Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Extraordinary Experience That Will Not Be Forgotten! Past Review

By (Business Admin. / International Relations, SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 06/01/2012 to 07/14/2012 with

SUNY Geneseo: Traveling - Mediterranean Roots Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program affected me in many ways, specifically it opened my eyes to a completely new way of thinking and understanding our western civilization, and it gave me unparalleled insight into new cultures (both past and present) that I could never have anticipated. I can honestly say that I wish that we had spent more time with lectures as I (honest to god) found them intriguing and compelling as we touched on so many pertinent topics in our short time together in the classroom setting. The opportunity to see first-hand the lessons that we read about on-site in itself gave me goose bumps. I had the opportunity to read Machiavelli and then see his tomb in Santa Croce, or learn about the Peloponnesian War and the Athenian Democracy and shortly thereafter, stand atop the Acropoli and look out to the sea and the demos that at one point was the world’s foremost superpower. I couldn’t help but try to picture the scene at our destinations when they were the spearheading factors in carving out the western world as we know it today. The chance to see history as well as learn about it and learn from it from professors who are very knowledgeable, had real life experience in our host countries and fun-loving, infectious personalities that made our program THE experience of a lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had the opportunity to read Machiavelli and then see his tomb in Santa Croce, or learn about the Peloponnesian War and the Athenian Democracy and shortly thereafter, stand atop the Acropoli and look out to the sea and the demos that at one point was the world’s foremost superpower. I couldn’t help but try to picture the scene at our destinations when they were the spearheading factors in carving out the western world as we know it today. The chance to see history as well as learn about it and learn from it from professors were very knowledgeable and had real life experience relating to each of our topics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had to be flexible and make due with our surroundings, but we had a chance to learn some of our lessons "on site" (in Olympia or from the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus for example) which were unique experiences that frequently gave students the goose bumps.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Unreal

* Food:

Food is expensive in Europe, but our professors frequently hooked us up with tips and tricks in their native countries which not only made it easier on our wallets, but also were delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were constantly on the move and routinely traveled in a large group so it was hard for us to really integrate ourselves into the local culture. We did stay for longer periods over time in three different locations (Crete, Rome, Florence) and in those places we were able to experience a little bit more of the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We didn't have too many health issues (fortunately), although we did have a student who needed to see a doctor for an illness and was accompanied by our professor who spoke Greek to assist her in a relatively small Greek town.

* 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)

The euro is expensive and commodity prices are higher in Europe- including food and drink (even tap water).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? find supermarkets.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Crete during the study of ancient civilizations, in Athens for the classical Greek Civilization, in Rome for the Roman World era, in Andalucía for Medieval Ages and Islam, and in Florence for the Renaissance.
  • Accommodations far exceeded my expectations
  • Dr. Savellos
* What could be improved?
  • Punctuality
  • large group size made excursions more difficult
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Ca$h factor, pack light, don't drink too much...