Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Think About This Trip Everyday Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 06/24/2018 to 07/31/2018 with

SUNY Geneseo: Traveling - Mediterranean Roots Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much but many my desire to see more of the world. It was such a great experience being able to see so much in such a short amount of time. Also, I learned how to sleep literally anywhere: moving car, plane, a boat you name it I can fall asleep anywhere now. You really have to be ready to live out of your suitcase though. We were on this trip for 40 days and stayed in about 18 hotels throughout that time. At times it got to be overwhelming but it really was such a fun experience.

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.

The class got a little hard at times because Bennet was pretty hard on us, but Savellos will be the only instructor this year so do not worry about the class being too intense!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everywhere we stayed was very nice and comfortable. I never felt uneasy or unsafe where we stayed. Some of the hotels we stayed in were some of the nicest hotels i've ever stayed in.

* Food:

Go on this trip just to experience the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We stayed at each of our destinations long enough to really feel emersed in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We didn't have many health issues, but when we did Savellos and Bennet were very helpful.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. I was a little worried about this because everyone warns you about being a female in Europe, but just be aware of your surroundings at all times and you have nothing to worry about. We also always stayed in very safe areas.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I wish I could do it all over again

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)

It all depends what you chose to spend your money on. We stayed in hotel apartments a lot of the time so you can save money by just making lunch or dinner in the apartment. Also, drinks can get expensive so try to save where you can, but also try not to hold back too much where you're missing out on fun experiences.

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
* 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?
  • The places we travel to
* What could be improved?
  • Cut back a little on the time in Greece (which Savellos plans to do this year)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had no idea how much free time we get on the trip. I thought we were going to be as a class following a strict schedule every day, but there is so much time to explore each city on your own with your friends. Savellos has worked so hard to make this trip what it is (it's literally his baby). He tries to make sure every hotel is either on the beach or has a pool (9/10 it's on the beach).

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.