Wildly Fun and Tangible Experience Past Review

By Cody Daech (University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 05/17/2019 to 06/28/2019 with

Perrotis College: Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Difficulties international businesses face between domestic and internatinal regulations, markets trends, and general industry challenges. The proper way to drink wine and how to recognize tasting notes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I took courses instead of the research internship and really enjoyed my experience. The Greek wine business course and Greek culture course we’re always interesting and incredibly fun.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everyone was very helpful. In Greece everything is up in the air until the day before so planning can be difficult. Nothing wrong with that just not similar to the regimented American system.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Go to “8 ball” downtown and you’ll get all the culture you need.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Doctor doesn’t speak English
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Like I said earlier this program fit very well into what I’m learning in the United States. We literally got to visit and hold meetings with industry leaders every week. Having that industry be wine was just an added bonus that made the experience incredibly fun.

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)	You can find the best gyro you’ve ever had for 2 euro = 2.20 dollars
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Unless you’re getting bottle service at some rooftop bar, things are reasonable.

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	The language contentment went fast and was only 1 day a week.
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
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Practice it everyday

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university?	Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* 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?	Santorini Class took place in a board room setting
* What could be improved?	Communication Planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It was originally advertised as an internship but was really more a research project

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Greek Wine Business
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	As an agbusiness/ Econ major learning about the wine industry was probably the best way to spend a summer semester abroad. Learning about the many challenges and advantages the industry faces from Greece’s best wine makers and export directors was incredibly valuable. I don’t believe there are any other study abroad programs available where one can have meetings with industry leaders, travel, and have as much fun as the Greek Wine Business class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No.