Trip of a Lifetime at ACT Past Review

By (Lakehead University) - abroad from 06/12/2018 to 07/13/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about being organized and planning travels on my own, as well as the importance of learning the language and culture while I was there. I am so happy that I went, it was worth every penny!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the staff was amazing and super helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied. It would be nice if campus was closer to our housing but our housing was very close to the city centre which was perfect.

* Food:

I really enjoyed the food. I am a vegetarian and I had no problems at all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The locals were all super hospitable and friendly. Got to meet so many cool people!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Vaccines were just routine. Additionally, I didn't have any health concerns while I was there but the staff was vocal that we should approach them whenever with any medical concerns.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Thessaloniki. Just watch your surroundings/belongings and try to have an idea of where you are going because it's easy to get lost

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

Not only did I love the country, food, staff, and my class, but I met so many friends who were also studying abroad that I didn't expect to become so close with. I definitely made lifelong friends and I am so happy I met them!

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 totally depends on what kind of time you were planning on having. Food and supplies were relatively cheap there compared to america and canada. I happened to eat at restaurants alot because there is not a full kitchen in the apartments but if someone was on a tight budget they could make it work. I also participated in every excursion except one so i paid quite a bit for that. Just depends on how much you want to do and how you plan on travelling! You could also save money by using the bus system instead of taxis.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take the bus instead of taxis! Plan weekend trips early so that you can get good deals on flights/ferries. Try to cook in your apartment more or eat street food and at small restaurants because fancy ones (especially ones downtown and with a view) are way more expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Peers
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Planning
  • Shuttle schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had learned more Greek before I went. It would have been nice to speak some of the language.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.