Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One Epic Odyssey Past Review

By (Communication, Messiah College) - abroad from 03/25/2006 to 06/28/2006 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was extremely worthwhile for my education as a student, as global citizen and as an American. I learned that the world is a small place and we all have an integral part in making it a better place. No matter your location, your background or cultural heritage each person influences others in very unique ways.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Meal stipend every 2 weeks was more than enough money to eat and travel on.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

School was right downtown Athens a block from Syntagma

* 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

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? 60 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money before you go and budget while there. Be reasonable and always think ahead.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Rosetta stone may help, but most everyone speaks English and the classes are taught in English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Educational Excursions
  • Courses
  • Resident Director
* What could be improved?
  • Course registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should stay for more than one semester!!!

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.