Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Epic Greece Journey Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 07/28/2012 with

Hellenic International Studies in the Arts - HISA: Paros

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much abroad and just became a more outgoing person. It was completely worthwhile and I feel that I improved my writing.

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.

It was amazing. The teachers were very helpful and wanted everyone to have fun as well as learn about Greece and the surrounding islands. You worked as hard as you wanted to and the teachers would help you improve. They have the resources you need, but the classroom is very hot with no air conditioning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The house was 20 minutes from the school, but the apartments were incredible. They were air conditioned with comfortable beds. We even had a balcony to look out on. The only problem was the internet sucked half the time and was always slow.

* Food:

We had to feed ourselves, and food is extremely expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The apartment had people from all over the world but had very few Greek people. Paros was a tourist island, so it was not authentically Greek. We got to go to some of the islands that have less tourists, and really got to go into the local culture. We got to eat all Greek food though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a local clinic with an amazing doctor that helped many of our students. You had to pay for your own problems though, it was not the school responsibility.

* 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)

We had to pay for our own rooms before and after the program (when we arrived and departed), as well as our ferry to the island. Plus we had to pay for all our own food, which meant eating out a lot.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? FOOD IS EXPENSIVE! Save your money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Exploring the Islands
  • The beautiful Beaches
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • The school building
  • More information on the website about costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much food would cost. As well as needing to pay for the hostel and ferry.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Hellestic Cultures
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This class allowed us to go to different islands and see the difference between them. We got to meet people, go to old houses/castles and museums. The teacher knew everything about the islands and was very well-prepared. We all participated in the class because the class sizes were very small. We were assessed by our journals where we write about the islands and things we find impressive.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Creative Writing
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: All the instructor wanted us to do was write. He did not give us any homework nor assignments other than just to create. It was nice because he wanted us to explore what we wanted to do and would help us with ideas and grammar. He also wanted to meet with us one-on-one in order to improve our writing. The teacher, being a published author, was very knowledgeable but not well-prepared at all. He is a great editor but not the best teacher. If you are a person who writes based on assignments, this class is not for you.
Credit Transfer Issues: