So much to do, so little time Past Review
By Katherine B (Anthropology., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 06/06/2012 to 06/28/2012 with
St. Mary's College of Maryland: Athens - Greece Study Tour: Athletes, Actors and Sages
I learned how to handle myself while traveling without parents, and I learned that I would love to go into archaeology. It was worthwhile, simply because I enjoyed every minute of it. I made some solid friendships and have memories that will stay with me forever.
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. |
There was a lot of work to do, and there was ample time to do it, even while running around to all of the different sites. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was wonderful, and most of the administration was behind the scenes. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was wonderful. Although we were in hotels, we were still able to feel like we were a part of the places where we were staying. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing. I could go on forever about how enjoyable it was. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Overall, I felt really good about this. We were reasonably well integrated, considering that we were in hotels. It may have been a little different if it were a home-stay. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Over all, I feel that this was good. There were no injuries or illnesses that required special treatment though, so there is not much for me to say on the matter. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe really wherever I went in Greece. I treated a lot of my walking around as if I was in New York and kept a close eye on my belongings. If you look like you know where you're going, then you're generally okay. |
| 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) |
I'd say that if you were careful with spending, watching out for meals and how much you spend on souvenirs, then you'd be okay. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | As soon as you know that you want to go, start saving. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
As much as we could, we tried to use it. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A little experience with Greek before going, mostly language basics. |
| 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? | The best way to pick it up is to force yourself to use it- practice it with friends or out and about on the tour. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How much I would enjoy it. |
