The Experience of a Lifetime! January 25, 2026
By Nicole B (Integrated Science (Pre-Med), Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 09/04/2025 to 12/19/2025 with
Hellenic American University: Semester Abroad Program
I gained a great deal of confidence and a deep understanding of a culture I previously knew nothing about. My eyes and heart were opened by some incredible people, and my school experience was a perfect balance of rigor and rest. Worthwhile does not even begin to describe my time in Athens!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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: |
Meals not provided, but the local eats are well-priced and delicious! Lots of great grocery stores nearby too. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Was not relevant to my experience, but API (Academic Programs International) provided insurance and guidance regarding seeking healthcare, if needed. |
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This was the most amazing semester ever. The current API on-site advisor, Chloe Smith, is the most amazing human, and HAU is a lovely university. Athens is an exciting place, and its proximity to other neat towns and breathtaking islands make it a great place to study in. Additionally, the people are lovely, and you will find community before you know it. |
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) |
Things are not very expensive in Greece! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~20 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would definitely limit my spending to save on travel instead, and would recommend budgeting, limiting groceries to staples, and only using public transportation when needed. Always keep money available for emergencies, unexpected Ubers, etc.! |
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 |
Classes taught in English, but professors would often give help with Greek when asked. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | High school-level Spanish 2. |
| 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? | Learning the alphabet and basic phrases alone will get you far! English is widely spoken, but it's still very useful to know a little Greek. Use apps and other online resources, listen to Greek being spoken/sung, and try to read it when you can. However, the real learning will come from actually hearing it and engaging with it when you're there! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think going in with an open mind is the best way to go! Save some money beforehand and get a rough idea of what you hope to do, but avoid getting too caught up in planning. It will probably be nothing like how you expect it to be, and that's the best part! I would only tell my past self to just really be in every moment. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
