Odyssey in Athens - Best Experience of My Life! Past Review

By (Communication, University of Indianapolis) for

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worth EVERYTHING! :)

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.

We never had a large work load, but it was enough to learn something. The teachers were very understanding, especially when it came down to missing class for traveling purposes. The classes were a little bit easier than the home campus, but I think that was because the university understands that we are there for the experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Whenever I needed ANYTHING, I could always count on someone to help out. We had a little problem at our apartment in the middle of the night, and we made one phone call and someone was there! Everyone at the university is very close and always there if you need something. The program is small, so you will easily make a lot of friends right away. I never really had any expectations before I left for Greece, but this program was AMAZING. So I guess you could say it was way above my expectations.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was in a GREAT location. It was only a 1 minute walk to school. The apartment was very tiny. There was no common room, just 2 bedrooms with bunk beds. I felt very safe where I was living. I think it would have made the experience better if ALL of the odyssey students were in the same apartment. We were all split up into 3 different apartment buildings. We had to bring our own sheets an towels, but other than that, we didn't need to buy much. Oh, and we were in walkable distance (& a short metro ride) to the night life too!

* Food:

There was no cafeteria on campus, but EVERY place around had great food (especially gyros!)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The first weekend we were there, we took a group together to the beach! We also went on two excursions while in Greece. We got to see Ancient Olympia (where the first Olympics were), really cool monasteries in the mountains, oracle of Delphi, and so many more cool places! It was AWESOME that the price of these were already included into our tuition!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

VERY SAFE!

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)

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?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go. Be bold. You learn so much about yourself and you will not regret going. It really is a trip of a lifetime. I miss it so much. You will make so many friends, memories and you won't want to come home!