Don't rush, Greece gave you the journey; without her you wouldn't have set out. Past Review

By (History & Theater,Film,Media Studies, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 06/06/2012 to 06/28/2012 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Athens - Greece Study Tour: Athletes, Actors and Sages

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about growing up, about adventure and curiosity, and about letting life be a long journey, don't rush through i to get to the end.

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:

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 100-150 US Dollars?

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, we went over some as a group and individually prior to departure
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? Use it on as many things you can, even if it is just saying "water" or "how do you say ___?" If you commit to using it naturally, it will come more naturally. Also, try to use it as much as possible around the people who speak it, even if they know English. They can help, and they appreciate the pleasant surprise.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Loved the active pace. Climbing, swimming, exploring
  • The readings and assignments were fun and interesting
  • The museums and sites were highly interactive
* What could be improved?
  • We could just stay there forever.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Greek!