Athens..Best time of my life Past Review

By (Psychology, Marist College) for

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. Yes.

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.

The workload for classes was interesting but easy (best way to have it). Classes were definitely more relaxed than at home, as were grades and attendance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was great, a good family feel. Some of the technical issues were a little problematic at times, but for the most part it was great. The small group size was nice and our program mom was incredibly helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was great. The apartments were nice in a great part of Athens, beautiful. They were minutes away from campus by foot and, of course, only a 10-15 minute walk to the clubs. For the most part, our apartments were well-equipped, and whatever we didn't have, our program got for us fairly quickly. Our neighbors were friendly.

* Food:

I would talk about the food but it's just making me hungry. Gyros, gyros, gyros. Also..Find the dirty sandwiches, go to Smiling, eat lamb. It's all just great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program had two organized trips around Greece that were exciting and planned nicely, cultural events were interesting and involving, and I just love the Greeks.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Despite the rioting at the time right down the block, I felt perfectly safe and at ease.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

The only Greek word I could say prior to coming was "dog"--I learned a lot of Greek, mostly conversational. It was fairly easy most of the time because most people did speak English, but there were still more than several encounters that involved broken Greek, broken English, and a lot of hand gestures.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring peanut butter (and deoderant)! Just go. Go here, go abroad, and live it up. It's amazing.