Go to Athens...now Past Review
By Nikoleta A (Psychology and Human Development, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
I learned so much about a culture that I have grown to love. This experience abroad has inspired me to want to keep traveling and seeing other parts of the world.
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was not difficult compared to what we are used to here in the states. Definitely take advantage of the courses the universities offer that you wouldn't be able to get at home, such as the community service class which allowed me to teach English to refugees. Awesome experience. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Dina, the program director, is absolutely wonderful. She really was like having a mom away from home. One time one of my roommates got sick and she came directly to our apartment with soup and other things! She is always available to answer any questions you have or help with anything you'll need to know. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in an apartment, and although it was small we managed and made the best of it. It also comes with kitchen supplies, comforter, pillow. You will need to bring sheets and pillow cases. |
| * Food: |
The food was awesome! I miss it. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions we went on included Olympia, Sparti, and Monemvasia, which was my favorite. They were such beautiful places full of so much history. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Yes, there were riots going on constantly, but they never got to the point where I did not feel safe. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be careful of your belongings! A few people on my program had their wallets stolen...so just hang on to your stuff and you'll be fine. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Definitely learn as much Greek as you can. A lot of people do speak English, however, it was great learning it in the class and being able to use it as much as possible. You will definitely encounter at least one person a day that doesn't speak English, too. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT. You will not regret this decision, and once you are there, make the most out of every single day because before you know it it will be over! |
