Studying in Athens Past Review
By Patrick M (History, Western Oregon University) for
GEO: Athens - Study Abroad Programs Athens
Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As a historian, I can think of nothing more spectacular than seeing for myself the ruins I have been studying in photos for years. But beyond academics, the program increases awareness of the world as a hole. Seeing what's out there makes it real.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workloads and class structures were very similar to a US university. The Athens Center employs some of the finest proffessors I have ever had. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration and support staff were readily available and willing to help students. Despite several programs being run at once, staff members made an effort to know each student on a personal basis. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Altrhough the area and accomodations were completely acceptable, I was housed in a separate building from the remainder of my group. Although likely an administration fluke, this effectively isolated me. |
| * Food: |
A great veriety of places to eat are located near housing and the Athens Center. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program is centered in a domestic portion of Athens. This gets students away from the turist attractions and gives students a better feel for what life is like in the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Drivers can unnerve pedestrians initially, but safety was never an issue in the program. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people did speak English. This was very helpful early in the program, but made it too easy to get by without learning Greek. Nonetheless, classes were geared to aid in a basic understanding of the language. Additional work with a Greek language poartner, a student from the local university, aided in my learning. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Athens, Greece is one of the few AHA programs with any real emphaisi on history. The city provides a mosaic of the ancient and modern in one spot. |
