Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience I've Ever Had Past Review

By (Southern New Hampshire University) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 05/08/2020 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the origins of western culture, which was incredible. As someone who critically analyzes society and culture, I feel as though this experience has deepened my understanding of my discipline, all while having a lot of fun traveling and seeing new places. I believe that it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics in Webster University, Athens were less intense than what I am used to at my home university, but that is not necessarily a bad thing! In fact, I felt as though I had more time to explore the world outside of the classroom, which turned into valuable experience. It was easy to balance academics and living in Greece.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program's administration helped me during the toughest experiences I had while in Greece. Because of their gracious help, I never felt homesick while I was oversees.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the apartment I lived in. It may have been a little old, but it was perfect for the months I spent in Greece.

* Food:

I LOVED the food in Athens. There was a wide variety of different meals I could choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated. The only issue I had was that I had a hard time learning Greek, but that was due to the inability for the elementary Greek language class to fit into my program evaluation, which is not on the Odyssey program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not use the health care system, but I almost did. I knew what my options were and how to access the health care system through my insurance, so I felt well-supported.

* Safety:

Aside from the pickpocketers, I felt safer in Athens than I normally do in the cities at home.

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

This program helped guide me through Greek society and culture in a way where I felt safe to explore, but was also in charge of my own learning. I don't believe I would have half of the experiences that I now cherish without Odyssey in 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)

Compared to the United States, a lot of the items I spent money on were inexpensive, so I felt as though it was relatively easy to live on a student's 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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? Always practice with others. Even if you feel as though you are not confident enough in Greek, when you show that you are making an attempt to learn the language, typically Greek citizens will be very appreciative, and may help you!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Integration with Culture
  • Excursions and Trips
  • Education
* What could be improved?
  • Housing (upkeep)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would just do some research before going to Greece. I went into this experience blind, which was not a bad thing for I learned a lot about Greece through the program, but I think it would have been nice to have an understanding of Athens before arriving.

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 Adventurer
The 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.