Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My most culturally rewarding semester of college Past Review

By (History of Art, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 05/31/2015 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I had never spent that much time abroad or really had any exposure to Europe and I cannot wait to go back

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were wonderful and the perfect size, balcony included. I lived with three other girls and we all got along great. There were quirks to the apartments, and limited privacy from administration - they could enter the apartment at any time to rearrange/ clean/ change things.

* Food:

Limited Vegetarian options

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Athens is a very livable city

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? MAKE A BUDGET! It is extremely easy to lose track of spending while jetsetting on trips each weekend.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Don't be shy with your language capability, everyone is willing to help you learn and will love that you are trying to learn the language.

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
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?
  • Location
  • Program Trips
  • Living arrangement
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the administration and the studens
  • Food
  • Teaching of the Greek languag
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've saved more money in order to travel more. I also would've planned to stay the summer after my semester

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Archaeology of Athens
Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor: Robert Pitt
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Archaeological Drawing
Course Department:
Instructor: Mountjoy
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Modern Greek
Course Department: Greek
Instructor: Marianetta
Instruction Language: Greek
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Urban Sustainability
Course Department: Environmental Studies
Instructor: Vicki Sagia
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: