Study Abroad in Athens Past Review

By (Math, SUNY - College at Geneseo) for

SUNY Geneseo: Athens - Humanities Course

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I think it was worthwhile. I gained understanding about other countries in respect to how much America has and how much we take for granted while we are here.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a reasonable amount of work due to the vast material covered in a humanities course. Our classes were held Monday through Thursday, and I would usually have hours of reading each day. However, this was balanced by the free weekends where I was able to enjoy myself without doing any class work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were knowledgeable, but often gave an attitude when we had complaints.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We were only provided with one meal a day, which had enough options, but it was the same options every day, which became repetitive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The weekend trips to the different Greece islands, such as Santorini and Paros, was especially memorable and made the social experience that much more enjoyable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe throughout the entire program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? In the span of the month I was in Greece, I spent approximated $1000 or about 800 euros. This included the weekend trips that we were on our own for, in addition to food and souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say not to buy the first souvenir you see, because they have the same items everywhere and the prices can decrease depending on where you are.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans