The Most Amazing Adventure Yet Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes that I took this semester were very easy, making this experience even more enjoyable because I was able to venture off more than I expected. The faculty truly care about their students and make it their top priority to ensure that everyone is having the best experience possible.

On-site administration of your program

Dina Skias, the study abroad coordinator, is one of the most remarkable aspects of this program!!! She truly put her all helping each and every one of us to make sure we were each comfortable and adjusting easily to the Greek culture, in order to gain the most out of our experiences. She did not view us as a group, but rather as individuals. You could tell how much she cared about us. She made the adjustment very smooth and was always my go-to person to talk to, as she was very reliable and just a pure joy to talk to. This program deserves so much recognition for their staff, as they are all caring and genuine people who want you to enjoy your experience. They are one of the aspects that I will miss the most, as I have formed true connections with some of them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Before I speak about the negatives, it should be recognized that the apartments are located in the PERFECT area and could not be improved at all. Besides that, the condition of the apartments definitely need improvement. The apartment was not very comforting, as there was no common-area to just hang out in and there were too many of us living in it for a whole semester. Meanwhile, whenever we had a problem, Tom and Dina were on it immediately to help us out...though this did not happen too often thankfully!

You buy your own food, which is an aspect of the program that I enjoyed. The food in Athens is extremely cheap and affordable. We would go to the market and spend under $15 a week there!!!! Dina and Joanna also conducted cooking classes were a highlight of this experience, as I learned how to make traditional Greek dishes that were absolutely delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I completely immersed myself into the Greek culture and am very heartbroken to be leaving it. I became very close to the local students at Webster Athens and gained even more of a cultural experience through them. I would highly recommend befriending the local students, as they will show you around Athens and other parts of Greece from a local point of view.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any of the health care during this program (thankfully) but a few of my roommates did get sick and they were helped immediately. Dina acts as your abroad-mom and was there at the apartment right after she would receive a call that someone was sick - with a bag full of medicine and goodies to help aid them back to health!

I was a little worried to come to Greece because of the safety aspect - with the strikes and such that were happening in the area. Once I arrived, I could not have felt more safe. I was not affected by the strikes at all. The apartment and school are located in a very very safe area and even walking home alone at night was safe to me. The neighbors and those surrounding us were very friendly and welcoming, helping me feel even safer.

I would choose this program all over again in a heartbeat and wish I did not have to leave Greece. The people, the atmosphere, the food, the culture...everything exceeded my expectations - which were very high to begin with. I could not have imagined going anywhere else to study abroad and I am ecstatic about my experience. This semester truly changed my outlook on life, in a positive way, and opened my eyes to my surroundings.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It was not necessary to learn the language, but I was intrigued by it and chose to take the course. I'm so glad that I did end up going through with taking Greek, as it was fun communicating with people in the language.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Faculty
• FOOD
• Immersion into the culture

• Housing
• Some professors
• Courses offered

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