Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I gained so much weight in Greece Past Review

By (Brown University) - abroad from 09/17/2017 to 12/17/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, my goals, and the people I want to surround myself with (study abroad was a very reflective experience for me). I had some challenges but felt like I was pushed out of my comfort zone and the little happy liberal bubble that I live in was popped. Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not that challenging. Smaller school than I expected. In the fall there are 300 northeastern freshman on campus (but not in the spring).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I thought the housing was decent. It was not fancy or anything (and you have to turn your boiler on to heat up water before showering), but my room was clean and a nice size. I also had a balcony :)

* Food:

Greek food is godly

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am half-Greek and I think that helped me integrate

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Definitely very safe. However, Thessaloniki is still a city so it is not without issues.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved living in Greece. I am half-greek and learned so much about my culture. I learned how to sail, climbed Mount Olympus, and gorged myself in godly greek food. School was not that challenging and thus I had time to explore Greece and Europe. I definitely recommend studying in Greece.

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)

You can definitely live very cheaply in Thessaloniki. Some weeks I would only spend $50. However, if you want to travel or go out to lots of bars (which I would recommend), you will end up spending much more. Will note, though, that going out to dinner in Greece is pretty cheap!!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? This is a once and a lifetime opportunity. Save up money so that you can really immerse and experience Greece and the countries around it. Thessaloniki is pretty inexpensive but it is still nice to not have to worry about money.

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 school is all in English and most people in Greece speak English.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Eating so much Greek food
  • Living in Thessaloniki, the boardwalk
  • Traveling across Greece and Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Access to a gym
  • Living closer to city center (lived 20 mins on a bus)
  • More options for transportation to and from school (or a bus pass)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is important to know and understand that Greece is in an economic crisis. It is not clean and shiny and you are not living an island life. However, if you have a positive outlook you will have an amazing experience and learn so much about the world (I liked that Greece was not a very wealthy country). Also, even though Thessaloniki is not very wealthy, it is still incredibly beautiful and filled with antiquity (cheap food!).

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.