Catalyst to become an honorary Greek! Past Review
By chloe.alexander.9235 (Accounting, Bentley University) - abroad from 06/27/2014 to 08/02/2014 with
Webster University: AHEPA Journey to Greece Summer Program
It was definitely worthwhile. I cannot wait to go back and to further my abroad experience by visiting even more countries in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The introduction to the greek language was much easier given that we were immersed in the language every day for a month. The history class was also made better by being able to visit the actual historical sites we discussed in the class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really loved being able to experience apartment living in the center of Athens! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I experienced severe jet lag and was able to see medical attention at the embassy. I felt very taken care of while I was sick. |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Roughly $100. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely plan out any excursions in advance. Also, make sure your group is on the same page to avoid any miscommunications where you end up spending more than originally planned. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had completed up to AP Spanish, but never really practiced speaking a second language like I did in Greece. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The people of Greece are very welcoming and understanding. They are happy to see young students trying to learn their language and culture, so don't be afraid to make mistakes! If you explain that you are learning, they will be happy to help you. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had better prepared for speaking the Greek language. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
