Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great time in Greece!! Past Review

By (University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 07/01/2017 to 08/06/2017 with

UC San Diego Global Seminars: Athens - Drugs, Behavior, and the History of Neuroscience in Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Everything was worth it! The money spent and being away from home were difficult for me but it was all worth it. I expanded my network of friends and experienced beautiful things with them. I traveled to one of the destinations on my bucket list and it was the most rewarding thing ever.

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.

Eventhough we were abroad we had the resources to complete our assignments. We had readings and lecture notes that helped us complete our assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was so helpful and friendly!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt safe and comfortable all the time. We had everything needed from kitchens to AC in our rooms.

* Food:

I loved trying new food and it was delicious! I had to adapt myself a little because they did not have much spicy stuff.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I needed to know the language a little more to be able and better communicate and connect with the people. But people were very understanding and nice.

* 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

Greece was beautiful all around. The history, people, scenic views are all beautiful to experience. Without a doubt the best decision of my life!

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)

I wanted to buy everything! It was hard to save up my money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 2500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't stop and buy at the first place you find because you can always find a better price somewhere else. Also maybe only eat out for dinner and cook the other days in your apartment.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Put yourself out there and try to speak the language. Ask the people when you don't know how to say something. Maybe also watch youtube videos so that you can practice on your own.

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
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?
  • My teacher
  • The destination
  • My classmates
* What could be improved?
  • More classes on the language
  • Networking workshop with people from Greece
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to take that many things in my suitcase because you bring a lot more back with you.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.