Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When can I go back! Past Review

By (University of North Dakota) - abroad from 02/02/2014 to 06/07/2014 with

American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met so many wonderful people, and had the best time of my life. I wish I could go back and do it all over again. Greece is an amazing country.

Review Photos

American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College of Thessaloniki (ACT): Thessaloniki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

It was different then my home institution but teachers ere very friendly.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very friendly and tried to always make school fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in a small apartment. There were really small but the experience was so fun. Having all of the other study abroad students in the same building made it great!

* Food:

There is a little cafe in school which was nice if we forgot to bring a lunch, but most of he time I would go to fresh markets and buy food! It was great how cheap fresh produce was compared to home. Gyros are amazing. There are bakery's on every corner with delicious pastries and doughnuts .

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely felt different. Most people could tell I was American. I never had any problems getting directions because I didn't know any Greeks most people were friendly! Getting use to their culture wasn't to bad. They have siesta hours where most stores close down between 3-6pm. They also drink coffee ALL the time. Ha

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There health care is not like ours in America. The nurses office was just a small class room at school. I always had friendly staff if I needed anything. Getting the TB test and X-rays in Greece for my visa was also a process but everyone in the study abroad group had to do it so we were all in it together. Overall they got the job done and safely

* Safety:

I always felt safe. I never had any problems of feeling uncomfortable in Thessaloniki. I love that city and everything it has to offer! Such a safe place.

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)

It was very easy to live in Greece. It is way cheaper then most countries I visited.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend money on experiences not materialistic things. I was able to travel a lot because of my budgeting. Go to turkey. I loved it! Just a bus ride away from Thess. Going out every night with drinks gets expensive so pick and choose days.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friendly staff
* What could be improved?
  • Course structures
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How hard the visa process was.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.