My Odyssey in Athens Past Review

By (Nursing, Winona State University) for

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so much from my experiences. It really helped me to be able to empathize with people of all cultures, languages, etc. Everyone has different morals, cultures, languages, and beliefs, and it is important that we do not simply reject someone just because we don't agree with something they say or belief. Life is about living in harmony with those around us.

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 perfect. I studied abroad with traveling as my main priority. The teachers were very understanding and flexible, which allowed me to travel almost every weekend. I also learned a lot of practical thing about the culture and language, which made every day life and assimilation so much easier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dine was so incredibly helpful every step of the way. She took time to answer all my questions when I was considering the program and always made herself available to us throughout our entire stay. She was like of substitute mother.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Best food of my life. It's hard to dine at a bad restaurant in Athens

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on excursions to Epidavros, Mycenea, and Ancient Olympia and to Meteora and Delphi. All we amazing places.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had no problems whatsoever. I felt safer in Athens then I do in my home town in Illinois. Athens is a very safe place, despite how it is portrayed on the news. Riots were very rare and contained to a a very small area of the city.

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? less than $100 if you're not traveling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling is more expensive than you think!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Most Greeks in Athens speak English, but they loved to speak Greek back to you if you initiate it. It was a great way to practice.

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 did you like most about the program?
  • the flexibility of teachers and classes
  • Greeks are the best people I have ever met!
  • small school makes for a more personal experience
* What could be improved?
  • the length of orientation