Greece: An unforgettable, life-changing semester Past Review
By Kathryn S (Nursing, University of Missouri - Saint Louis) for
Study Abroad Programs in Greece
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I was able to see an entirely different culture and understand better how other countries view America. While I was very tempted to switch my major to anthropology after this semester I did not, due to the competitive program I am already in.
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. |
I learned so much, more than I thought possible. The teachers were very passionate about their subjects. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program leader was an excellent support. He was a natural born Greek and so was able to answer any questions about the culture and solve any problems that arose. He was awesome!!! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in a hotel/apartment building. It was very close to class and so convenient. Unfortunately, they were very strict about having guests. Anyone who stayed the night had to pay the set rate even though they were sharing your room. There was also a problem with the internet. Not only did we pay an outrageous amount to use it, we didn't even have it in our rooms till the last couple weeks of class. |
| * Food: |
Food was up to us. Definitely go out and try the local cuisine. It is fantastic! Greek salad and gyros were my two personal favorites. Take advantage of the fresh markets every week. Find out where and what day of the week they occur and go. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every week we went on a field trip and it was amazing! Everything we could possibly want to see in Athens and the surrounding area we saw. Weekends were open for doing any sight-seeing on the islands and other areas of Greece. We spent a week in Pylos at Easter and that was one of the best weeks of the program. Definitely go visit the islands if there is time... I've never seen anything as beautiful as the Mediterranean sunset from the beach in Crete. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Anytime there was a health problem our program director was there to help. I never worried about my safety. It was safe to walk around at night in the city. Of course, pickpockets were a concern on the metro system, but that should be something you always are watching for. No vaccines were needed to go. If you plan on staying longer than 90 days, you will need to get a visa and then there are some health requirements involved with that. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
It is definitely possible to get by only speaking English, but knowing Greek will help with local interactions. I took a Greek class while I was there and it was awesome to immediately go out and put what I learned to use. Most locals were more than happy to help with the language and they loved it when you put forth the effort to try and communicate in Greek. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Have fun... do something you'd never do otherwise, but don't go crazy!!! Anyone interested in archeology, anthropology, or even history should consider this program. |
