Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of your life June 27, 2023

By (Humanities, SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 05/21/2023 to 06/16/2023 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The culture, the food, the people. Everything is relaxed and easy going, which I loved.

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 courses were very interesting, but I think that the amount of time we were in the classroom was very draining.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dina and everyone in the program were very helpful and very welcoming. She took us on different excursions that were incredible, and we wouldn't have gone to these places on our own if we didn't have Dina to help us. Overall, she was like our mom away from home which was very comforting.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

One of the bathrooms was a little small, and the beds were a little uncomfortable. But it was good that there was air conditioning.

* Food:

the food was amazing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was easy to assimilate

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easily accessible

* Safety:

I felt very safe

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

I would one thousand percent do this program again.

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 spent a lot of money than I anticipated. I ate out almost every night. For breakfast, I got granola bars and yogurt from the supermarket; it cost a couple of euros.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would say roughly between 2,000-4,000 for the 4 weeks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save on breakfast like buying food that you could easily make like eggs, yogurt, and granola bars. Take home leftovers from dinner to eat for the next day as lunch or dinner. They also have ramen noodles and mac and cheese cups at the supermarkets, which you can buy and make for dinner.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It wasn't a necessity to get by because a lot of Greeks speak English. But our professor encouraged us to learn, hello, thank you, and good morning/afternoon/night. The little things to get by.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice it with your professors

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

  • 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?
  • The food
  • The people
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • The professors class duration
  • The professors amount of reading
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Buy clothing/shoes in Europe because its inexpensive compared to the United States. Definitely bring the euros from the United States.

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.