A Fun-Filled Semester of New Experiences, People, and Places! Past Review

By (Anthropology., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 01/29/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

Arcadia: Athens - Arcadia in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course it was worthwhile. I grew so much and learned a lot about myself. I learned innumerable lessons--too many to write.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I probably had to spend around $100 a week. But for me, that is way more than I'm used to, so it was hard to budget efficiently.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100ish
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend money on frivolous souvenirs. By the end of your semester abroad, you probably won't even remember buying them because they were so insignificant.

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • 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?
  • people I met
  • location
  • relaxed atmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spend less money! Prepare and organize better.