It was an adventure. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/12/2016 to 12/08/2017 with

Arcadia: Athens - Arcadia in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can be independent and it is okay to go out and do something that makes you nervous. Everything I did was worthwhile.

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.

* 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

Although there were some bumps in the program, I would choose it again in a heartbeat because the people I met their will be in my life forever and the experiences I had taught so much about myself.

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)

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish level 3
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use the language even if you do not know how to complete the sentence; the locals will help you and will be happy that you at least tried to use their 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved the people I met.
  • The food was amazing.
  • I really enjoyed my classes.
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication before arriving.
  • Being allowed to qualify for a visa.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to cook before going on this trip.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Athens On Site

Course Department: Archaeology
Instructor: Professor Stavros Oikonomidis
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was amazing because it was mostly taught outside in different areas around Athens. It gave me a better understanding of what I was learning and the history surrounding these different areas. Professor Stavros was extremely knowledgable and he answered every question anyone had. I felt that I participated more in his class than at my home institution because of how comfortable I felt with him as my teacher and my other classmates. We were assessed usually by writing a short analysis on a topic we were talking about once a week.
Credit Transfer Issues: