Greece was the best damn experience of my life Past Review

By (Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., Trinity University) for

Arcadia: Athens - Arcadia in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most definitely. I traveled, went to tons of museums, met Greeks, ate a lot of great food, cooked a lot of great food. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if I could. I learned that I am capable of just about anything and adjusting to anything, as well.

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.

Workload, minimal. Grading system, generally lax if you did the work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Some professors were boring a little lax, but others were really great. Try to talk to former students for recommendations from the particular program. It's hit or miss with profs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Neighborhood was very safe, aesthetics were fine. A short walk to school and close to the city-center as well.

* Food:

Food was amazing. I cook it back home all the time.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food I kept very cheap, around 60 euros/week when my four roommates and I split groceries. Other expenses tended to add up, such as travel and other things.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Arcadia made it seem as if I could bring VERY little luggage/clothing/etc., so I was one of the few people who heeded their advice, much to my dismay. I had my own room, bigger than my own room in America and TONS of closet space for my five shirts, etc. I ended up having to spend a lot of money on expensive weird European clothes because I ended up not bringing enough from America.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

My Greek friends. Most Greeks knew some English, but they always spoke in Greek.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You need to be flexible (different showering/living accomodations/architecture than you're used to) and open to anything. Don't come to Greece expecting the white-washed houses on the islands. This is not realistic. I took vacations there, but that's what they were, vacations. Athens is like many other big cities, and you have to come not expecting some picturesque island vacation. Come open-minded and you'll be surprised how much you gain from the trip.