Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Athens: Humbling and Eye-Opening Past Review

By (Anthropology, Transylvania University) for

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of independece and the ability to appreciate other cultures rather than judge them. I also gained comfort that I can find wonderful friends no matter where I am.

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.

My courses abroad were easier (workload-wise) than my University in the United States, but I found my classes in Greece to be more relevant and interesting concerning daily-life and world issues.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administrators were suually very accessible and useful insolving problems. Administrators were available to council about school issues as well as issues concerning living in a new culture

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my neighborhood! We were in a large apartment in downtown Athens and were within walking distance of everything we needed (shopping, groceries, nightlife, class, etc.)

* Food:

The lamb is delicious wherever you get it, as well as the calimari. The best gyros in town are at Ithako's, across the street from the University's Metropoleos apartment. Any restuarant in Monastiraki square is worthwhile!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Travelling throughout Greece was an amazing cultural experience. Many cities/islands outside of Athens don't cater to the English language as much as the city, so you are challenged to learn the language more. Field trips with the school to Monemvassia, Delphi, Mycenae, and Ancient Olympia were unbelievable experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Athens was as safe/unsafe as any other metropolitan city. Many will complain about the homeless or gypsy's throughout the city, but this was no different from any other busy city experience.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I studied with
  • Being in diverse classes
  • The opportunity to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Budgeting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it! It's an amazing experience and you will forever think about how pleased you are with your decision to go. A student who desires to become more independent and self-reflective will benefit the most from this program, because being abroad in a city that is in the midst of change forces you to take it upon yourself to learn about your surroundings and reflect on them.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Globalization: Socio/Political Issues
Course Department:
Instructor: Gates
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Extremely informative and relevant to world-wide issues going on today, not only in Greece, but the EU, northern Africa, the Middle-East, and their relations with the U.S.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, all credits transferred