Beyond Expectations Past Review

By (SUNY - Buffalo) - abroad from 02/05/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I would highly suggest study abroad in general, and specifically Odyssey in Athens.

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.

Classes and schoolwork will not keep you from making your study abroad experience what you want it to be.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dina is amazing, and will be a highlight of your trip. Everything is run very smoothly, and she is always there to answer your questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Mix of other Americans and International students.

* Food:

Expensive to eat at restaurants, very cheap to cook yourself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Athens is safe, despite what the news may make it seem like.

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)

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself at least some of the time.

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? Had not taken any Greek at all.
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? Go to the same shop owners for what you need, and once they begin to recognize you they will help you out.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 excursions
  • Athens Central Market
  • The weather
* What could be improved?
  • Dryers in the apartment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to do any traveling outside of Greece, plan to fly.