100/week (sometimes much less) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget well! |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Modern Greek |
| 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? | Don't just flock around the other American study abroad students. Immerse yourself among the other Greek and international students. While many people in Greece do speak English to some degree, just practice it whenever you can. When going to the bakery, taking a taxi, going to the market, etc. It's a great way to not only practice your language skills, but also to become more social and to make international friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How much I ate throughout the 4 months. Greek food is to die for. |
