The best decision of my life! Past Review
By Adrienne Porter (SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 03/13/2020 with
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
Valuable life lessons and an appreciation for Greek culture. 101% worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed the academic side of my program. My teachers taught me a lot, the classes were unique and interesting, and everyone was very kind and encouraging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Absolutely amazing! Fast responses, and an answer for any question you might have. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the location! |
| * Food: |
Greek food is amazing and very affordable! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program did a lot to immerse us in the Greek culture, while teaching us about the history and traditions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Apartments were secure and I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I wish I could have stayed longer! Greece is a beautiful country with so much to experience, see, and do. An amazing opportunity and place to learn. |
Finances
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* 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) |
The country is very affordable, you just have to manage your money! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20-25 euros on groceries each week, plus whatever I spend going out to eat. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend money on experiences not things! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish college level, but I spoke no Greek. |
| 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? | Immersion is key! |
Other Program Information
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* 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? | To appreciate every moment a more for what it is. Also how to read maps better. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
