Time of my Life Past Review
By A student (psych/special ed, Marist College) - abroad from 09/21/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
Gained a best friend. Learned about myself, learned to be more communicative and social, learned about other countries and religions, learned to be more confident in myself. Gained 3 months i will never forget. It was completely worthwhile.
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The two people in charge of the Odyssey in Athens program (Tom M and Dina Skias) were always there to help whenever needed. They chose great excursions and got us involved in the community. They really put themselves out there and did whatever they could to make our experience abroad very enjoyable. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Beside my roommate and I, everyone got to be in single rooms, and those girls were just conniving - no one id ever choose to be around. |
| * Food: |
I tried new foods and it was a great experience, I just didn't prefer much of it. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
After being there a while you really get to know the areas and the people working in the local shops (like the cafes and bakery). And after making friends with other kids at the school as well as other Greeks, you really start to feel at home. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I dont have much to say about the Healthcare since i didnt experience it. However, my roommate needed stitches when we were visiting an island, and the medical center on the island stitched her right away. Then when we got back to Athens, Dina said she wanted to take her back to the doctors to double check everything and take her to get medicine for the cut as well. Dina also went with her when she needed to take the stitches out. |
| * Safety: |
Its a big city, so obviously you need to be careful and not be stupid with your bags. But we were warned about the sketchier areas the first day by Tom. As for the riots, they are listed online the day and time of each riot, and Dina would always sent a few emails reminding us when there is a demonstration and to stay away from the parliament building. For future students; always try to stick with a group, stay as far away as possible to any members of the anarchist group- they are racist and are the ones who start most of the rioting. |
| 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) |
traveling a lot costs more going out at night costs alot shopping - a fashion strip right down the road and toursity shops |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 2,000 total |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | don't choose your program through Marist college, the actual college expense is so much less! If you plan to travel, book your tickets in advance, since theyll be cheaper Try to cook in rather than eat out all the time A LOT of places dont accept card, and you need an id with the card |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That i would love it, and actually not be homesick even though i was so far from home. And don't go abroad with a boyfriend. |
