Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

How HISA changed my life. Past Review

By (Drew University) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/09/2012 with

Hellenic International Studies in the Arts - HISA: Paros

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I don’t think there’s another study abroad program in the world that can offer what HISA does. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure you’ll have a positive experience no matter where you decide to go –traveling anywhere around the world with a group of college kids is sure to be an exciting adventure. But the approach that HISA takes is more than that; this program will help you grow as an adult. Here, I was immersed into an artist’s community. Each member of the faculty is well accomplished in their own field –writing, sculpture, poetry, painting, etc. And each will take the time to sit down and share their insights with you. It would be ridiculous and nearly impossible not to take advantage of everything they have to offer. When a real artist looks over your work, they can illuminate an entire world that you never knew existed. HISA’s unique commitment helped me find myself and produce amazing work.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-200 Euro/Week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Enjoy cooking and eating with other students in the program.

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

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? Greek I
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? Practical language experience with the locals and faculty.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Faculty
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before, my education was unfulfilling, focused on business and economics. HISA's approach to teaching the arts exposed an interest in sculpture I never knew I had. Now, I'll be pursuing a passion for architecture and a more promising future.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.