Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The journey of a lifetime Past Review

By (College of Mount Saint Vincent) - abroad from 09/14/2016 to 12/11/2016 with

IPSL: Greece - Refugees, Migration and Resilience & Micro-Entrepreneurship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
You should take nothing for granted. This entire trip and learning experience was certainly worthwhile.

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?

My placement was perfect, I was living with a Greek-American family of three children! They were loving and accepting and absolutely amazing.

* 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

I loved the host family, culture, food, and environment within Greece. It was an amazing experience and I would do it all again in a heartbeat if given the opportunity.

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? Roughly 15-20 euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Section off money per month or per week to minimize expenses

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Host family
  • Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Communication between program and student
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spend as much time as possible immersing yourself within the host family and lifestyle

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.