Αθήνα: 3 Months That Changed My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classwork was not easy, but I feel like I learned a lot. There was definitely a purpose for learning what we were learning. We were living in one of the most historic parts of the world and needed to have a better understanding of the history, the architecture, the theatre, and the language.

On-site administration of your program

I feel like the staff at the Athens Centre did everything they could to make our adjustment to Greece as easy as possible. When my roommates and I couldn't figure out how to work our oven, they sent someone over right away to help us. They found us plenty of activities to do and told us where to go in the city. They made an effort to get to know us and were always there when we needed advice or even just a smile.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments that we were given to stay in were very nice and well furnished with sheets and kitchen utensils. They even had someone who would wash our sheets when we went away for excursions so we didn't have to worry about finding a way to wash them.

I have never had better food in my entire life. I crave a true Greek gyro at least once a week. Nothing in America compares to the authentic Greek food. There was a fresh fruit and vegetable market once a week where you could get really cheap produce. So delicious!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We took plenty of weekend excursions and day trips thanks to the Athens Centre. We got to see the beaches, the mountains, and every where in between. Each place we went had its own cultural experience that is memorable in my mind. Whether it was climbing the highest mountain in Athens, catching a glimpse of the Acropolis almost every day, being accompanied on a walk by a stray dog, or watching a gypsy doing a street performance, every day was memorable in some way to me.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, there are parts of the city that are not safe to be at certain times of the night or areas that you should not go by yourself, but that is how it is in any big city. If you are smart and observant of what is going on around you, you will be find. The Athens Centre did a good job of telling us when to not travel into the city center because of a planned protest or any event that would hinder our safety.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Most of the younger people in Athens spoke English. In certain places it was looked down upon for speaking English. I never found that I had a problem communicating though. If I couldn't find the right Greek word for what I wanted to say, I used hand motions. Most people we encountered appreciated when we attempted to speak Greek with them. It was fun making friends with the locals and having them teach us Greek and us teaching them English.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• I liked how the school was small and we were given support and attention from the staff and professors.

• I can't think of one thing that I would change.