Greece is my second home Past Review
By A student (SUNY - College at Potsdam) - abroad from 01/15/2018 to 05/11/2018 with
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
I learned how to get in touch with my inner Greek and learn more about my heritage. I loved the atmosphere and locals that I met.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The laid back and relaxed feel of each class helped me feel more interested in the topics I was learning about. On the other hand, it could have used a little bit more structure in some classes. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't interact with my administration office very much due to everything being set up before I arrived. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The only thing that ruined my experience was the housing conditions. There were too many people living in a small apartment that was falling apart daily. I never wanted to go home because of the constant problems and people I was around. Luckily, I had a balcony that was my mini escape and people that caused problems were moved out towards the end of the semester. |
* Food: |
I made my own food at home and went out to eat every once in awhile. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved everything about the culture! People were nice and easy to communicate with. After 3 weeks I felt right at home. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I contracted mono at the beginning of the program and had a doctor come right to the apartment. It was all covered by our GeoBlue insurance and I was refunded within a month. |
* Safety: |
I felt very safe the whole time I was there. You are kept up to date on current issues by our director and always knew where a demonstration would be taking place. As long as you are aware of your surroundings (just like any other major city) you would be fine. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program gave me a new family overseas that I know I'll try to stay in touch with for as long as I can. |
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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
I like food a lot so this can definitely vary. Luckily, our program director had tips for us anytime we asked her on how to save. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 125$ |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Talk to program directors and just ask them how they budget. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
They would teach us new words everyday that would be useful to us in the city. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
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? | Learn the alphabet and sounds of letters before hand |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? |
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? | That I was going to have to live in an apartment with 7 other girls. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |