Odyssey in Athens: The Most Memorable 3 Weeks of My Life! Past Review
By Erin B (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Indianapolis) for
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
My academic interests have not changed, however my cultural awareness has been greatly heightened. I gained a greater appreciation for diversity and history. I also found out that Americans are not as hated as I assumed, which has helped me to restore my own pride in my country. The ability for people living in different countries with different cultures to work and live together, and even to find ways to communicate with different language barriers has been truly amazing!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The coursework was very fair! The professor provided sufficient information and required appropriate assignments in order to learn the material, but was also very mindful that the cultural experiences involved in studay abroad are vitally important and allowed adequate time for cultural exploration. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program coordinators were EXTREMELY helpful! They were available at all times to give help, information, tips, advice, etc. They planned great excursions that allowed us to explore the country and many sites that are key in world history. My expectations were greatly exceeded! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment provided was nice and sufficiently spacious for 2 students to stay in. The amenities were basic, but they met all of our needs. |
| * Food: |
Food in Greece is FANTASTIC! I tried many new things and there was nothing that I didn't like. The coordinators gave us a list of recommended restaurants, which was very useful! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The entire program is one big cultural experience! We got to see things that were old and new; islands/beaches and mountains; tourist spots and local hangouts. We met many nice Greek people, as well as people from Azerbaijan, Iraq, and other people originally from America. It really opened my eyes to different cultures. It also helped me to appreciate world history in a way that books and lectures never could! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had a slight cold upon arrival and the program coordinators were quick to provide medication to help me feel better. there were no major health concerns, but we were shown where the US Embassy is located, as well as given phone numbers for the Embassy and local emergency phone numbers in case of an emergency. The coordinators were also available at all times, in the event that something were to have happened. I felt completely safe throughout my stay in Athens. We were warned of the possibility of pick-pocketers, so we were advised to keep our purses well protected, but otherwise, there were no concerns. The apartment is in a nice area and close to many tourist attractions that are constantly full of people, so I never felt secluded from the "safety in numbers." |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT!!! I had previously been curious about study abroad and never took the opportunity. Odyssey was a 3 week program, so I thought it would be a great way to study abroad without a long term commitment away from home. It was the best desicion I ever made! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner and for a longer period of time! |
