Heritage Greece Past Review

By (Human Resources Management and Services., Indiana University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 06/08/2011 to 06/24/2011 with

American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being a part of the Heritage Greece program was undoubtedly an experience I'll tell my kids about. I deeply appreciate, to this day, the opportunity to have traveled and explore the culture I hold so dear, with other Greek-American students.

Review Photos

American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program Photo American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program Photo American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program Photo American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program Photo American College of Greece: Heritage Greece Summer Program Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Language and Cultural Greek Class
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Learned a wealth of knowledge, grasping the fundamentals of the Greek language. The professors were extremely effecting and patient in regards to teaching a new language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was beyond professional and personal. Catering to our every need was their mission for the 2 and a half weeks. Any concern was addressed in a timely fashion and taken care of with sincerity.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Being housed in the student lodge was more than accomidating as a foreign student. Towels and linens were also provided and washed, along with a fully stocked fridge.

* Food:

I could personally tell that meals were thought of ahead of time. The staff tried to incorporate customary meals to the students, exemplifying customs and tastes many were unfamiliar too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local Athenians were welcoming and inviting to Greek-American tourists. I learned first hand about the rich culture being immersed for the two week program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had left a prescription at a hotel on an excursion off campus. The pharmacists along with staff were certainly accommodating in assisting and prescribing me with the Greek equivalent of my medication.

* Safety:

Despite the current economic hardships Greece is facing, I truly felt protected during my stay. The protests were nonviolent and the staff did an excellent job of keeping us informed of outside afflictions.

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? Yes

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

The professors worked with the coordinators and would teach us relevant topics for the day... for example when we went to Plaka, a well known tourist shopping area, the professors taught us how to bargin in the native Greek language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner

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
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Being able to experience my cultural roots with other Greek-American students.
  • I appreciated that all costs were covered. It was most certainly not a financial burden.
* What could be improved?
  • NONE!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? At the time, I wish I knew what to pack more of.