Greece was Great! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., SUNY - College at Geneseo) for

SUNY Geneseo: Athens - Humanities Course

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. It's very intriguing to see how another culture functions and to try to fit in, and I learned so much from the course itself and just living in Greece. The country is beautiful, and the desserts are especially delicious!

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.

While the workload could be hefty at times, the lessons were very interesting and the professor was especially dedicated to tying together what we learned from our readings and our explorations in Greece itself.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program adminsitrator was Dr. Lima, who was both very amicable with the students as well as very serious about tending to all of the students' needs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was on the whole comfortable and in a convenient location.

* Food:

The food was satisfactory however it would have been nice if the program could cover two meals a day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The planned weekend trips and of course the free weekends were amazing, I especially enjoyed visiting the islands both with the teachers and for more extended stays with just the students. It was also fun to visit so many different museums.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There really weren't any student health issues that I can recall, and I never felt ill at ease in Athens. All I had to do was bring my health insurance card that is paid for within the program free and then I was set for any emergencies.

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? I spent an average of 250 a week. Food wasn't very expensive, I really only spent a lot of money planning our weekend trips and going shopping.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to spend barely any money on food so that you can save extra for frolicking on the weekends. Buy snacks!

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?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You should definitely go!