Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Medical Shadowing and City Life October 30, 2026

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 05/12/2024 to 05/25/2024 with

Cerca Abroad: Medical in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, as I gained a broader perspective on healthcare and grew more confident in adapting to new environments.

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.

The program offered a valuable educational experience , allowing me to observe medical professionals in a clinical setting and gain a better understanding of the healthcare system in Greece.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The local coordinators made a real effort to ensure that students felt comfortable and settled in, creating a friendly and welcoming environment from the very beginning.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with the accommodation. It was comfortable, conveniently located and provided everything I needed during my stay.

* Food:

Eating out in Athens was a highlight of my stay, with lots of affordable options and charming local restaurants to discover.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt connected to the local culture through everyday interactions, exploring different neighborhoods and experiencing the warm hospitality of the Greek people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't experience any health issues during my stay, but healthcare services were readily accessible if needed. No additional vaccinations were required for my program.

* Safety:

Athens felt generally safe and I had no safety-related incidents. I would recommend taking the usual precautions. especially in crowded areas and when using public transportation.

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

Hi, I’m Morgan, I am from California, I go to San Diego State University. I came to Greece to learn more about the medical profession and to get some shadowing experience. The hospital has been really great, all the doctors are super eager to help you learn and I got to see a lot of cool procedures and surgeries and explore the city of Athens as well. There’s a lot to do here. The friends I’ve made through the other Cerca Abroad programs have been amazing. Pretty well coordinated, I would say.

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)

Very easily!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a weekly budget, avoid unnecessary expenses, and look for free cultural events and activities around Athens.

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?
  • Exposure to different medical specialties
  • Supportive and welcoming doctors
  • Greta friendships and exploring Athens
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing to say
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I never expected that stepping outside my comfort zone could feel so natural and rewarding.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!