An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (SUNY - Binghamton) - abroad from 02/05/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was a life-changing experience, it allowed me a chance to broaden my horizons and presented so many opportunities that I never imagined I would have

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 are not too strenuous and professors are understanding of students travel plans

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Director of Student Affairs is absolutely amazing, she does anything possible to help you out and truly helped us to make the most out of our experience

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment in the heart of Athens, a 2 minute walk away from the school and easily within walking distance of the major attractions of Greece

* Food:

After 4 months I still was not sick of Greek food! Once we learned about the Athens Central Market (within walking distance from the apartments) the money I spent on groceries was very manageable and I would cook most of my own food because eating out was rather expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If you have any health issues abroad the program staff will do everything they can in order to help

* Safety:

Although Athens is a large city, I felt very safe most of the time

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food!

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

Living with Americans and going to an English speaking school, I did not use Greek very often, but the opportunity is there if you seek it out

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

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met on this program were wonderful
  • The location could not be better
* What could be improved?
  • I spent a lot of money at the start before I learned about the things I could do that would save me money
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to find low cost food and toiletries