Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Enlightening Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., American College Greece) - abroad from 06/25/2012 to 07/23/2012 with

American College of Greece: Athens - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the US is way more internationally popular than i thought previously. I also learned a lot about myself through the experience, what I can handle and how. It was SO worthwhile.

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.

Similar intensity/resources as US education. Tests were in essay format however, which I felt was a better way to learn the material than multiple choice.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program administration was helpful. A little disorganized at times, but helpful nonetheless.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were very conveniently placed.

* Food:

The food situation was different. I went into the program thinking we got a food plan, but when I got there I found out it was all individual. Not bad, though.. good way to experience all the different foods there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Medium. One of my classes was full Greek students, and I was the only exchange student so I got some integration in there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to one of the pharmacies around town the first day I got there to take care of an infection, but I was given antibiotic stuff and all was fine. It was different than what I'm used to because at home we need appointments and its much more of a process. It was a lot easier to just go to the pharmacy and get what I needed right away. It worries me a little about what happens when someone has a major illness though.

* Safety:

Aghia Paraskevi was very safe. I felt comfortable walking around alone. We even went for night runs, and things were fine.

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)

Pretty easily. Although I must admit, I wasn't very focused on my budget while there :/

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping. There are plenty of local stores nearby, and its much cheaper than eating out for every meal, obviously. However there are a few restaurants(Palmi Bistro) that offer student discounts so take advantage of those too!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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
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?
  • Learning about a new culture
  • Meeting new friends
  • Greece and the scenery!!
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Ways for students to interact with locals.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How delicious tzatziki and gyros are!

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.