A Trip Worth Waiting For! September 03, 2022

By Hannah R (Communications and Asian Studies, Berea College) - abroad from 05/17/2022 to 06/22/2022 with

KIIS: Greece - Experience Greece, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot, I gained a lot more confidence in handling daily needs by myself (ex. buying a phone card, ordering food, etc). I also gained a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Greek culture, and the different varieties of it in different areas of Greece. It was definitely worthwhile and I would love to go again!

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 classes were enlightening, and closely intertwined with our excursions and experiences, but they were not overly difficult, leaving us plenty of time to explore Greece ourselves. I think it was a fantastic balance and really enjoyed it!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Our professors handled the administration for the most part, and everything went smoothly!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	All the hotels we stayed at were nice
* Food:	We had to handle our own food, but the food was delicious!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	We didn't do a whole lot to integrate with the local cultures, besides shop and eat. Although at one place (Sifnos) we did have a local give us a tour of the island, which was really cool and meaningful!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I didn't have any health issues
* Safety:	I felt safe just about everywhere I went. I was a little anxious while walking the streets of Athens at night, especially once when there was a political protest going on, but no one paid us any mind and we got back just fine. As long as you use common sense and the buddy system, you'll be fine.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I had a fantastic time, and wouldn't have changed anything about the program.

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)	1 We had to buy our own food, and souvenirs, so I spent about $200 a week
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	We had to buy our own food, and souvenirs, so I spent about $200 a week. Not everyone spent that much, though. I was probably in the middle, with some people spending more and some spending less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Look at how much a greek salad costs to tell how expensive a restaurant is. If a Greek salad is 7.5 euros, it is okay. Also, try not to eat on the edge of the water (is possible), those restraunts are always more expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

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?	The teachers were fantastic I loved seeing so much of Greece (we went to a lot of places) I liked haveing so much indipendence while there
* What could be improved?	I can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had put in more effort to get to know the other students going, and not hung out with just my friend group as much

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Topics: Travel Writing on the Road to Athens
Course Department:	English
Instructor:	Dr. Rice
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was challenging, but not overly so. I wasn't stressed or a burden, in fact, it helped me to appreciate what I was seeing and doing a lot more. The class was very closely tied to the locations and activities of the trip, and the teacher was always prepared and knowledgeable. We were assessed with writing assignments and a final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Topics: Day to Day in Ancient Greece
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Dr. Shea
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was challenging enough that I learned things, but not so challenging as to be a stressful burden. Everything we learned was very closely connection to location and the trips we went on. The teacher was knowledgeable and prepared, and entertaining to listen to, homework was a small in-class essay, a midterm of essay questions, and a final presentation. It was a great class!
Credit Transfer Issues:	Nope