Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hands-On Research Experience in Greece October 01, 2026

By (Engineering Science, Harvard University) - abroad from 06/02/2024 to 07/27/2024 with

Cerca Abroad: Biomedical Engineering in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained hands-on experience with real PCR & DNA extraction work. it was fantastic!

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.

A genuinely hands-on and eye-opening introduction to real molecular biology work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Smooth, supportive and well-organized throughout the program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Comfortable, convenient and well-situated for a smooth daily routine

* Food:

Fresh, flavorful and enjoyable dive into the Mediterranean diet

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Warm, easy and genuinely welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Accessible, reliable and reassuring

* Safety:

Consistently calm and reassuring

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

Hi, my name is Katie. I am from Columbus, Ohio, USA and I will be a junior this year at Harvard. I chose to do this internship because I wanted to explore the research industry and I am a bioengineer, so I thought that this was the best opportunity to do that. Some interesting things that I saw during my internship were that I was able to work with PCR tests, DNA extraction, which was super cool. I am very happy with the internship’s coordination by Cerca, the team was very attentive to any needs. I enjoyed my stay in Greece, the people are very welcoming and I love the Mediterranean diet, so the food was also great.

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? 90$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use public transport and choose low cost activities.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Hands-on molecular biology with real PCR and DNA extraction
  • Attentive coordination and support from Cerca team
  • Welcoming environment in Greece with great food and culture
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing comes to mind
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. The program was amazing!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.