Best decision I ever made! Past Review
By Megan K (PSYCHOLOGY., Iowa State University) - abroad from 02/10/2014 to 06/06/2014 with
American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
You learn so much about yourself and about how much more there is besides where you come from and the different types of people in the world. It was definitely worthwhile and something everyone should do!
Review Photos
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. |
Mostly basic classes that still allowed you to be able to travel and miss the amount decided buy ACT. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
A little far away from downtown but nice area. More like a dorm room with a kitchen rather than an apartment. Nice balconies |
| * Food: |
Food in Thessaloniki was delicious. Many different options. Food at the cafeteria was average and cheap! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They love Americans because it is not a touristy place so they are all interested in your life and very friendly. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Hospitals we went to for the visa were not the best kept probably because it was a walk in clinic. -Had to go to a chiropractor because I hurt my back and he was excellent and fairly cheap.. helped a lot! |
| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe in Thessaloniki. Felt comfortable walking down the streets alone at any time of day |
| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
They have markets every morning for fresh produce and everything is very cheap. The key is buying a little at a time so your food doesn't go bad and after the first month only eating out when you travel or on the weekends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 315$ including travel |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | -book travel early- flights and hostel rooms. the longer you wait the more expensive and less availability there will be. -split meals. they are usually pretty big portions and you always get bread with every meal so splitting with cut the cost down while still feeling full. |
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 |
I was not in the Greek class so I only used basic phrases I learned at the beginning of the semester. |
| 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? | Spanish 3 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | -practice with locals. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't not do something because of the cost.. eat everything, try everything and you will leave with no regrets! |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
