Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring Greek Culture through Food Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Flint) - abroad from 06/19/2017 to 07/28/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Although only four weeks, I was able to experience so much of Greek culture and tradition during the time I stayed in Athens and Koroni. Compared to the other study abroad experience I have had, this program was very immersive! I took the class in the Anthropology of Food and the Mediterranean Diet; not only did the class give me the opportunity to eat a lot of delicious food, I also got to explore local markets and farms and talk to a lot of local people. Being a science major at my home university, this course really gave me a chance to explore anthropology and learn something that was outside of my comfort zone. I have never encountered as many happy and hospitable people as I have in Greece, and I am so excited to visit in the future. I am so glad I got a chance to spend a month in Greece through this program and I will cherish the memories and all the knowledge I have gained.

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.

We had writing assignments, excursions, and quizzes. But also got a lot of free time to explore or travel!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was a great location and had no issues.

* Food:

Love Greek food! Never had a bad experience at any restaurant or the CYA cafeteria.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although the class was exclusively American students, we had the chance to interview local people!

* 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)

Food is pretty cheap here. If you are going to a more tourist heavy place, such as Mykonos, you will spend a lot more than intended.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people I met
  • the class
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • more time to explore during the day!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to get a lot of cash since not a lot of places take card. Also it is nice to have change since a lot of cashiers won't break 50s.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.