Greece: You will never run out of sights to see Past Review
By Bridget H (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., SUNY - College at Geneseo) for
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
Traveling in any foreign country for an extended period of time makes you a more responsible and courageous person.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very easy and manageable. If you are looking to learn a lot in class while abroad, this is not the right program for you. The course work and classes leave lots of room to travel and to learn on your own. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is great for someone who has never been outside their home country and wants a low stress environment to explore. Athens is a fun city and there is lots to do. However, the program does not necessarily put you in the position to meet the Greek people and other international students unless you put yourself out there. If you want to meet international students, you have to make it happen because you will be in classes with and living with other people from the program. Other than that, Odyssey in Athens gives you ample time to travel and to explore Greece. Dina Skias, who is in charge of the program, is a great help and is always ready and willing to make sure you're having a good experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was in a good location and was very nice. However, I was placed with other people from around my geographical area in the United States. I would have preferred to get to know people from other areas. The buildings are old and the water is not always hot, but for an apartment in a major city, it is extremely nice. |
| * Food: |
Go to the outdoor markets if you can. The produce is fresh and very inexpensive. You provide your own food, so it is up to you what you eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The pr-arranged outings were spectacular! Odyssey in Athens takes you to some amazing places in Greece! As for the social aspects, it's up to you to have a good time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Despite the riots, I never felt unsafe in Athens. Don't put yourself in a situation that could be harmful and you will be fine. And always keep an eye on your bags! |
| 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 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? | -Say you're from the EU when you should your international ID card and you will get into -museums and ruins for free. -Go to the outdoor produce markets and you will save money and eat well. -Travel around Greece, there's lots to see! Don't just go to other countries. You picked Greece for a reason, make sure you see it! -Some of the lesser known islands are underrated. However,Hydra is not. It is beautiful, but not a good place to stay an entire day, there isn't much to do there. -If you can, rent bikes at the Bike Center on the island of Spetses (About an hour and a half boat ride away from Piraeus) and bike around the perimeter of the island, stopping at a few beaches and sights. This was one of the highlights of my trip! -Go to Istanbul, it is unlike any city I've ever been to. -RESEARCH WHERE YOU WANT TO GO BEFORE YOU GO THERE. Your trip will run smoother and you will be less stressed and will get to do everything you want to do. And you learn more about where you are. |
