Take me back! Past Review
By Katie S (University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 02/06/2012 to 05/19/2012 with
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
The location, the food, the culture; this study abroad program was unreal. It's amazing how much you learn about yourself and others by experiencing something like this. Of course there are cultural differences but you also find that people are more similar than you think. Do it! you'll see.
Review Photos
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. |
you should not have a problem doing well in these classes |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Director of student affairs is perfect! She is helpful and caring in every way, you can tell she loves her job and you will love her for it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
overall, one of the best aspects about the program. Both the school and the housing are located in the center of Plaka, within walking distance from everything important in Athens. Amazing! |
| * Food: |
The program did not include a meal plan but it was very easy to purchase and make our own food. The fresh food market was within walking distance and the restaurants around the city are amazing |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
staff was very helpful |
| * Safety: |
Like any city around the world, as long as you are cautious you will be fine. |
| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less than $50 a week on food. A lot more on travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't regret not spending the money to experience something (like a great meal or trip) but budget yourself so you have money to travel! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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 |
There was a greek language class but it was not required and I survived without it. |
| 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 |
| 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? | interact with local people |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | live in the moment and cherish every second. |
