The First Time Abroad Past Review
By A student (Drama, Theatre Arts, Berea College) - abroad from 05/20/2015 to 06/25/2015 with
KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program
I learned about myself in the sense of being more of a global citizen. Being outside of the US, I realized that it was not the greatest country in the world. It is just another country on this planet. It had its own social, political, and economic problems when I was away. Sure, Americans are better off than many people, but that does not make them better.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were interesting as well as challenging with regular discussions of the readings. The lectures at the archaeological sites were lengthy, especially since we had just gotten there at that point and really wanted to see the site. However, once the lectures were over, the sites were worth the wait. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was all hotel-living, but there were some really nice places. Hotel Attalos in Athens and Hotel Anatoli in Naxos were my favorite places. |
| * Food: |
Pass Grill across the street from Hotel Attalos is the best place for gyros. The James Joyce Restaurant is the best Irish pub to visit. They have great fish and chips. Anytime there is an opportunity to order pasta, do it! The pasta is filling and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Besides staying in hotels and being around touristy areas, the people are great. Most Greeks are friendly and speak very good English. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Athens did have political demonstrations, one of which involved bombing an empty city bus, but we were all fine. They do not want to hurt anybody. Also, keeping your wallet in a secure place will prevent pick-pockets getting you. No need to go overboard with money and ID protection, just be smart. |
| 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) |
Some places were a little more expensive because we were in port areas (especially on the islands), so the food tended to be more expensive, but rarely did we have 15+ Euro meals. Even with water, bread, and table charges, eating out was not a struggle. There are cheap places almost everywhere that serve gyros and other good pita wraps. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 - $250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not go out to bars every night or even most nights. It's okay to go out and have a drink with friends, but purchasing copious amounts of alcohol is not too smart. Save that money for food or other expenses like medicine or toiletries, if needed. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
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? | That being in another country is exciting and then once you're there for a little while, it no longer feels like you're in a foreign country. Also, avoid 6-8 hour layovers and take direct flights if you want to travel to other countries while abroad. |
