I enjoyed Greece a lot and I'm glad I came and learned about a new culture Past Review

By (Goucher College) - abroad from 08/26/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Immerse yourself in the culture

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The only class I really felt challenged in was my Greek language class. All of the others felt like a cruise to me and I did not find myself being challenged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dina was on top of everything and very organized

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment equipment was a bit dirty when we arrived. Not equipped with a lot of appliances. Would've been nice if everything was double checked before we arrived. Circuit board had to be taken out and a new one put in half way through the semester so it would've been nice if that was looked at before coming. As well as our broken lamp in the living room and how we had to get new pots halfway through the semester too

* Food:

Good food. Enjoyed it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of racism. Everyone stared at us like we were aliens, and I got a lof racial slurs yelled at me

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Mental health is not even treated here properly. The school needs a proper therapist who isn't the teacher as well

* Safety:

During the day it was fine but once it got dark, going outside was low key terrifying.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I enjoyed it overall. There were some bumps in the road but they weren't a hard fix. I don't regret coming to Athens

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)

Fine. Learned how to budget

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? keep track of your weekly spending

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? intro
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? Immerse yourself with Greek people as much as possible if you really want to learn the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • People
  • Location
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Health
  • Apartment
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was not told where I was going to live or who I was living with How Greece isn't as open/aware of race, gender, and mental health as other countries.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.