Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Athens Greece: Different but Wonderful Past Review

By (Business Administration and Religion, Lebanon Valley College) for

GEO: Athens - Study Abroad Programs Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was more than worthwhile, it will definitely change you!

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.

There was a lot of lecture, but I felt the exams and essay grading was pretty easy as long as I paid attention during class and site visits.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: Wonderful excursions to all the top places in Greece. Great instructors. Nice living accommodations. Weaknesses: I wish there was more school provided interactions with local Greeks

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt safe where I lived for the most part. Its location was great! Near all the necessities, plus it was within reasonable walking distance of downtown.

* Food:

The food was great, but I definitely started to miss the luxury of having more choices like we have in America

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved interacting with locals at the cafe near my apartment. Especially the one night when they had live music.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I lived in Athens during some of the protests that were occurring, but for the most part I felt safe. The biggest thing is just to be smart and know your surroundings. I would also say that if you try to blend in instead of stick out, you'll likely be safer.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

While most people knew some English, it was definitely noticed when I attempted to speak in Greek. I usually practiced every day one way or another, either in class, with my housemates, or in the local selling with store keepers.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to new experiences and new people and you'll enjoy yourself.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Creating Impressions
Course Department:
Instructor: Judy Allen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I loved this class! It was a wonderful way to learn about Greece as it is now, while my other courses focused on Ancient Greece. It was also really hands on, with journaling and art projects. I love that I have an account of my time in Greece now that I'm home.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not that I am aware of.