Greece is beautiful!! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 05/17/2016 to 06/23/2016 with

KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be confident with my ability to travel. I learned independence and how to communicate with strangers very different from myself.

Review Photos

KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program Photo KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program Photo KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program Photo KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program Photo KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program Photo

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 courses are very flexible, laid back but still require your attention. The most rigorous part is visiting many museums and archeological sites since it is most of the program. I would recommend this program if you love museums because you won't have too much free time for yourself.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There is a lot of constant travel. You will be staying in many different hotels and some will be better than others. Pack light so you don't have the burden of carrying so much from city to city or island to island. My luggage broke half way through!

* Food:

Food is great :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since you spend most of your time either traveling, in museums, or in class you will not get to spend too much time integrated into modern Greek culture. But since you are of course in Greece you will be immersed in the culture that is all around you in every place you visit. There is a nice traditional dancing session on one of the Islands that makes you feel integrated with 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

I enjoyed the program very much since they pack so much experience into just 5 weeks. It does feel a bit rushed though. I wish I had known more about mythology and Greek culture before I went.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No studies
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Have a book with

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Landscape is beautiful
  • Food is fantastic
  • Island lifestyle
* What could be improved?
  • More time to meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Most of the time will be spent traveling on ferry or bus to museum sites or cities.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.