Something Unforgetable Past Review

By (Hofstra University) - abroad from 06/09/2011 to 06/24/2011 with

American College of Greece: Athens - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about my heritage, the Greek Culture, and about who I am as a Greek American. Being worthwhile is an understatement.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

If I could give this 6 stars I would. The educational experience was exceptional. From learning in the classroom to hands on experience in the the Greece culture, you cant find any educational experience that can compare.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

Through the program almost everything was paid for by The National Hellenic Society.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to withdraw money in places that won't charge a hefty fee!

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

We were enmersed in the culture and had to enbrace the language barrier and cross it, with help of course.

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? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Yes, practice, practice, practice. You must try to use the language everyday. People are friendly if you try to use their language other than just speaking to them in yours.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Food!
  • People/Culture
  • The Experience
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I could have known a little bit of the language before I went, I think that would have helped me a lot for the first few days.