Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life change experience April 14, 2025

By (Physiotherapy, Saxion University of Applied Sciences) - abroad from 11/29/2023 to 12/17/2023 with

Cerca Abroad: Greece - Physical Therapy Internships in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Observing surgeries firsthand was truly a lifetime experience. The complexity and precision were unlike anything I had imagined.

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

* 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

Hello. My name is Mariia. I am from Ukraine. I am a physiotherapy student. I study physiotherapy in the Netherlands. I was required to take a few weeks of internship, so I’ve chosen to come to Athens, Greece. I am very happy with my staying. I found it very helpful. I’ve seen many interesting things, for example, I was allowed to observe surgeries in surgery rooms and that was a life changing experience. So, hopefully, you would enjoy it too. The Cerca agency is helpful. If I had any question or if I had a requirement regarding my internship they would help. I communicated with them easily. For example, I wanted to see more surgeries and that would be coordinated easily. Generally I enjoy my stay in Athens. I’ve been to some Greek islands and I am planning to visit some more after finishing this program. So, I think you would enjoy it here too.

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? $100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I have nothing to add right now.

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?
  • Observing surgeries was a truly once in a lifetime experience
  • The Cerca agency was very helpful
  • I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Athens
* What could be improved?
  • I believe everything was handled well and I have no suggestions for improvements at this time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I have nothing to add. I believe that covers everything from my perspective.

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.