So much to do, so little time Past Review

By (Anthropology., 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 how to handle myself while traveling without parents, and I learned that I would love to go into archaeology. It was worthwhile, simply because I enjoyed every minute of it. I made some solid friendships and have memories that will stay with me forever.

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.

There was a lot of work to do, and there was ample time to do it, even while running around to all of the different sites.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was wonderful, and most of the administration was behind the scenes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was wonderful. Although we were in hotels, we were still able to feel like we were a part of the places where we were staying.

* Food:

The food was amazing. I could go on forever about how enjoyable it was.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Overall, I felt really good about this. We were reasonably well integrated, considering that we were in hotels. It may have been a little different if it were a home-stay.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Over all, I feel that this was good. There were no injuries or illnesses that required special treatment though, so there is not much for me to say on the matter.

* Safety:

I felt safe really wherever I went in Greece. I treated a lot of my walking around as if I was in New York and kept a close eye on my belongings. If you look like you know where you're going, then you're generally okay.

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)

I'd say that if you were careful with spending, watching out for meals and how much you spend on souvenirs, then you'd be okay.

* 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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As soon as you know that you want to go, start saving.

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

As much as we could, we tried to use it.

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? A little experience with Greek before going, mostly language basics.
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? The best way to pick it up is to force yourself to use it- practice it with friends or out and about on the tour.

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?
  • Greece
  • Making solid friendships
  • Food!
* What could be improved?
  • Using the language more
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would enjoy it.