Greece: Unforgettable Past Review
By Jonny A (Computer Science, University of California - Riverside) for
University of California, Los Angeles: Ancient Greece
I learned to respect other cultures and their customs. My learnings also have come in handy when I came back to the USA. My academic interests have also changed. I would love to do another similar program but in a different country.
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. |
The workload was not a big amount during my time there. I had essays to do when I got back which I prefer. The grading system was the same as my courses at UCR. The teaching methods were alot better than I expected. We had lecture almost everyday and went to visit the sites that we learned about. There were no differences in educational systems between UCR and UCLA. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
UCLA had great accessibility and support services about the program. Making a phone call or email was easy. The professors had great knowledge of the country and spoke the language there. They have been there a few times and know everything we should and should not do. My expectations were far more than met |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed at hotels. We had free breakfast everyday but had to go out to buy lunch and dinner. Sometimes dinner was provided. Class lasted mostly from the mornings to afternoons. We had free time during the evening and night to do whatever we wanted. We usually had a break sometime during the afternoon also. |
| * Food: |
Get gyros. They are cheap and good. However, try alot of the other Greek food too. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We visited almost every part of Greece, even the islands. The cruise to the Greek islands and turkey were the most memorable. They were the most lively parts of the whole trip. We got to see all the ancient sites during the trip and visited alot of museums. It was basically a vacation with other college students while you learned in depth about what you were visiting. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The program did an excellent job on warning students what dangers to be aware of. Just stay in groups at all times during night and you should be fine. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any student trying to visit and explore ancient history is highly recommended to go. The trip was not boring at all and one of the best times I have ever had. |
