Athens Abroad Past Review
By Simonetta G (Psychology/ Anthroplogy, Wellesley College) for
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
Absolutely. It completely changed my academic plans: I was wavering between the future path of my double major, but after my courses and living in the actual world that I was learning about, I was able to make a decision for Anthropology and the fact that I want to live abroad as an adult.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Slightly too much work and readings assigned however the grading systems and educational system were perfectly suited to my learning style. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was pretty great. No complaints. People were always available to help with living and academic situations. Excellent program size. My expectations were far surpassed by this program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Incredible accommodation of dietary restrictions and great quantity and quality of food. I was highly satisfied every day. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The week-long field trips were both absolutely incredible and memorable - they were considered academic however in a much less conventional form so as it felt more like a trip versus a school oriented event. Additionally everyone should go to the islands (all trips were arranged by the students themselves but people at the program were helpful in providing information to help plan). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No unanticipated expenses. However weekend travel to different countries and islands is a huge part of the program and it is what all students do during the weekends. Much money is needed for these trips, however it is completely worth it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Locals, fellow students with both previous experience and those new to the language. A majority spoke English however use of Greek in daily conversation and interaction with locals was highly appreciated and enjoyed. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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