Time Spent in Greece Changed My Life! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, SUNY - College at Cortland) for

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I fell in love with traveling as soon as I stepped foot in this foreign country. I loved learning about differnt cultures and hearing/learning different languages. I know that whatever I do with the rest of my life, it will involve traveling and soaking in as much as I can about the people of the world.

Review Photos

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo

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.

Classes were interesting. I found that some students didn't put in effort and weren't penalized as they would have been in American Universities, which was frustrating. Classes were really cool though, I loved learning about The U.S. from a different perspective, as I was taught in English with Greek students and other international students. Grading was fair, courses were interesting and workload was alright- we were able to learn but weren't held back from traveling on weekends and at night by a ridiculous courseload.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The teachers were great and obviously cared about the students, you could tell they were all passionate about their subjects. The program directors were FANTASTIC and I plan on visiting again just to see Dina, the program director! She was so helpful and cared about everyone in the program like we were her children.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I'm a vegetarian and the apartments are located right in the middle of Athens, so everything is very easily accessible. The fresh fruit, veggie and meat markets were a short walk away and we became really close with food vendors in the area, everyone was really kind and loved helping us improve our Greek.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the excursions we went on as a group- we went to the most amazing ancient sites and were able to learn a ton about the history and culture of present day and ancient Greeks. I loved visiting the Oracle of Delphi, it was magical and the trips to Mycenea, Monemvassia and Ancient Olympia were great as well. These trips were part of the program, but on our own we were able to easily explore Athens (my apartment had an amazing view of the Acropolis!) and the staff was great about helping us travel throughout the country. Going to the Greek islands (any one of them!) is a MUST! We also had a lot of fun and learned about the traditions at Easter time, huge festivals and family oriented fun! Great time of year.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

At the moment, Greece is going through a lot of political change, so it's something to consider if you're thinking of going there. I was a minute walk away from the Syntagma Square and the parliament building, which is the center of the polical revolution. There were many strikes and events that took place, but I never felt unsafe in the area. It was amazing being a part of their history. I didn't have an issue with healthcare, but I know from others that it could be a bit difficult to work with sometimes. The staff was great about helping us get anything we needed, healthwise.

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

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I was able to practice Greek with other people in my program and most other peers and professors. I could speak English with most everyone in the city, but knowing a bit of Greek came in very handy many times and it was rewarding being able to communicate (even basic things) in the host language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions
  • The people I met (international university)
  • The language/culture
* What could be improved?
  • Classes could be more challenging
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely immerse yourself in the language and culture of this beautiful country. You definitely need to be able to deal well with language barriers. This trip was exciting and unique!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Philosophy of Science

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting course, professor very passionate about subject.
Credit Transfer Issues: