Capstone in Greece: 70% education 30% everything else Past Review
By Sara L (Anthropology., University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Greece
I was highly satisfied with the educational aspects of the program minus the course load; the social and cultural experiences were very insightful and provided new perspectives on Greek culture; and the trip provided excellent experiences that were well worth the money. I will take this experience with me for my entire future and will think of it often when I decide what to do with my life.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Northern Iowa; University of Iowa |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were no differences between host institution and home since they were the same. The work load was a little much for the short time period we were there. I was highly satisfied with the places we visited and their educational integrity, but the program boasts only 1-2 hours of lecture a day with the remainder being free to students. This was rarely the case. The only other thing I was dissatisfied with for the course work was the amount of reading that was required. While I understand that reading goes with the territory of a course, the 3 books and course packet was really too much. Maybe not for an entire semester's worth of material, but for 3 weeks it became overwhelming at times. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The strength of the program lay with its connections between material and the sites/museums we visited each day for classes as well as Professor Bruess's capability to provide an excellent lecture about modern Greek politics. The weaknesses of the program were the amount of course work being overwhelming at times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I arranged nothing with this program - it was done for me. |
| * Food: |
We were able to choose the majority of our food, so sensitivity to any of aforementioned characteristics were no issue. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The one cultural experience I most remember was the folk dance we saw while in Athens. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only safety concerns happened in Athens and included the proximity of hotel to shady parts of town where pickpocketing was a threat and drug use was visible. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would highly recommend reading as much as you could and taking notes on those readings as soon as you can to avoid becoming behind during your trip. |
