Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of my Life Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 06/29/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that we're not the only ones in the world. I learned about a completely different culture than my own. It was truly eye opening. I would do this trip again in a heart beat.

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.

Greece gave me the opportunity to expand my cultural backround. I had two professors that gave great lectures and great tours. I learned more in 3 weeks then I have in some classes in a semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels we stayed in were nice for the most part. We did run into a few small problems dealing with air conditioning and showers. Overall in the 3 weeks I stayed there I was very pleased with my stay.

* Food:

Before leaving for this trip my mom would have probablly deemed me the worlds pickiest eater. I was scared that I may not like anything. I was wrong. The food was extremely fresh and delicious. This trip forced me to step outside of my own box and expand my horizons. Because of this trip I have learned to eat a lot healthier and am not afraid to try something new.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The locals are very friendly. There were quite a few beggers which tended to get a bit annoying but once you learn to ignore them they don't bother you too much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They did a very good job taking care of us. One of the students we went with got extremely burnt one day. Our professor took him to the hospital to get him the proper medications. They were very good about making sure we were in the right areas and took the proper precautions.

* 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)

2. Things tended to add up very quickly over there. The university did a good job covering our breakfast and supper. The only problem was that breakfast was at 7 and dinner was at 7. So unless you didnt mind not eating for about 12 hours you were forced to eat lunch. Paying for lunch everyday started to add up very quickly. That, and also shopping took a major hit on my bank account.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $150.00/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the local supermarket rather than trying to buy lunch from a restaurant everyday. You can buy lots of snacky foods that will get you to dinner time. If you are going to drink, also go to the supermarket. Drinks add up very quickly.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • History
  • Monumnets
  • Weather
* What could be improved?
  • Where we stayed
  • Traveling arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know a lot now. But I didnt really need to know any of it at the beginning of the trip.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.